The Playgoer quotes and interprets Kate Taylor's NY Sun article "The BAM Example" for us and adds insight to the inside's of BAM's success at attracting young audiences.
Like him, I had never considered what a boon a movie theatre might be in attracting young audiences to live performances.
I had never thought of the significance of the movie theatre, assuming there was no crossover business in getting those audience to the theatrical offerings. But maybe I was wrong ... Get people--younger people--at least walking in and out of that space on a daily basis. It's something the Public lobby always has tried to do, but never succeeded. I actually feel it more at the London National Theatre, despite the many tourists and pensioners.
Of course, the "B in BAM", as he puts it, is highly significant as well.
If you want to attract a certain audience, go to where that audience is--if you're not there already, like BAM.My favorite part of the post is his reaction when Andre Bishop says this:
"I refuse to believe — call me hopeless and naive — that all the youthful action is now taking place outside of Manhattan. I feel we can infuse new energy right here in Manhattan, even in marble-walled Lincoln Center.""But," writes The Playgoer, "them marble walls may just be the problem, Andre. Some metaphors do write themselves."
Anyway, it's a good read and so is the Sun article. Check em out right now.
