The natural structure of our runs (opening weekend, middle weekend, closing weekend) often ends up translating into stronger business the first and last weekends. When we do light business in the middle week, we can’t ever make it up, so your attendance or referrals truly makes a huge difference.
We wanted to note a few things we’ve heard from some of our patrons as nagging factors of why they haven’t committed to a ticket:
“Good gosh is traffic and parking a MESS!”
Ok, we’re not going to sugar-coat it – traffic stinks right now, but apart from choosing to hunker down in your home, you’ll likely encounter it no matter where you live or choose to go. Our recommendation: leave as early as you possibly can and plan on grabbing a meal or a drink either at TBPAC or on of the businesses nearby (HoJo, Fly, The Hub, The Spain – just to name a few). This is particularly an issue on Friday and Saturday nights.
There are plenty of places to park around TBPAC, even if they aren’t free. Many choose to park for free at an off-hour meter and walk to TBPAC to save a few bucks. You can also park at the HoJo, the St. Pete Times building, the lot between them, the Poe Garage or if you just want to treat yourself – use TBPAC’s valet.
“I just paid $100 for a ticket to JERSEY BOYS!”
We feel you there, too. As Artistic Associate Kari Goetz says, now get another punch in your Culture Card and come support something local. All of your money stays here in the community, making it a better place for all of us. Besides, we still have one of the most reasonably priced professional theater tickets in town – not to mention our $10 rush seats for students, seniors and members of our armed forces.
While I am talking about supporting something local, I want to point out a great article in this week’s Creative Loafing that deals with problems Tampa Bay faces and how we can begin to fix them right now. There are several points in the story as to how supporting the arts makes your city a better place to work, live and play. Check it out!
Last but not least, we announced out 0809 season this past weekend, and it’s a doozy. I’ve been at this since the beginning with Jobsite, and I firmly believe it’s the best collection of plays under one season we’ve ever put together. We hope you subscribe and share with us our 10th anniversary!
