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Matt Lehrman on Customer Engagement & Audience Development

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Engagement is Everything

June 15, 2018 by Matt Lehrman

“Perfect moments.” That’s the beautiful insight that David Ira Goldstein, the beloved Artistic Director Emeritus of Arizona Theatre Company shared with me during my tenure as his administrative partner as ATC’s Interim Managing Director. When the story is compelling… when the direction is inspired… when the actors’ delivery is flawless… when the set design is beautiful… when the sound is resonant… when the house is full... when the audience is … [Read more...]

What have you LEARNED from 2017?

December 18, 2017 by Matt Lehrman

No doubt you have worked hard. You have challenged your creativity, stretched every penny, and exhausted every option. Good job! So, in these last two weeks of this year, how about taking a moment to ask yourself: "What have I, and what has our organization, learned from this year? What will we do differently in 2018, as a result."
 To start the new year on the right foot, here's a little holiday gift you can give yourself right now: … [Read more...]

NEA Funding: Beyond Votes, We Must Grow the Applause

March 16, 2017 by Matt Lehrman

The President's budget proposal to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts is merely an "opening argument."  A very long legislative process now begins which will, hopefully, culminate in a budget that reflects moderation and compromise. Our advocates at Americans for the Arts have long prepared for this day - and it's reassuring to know that the arts have friends on both sides of the political aisle.  Of course, nothing is assured until … [Read more...]

Your Mood is Understandable but Unacceptable

February 17, 2017 by Matt Lehrman

I haven't worn a Mood Ring since the late 1970's but it's time for that fad to return. I know, I know...  they never really worked all that well.  Regardless of how I was feeling inside (and as a teenager, well, you know...) the color remained a murky green. Still, I recall how friends would playfully grab each other's hands and exclaim, "Let's see how you're feeling!" So go ahead and slip an imaginary mood ring on your finger right now. … [Read more...]

Can you be Optimistic for just 90 Minutes?

January 26, 2017 by Matt Lehrman

How will the world be different in 5 years? That's the question I'll ask leaders of arts & cultural organizations in a series of FutureCast exercises I'll be facilitating around the country starting next month.*    When the program was conceived last Spring, its intention felt timely, refreshing, and productive - to study the trajectories of demographics, technology, and the economy (and more!) and imagine the exciting opportunities ahead … [Read more...]

How Relevant is My Arts Organization? Take this Self-Test!

March 27, 2016 by Matt Lehrman

Arts administrators worry. We worry about cash flow.  We worry about achieving and sustaining consensus.  We worry about attracting and retaining quality staff team.  We worry about logistics.  We worry about outstanding grant applications and whether last year's donors will continue their support this year.  We worry about deadlines and opening nights.  We worry about why ticket sales are underperforming budget expectations.  We worry about … [Read more...]

Take This Job and Love It!

September 14, 2014 by Matt Lehrman

I've just been hired as the Interim Managing Director of Arizona Theatre Company. The announcement was made the Tuesday morning following the Labor Day holiday.  As expected, this was news in both Tucson and Phoenix, as ATC is the only LORT (League of Resident Theatres) company that operates in two cities. Two weeks into the job, I find myself haunted by a question posed by a well-meaning reporter who called upon hearing the news of my … [Read more...]

A Beautiful Ritual

July 6, 2014 by Matt Lehrman

A simple observation from the proceedings of the FIFA World Cup:  Upon entering the stadium, each team is accompanied by a phalanx of children - each holding hands with a player. It's a beautiful ritual. To the child, it's a beautiful opportunity to stand upon one of the greatest of world stages and feel the energy as some of the world's most elite athletes prepare to perform at the highest of levels.  I don't know how they're selected, or … [Read more...]

Not Just Bad for Business

February 25, 2014 by Matt Lehrman

Though I love my home state, these are not proud days to be an Arizona resident. I'm talking, of course, about Senate Bill 1062, the so-called "right-to-refuse-service" legislation that has recently passed our State Senate and House of Representatives - and is currently awaiting the sign/veto decision of Governor Jan Brewer. Over the past few days, there's been an impressive roll call of leaders of business, tourism, economic development, … [Read more...]

The Great Hibernation is Over

February 16, 2014 by Matt Lehrman

Economists appear to have concluded that the "Great Recession" that began in December, 2007 officially ended in June, 2009. So, what shall we in the arts & cultural sector call the pro-longed period of hunkered-down existence that we've endured ever since? For more than six years, we've persevered in the face of withered philanthropy, slashed public funding, preempted corporate sponsorship and the contraction of consumer spending. We - our … [Read more...]

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Matt Lehrman

A passion for loyalty and customer engagement runs through Matt Lehrman’s 30-year career in corporate sales and marketing, non-profit management, and as a champion for audience development in the arts and cultural sector. [Read More …]

About Audience Wanted

Audiences, they're not just for arts & cultural organizations anymore. My favorite part of any show or concert takes place precisely when the houselights dim and the curtain rises.  It's at that remarkable moment that an assembly of individuals … [Read More...]

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