You have to hand it to Opera, for a “dying, old-fashioned” art form it sure is innovative in marketing and production. Opera was first in presenting live simulcasts and seems to have mastered the process for both audience experience and financial gain. And now, Seattle Opera a web reality series!
That’s right, a reality show called “Confessions of a First-Time Operagoer” will follow the production of The Ring and a 19 year-old college student’s (Cassidy Brettler’s) first opera experience complete with behind the scenes documentation.
From The Seattle Times:
One cycle of “The Ring” consists of four epic operas, intended to be watched on four separate evenings but together creating a 15-hour production. Presentations of the complete cycle are very rare; Seattle Opera undertakes the task only every four years. This year, three cycles will be presented at McCaw Hall starting Aug. 9, with Stephen Wadsworth directing and Robert Spano conducting.
As “Confessions” host, Brettler will talk to the production’s cast and crew, take behind-the scenes tours, go to rehearsals, meet fans and attend a complete “Ring” cycle. She’ll document her activities and insights on the Seattle Opera blog and Facebook page.
Aubrey Bergauer, audience development manager at the Seattle Opera, says the “Confessions of a First-Time Operagoer” project is an attempt to get younger audiences to appreciate opera.
BRILLIANT. Finally a reality show I might watch.
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What an absolutely brilliant development strategy! As a employee in a small arts nonprofit I’m always looking for ways to use social media and Web 2.0 to reach out to new audiences. Bravo Seattle Opera!
Hey Jodi,
Love the blog–keep up the great posts!
Just wanted to mention that I’ve been doing a similar thing for the Denver Center Theatre Company for a year now. “10 Minutes to Curtain” is a monthly online video series that gives viewers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the Theatre Company. I shoot, edit, and host the videos myself, and it’s a lot of fun and has a pretty big following here in Denver.
You can find the first season here: http://www.youtube.com/user/denvercenter#play/user/91A6B658DEED8339
One of my favorite episodes is #7, where our Artistic Director sings the season announcement to the tune of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Modern Major General”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9HlQP3bMyw
Anyway, thought you might be interested in the video stuff we’re doing as well.
Thanks!
Charlie Miller
Resident Multimedia Specialist
Denver Center Theatre Company
WOW! I now have to go watch all of these! Can’t wait. Really great stuff Charlie. I love that Denver Center Theatre Company has a Resident Multimedia Specialist on staff! Tell Charles Varin I said hello!