Theatre "Influencers"

I haven't witnessed any of that begging, but anyone with actual clout doesn't beg. "Influencer" is such a nebulous term with such a low barrier to entry that anybody can claim it and many just want the free stuff.

Updated On: 5/1/24 at 11:45 AM

All “real” social media influencers would be working directly with shows and their marketing teams. I wouldn’t qualify who you are referring to as influencers. Even if they have large social media followings.

this thread needs to be deleted

I know a few (stressing “few”) legitimate theatre social media creators, but I truly don’t feel like they do anything more than preaching to the choir - they tend to focus on the shows they hype more than the pick-me crowd. The rest are all just a collective of bite-sized TikTok reviewers focused on getting clicks and attention.

Being someone who has been deeply involved as a theatre patron and having friends who are performers, I’ve had people suggest I do a blog or a podcast or channel - and it’s because of toxic influencer culture that I don’t. I’m just happy and humbled to be in the room - I don’t need to monetize, exploit, or make a job out of something I love.

Nothing on this thread warrants deleting

I think, like a lot of things, influencers operate on a spectrum. Are they the theater lover who happens to be able to put together some engaging and informative internet content? Amazing, but unfortunately, those seem to be few and far between. The moment you start receiving complimentary tickets to events without working for a recognized publication, where is the line between being critical and being a shill? Do influencers truly help spread the word? There is a major gay influencer in Lempika right now; is his following translating to ticket sales? It does not seem like it. This is not a criticism of the content he makes, but I believe there still isn't a magic formula where followers directly equate to ticket sales. The recent survey showing that people are interested in Broadway but find it too expensive, while they're willing to spend hundreds of dollars to be in the back row of an arena concert, should be eye-opening. However, I don't see much connection right now between the influencer economy and Broadway. Then there is the gossip side of influencing as well. People will literally just make things up for likes, follows, and clicks.



quizking brings up a great point to not everything we love needs the goal of minimization.

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "this thread needs to be deleted"

Why? Did I break a BWW message board rule?

dramamama611 said: "You did nothing wrong."

Thank you dramamama! I despise that culture too. I doubt you're old (unless you're 85+....)

ACL2006 said: "dramamama611 said: "I despise the whole influencer culture. But I'm old, what do I know?"

Yeah, I feel the same. All for clicks and likes and follows so someone can attempt to be slightly famous for 5 seconds."

Not sure if they want to be famous but the clicks/subscribe/follow definitely helps with their paycheck.

I do think most preach to the choir since the majority of people following them are theater fans already.

"The recent survey showing that people are interested in Broadway but find it too expensive, while they're willing to spend hundreds of dollars to be in the back row of an arena concert, should be eye-opening."

Excellent point. Let me add that those same people shell out well over $100 to sit in sports stadium literally hundreds of yards from the stage and way higher up than any Broadway theater.

Zeppie2022 said: ""The recent survey showing that people are interested in Broadway but find it too expensive, while they're willing to spend hundreds of dollars to be in the back row of an arena concert, should be eye-opening."

I find it hard to believe that a fair amount of Gen Zers are interested in Broadway.

This is how I feel about that one influencer that works for Gatsby. I tried watching one of her YouTube videos once and had to shut it off because she didn’t know what she was talking about… just… nothing.

I feel like social media has led us to “monetize” everything, and people who are not “industry” see “influencing” as a way in to the industry… they are fans first and foremost.

“Content creator” is more akin to what I’d call others that work directly with shows. Broadway marketing really feels lost these days.