Raising the Curtain

CHAPTER 6Extending the Stage: Digital Content, Education, + Touring

For decades, performing arts organizations have extended their stages through touring, radio, television, and movies. As they seek additional ways to connect with communities and audiences, technology offers new opportunities. While social media, streaming, and podcasting existed before 2020, the pandemic years accelerated digital transformation and changed the way people consume art.

For this chapter, we've interviewed organizations that consistently produce exciting programs and that excel at using innovative technologies to expand their reach. Although some of their efforts began before the 2020 shutdown, everyone interviewed has built on lessons learned during the pandemic. The specific examples here reveal how to strategically build a technology system to maximize your organization's impact. It's also important to note that touring has become more efficient through the use of technology.

Streaming + Simulcasts

Nearly everyone in the performing arts found ways to stream digital content during the pandemic to remain relevant to patrons and donors. Often, that content was a bit rough around the edges, but it was a time to try new things.

When they were able to return to in‐person performances, many organizations stepped away from streaming for reasons that included budget constraints, artistic decisions, or union restrictions. The following organizations have successfully built streaming into their post‐pandemic ...