In case you didn't get my email...

Hey Roguers!

Just a quick reminder that we have our second Performer Meeting for the Rogue 2007 on February 3, 2007 (this Saturday) at 4:00 pm at the Starline.

For anyone that cannot make it, I'll be taking picture of the lighting plots we have available and will post the pictures on the updates page at www.roguefestival.com . If any of you haven't gone over there, check it out, darogue has written a few articles on marketing for the arts and it's really some good information!

If you have any questions, please email me! I will be more than happy to answer your questions!

Ciao!

Solitaire

Using the Web for Arts Marketing - part deux

The Impact Of Visuals!

The visual element is an important factor in attracting the potential audience member.

Web Design
This extends to the "look" of your site or blog. I have seen many an arts website that just comes of as "corporate". Is this the image you really want to project about what you do? I, myself prefer sites that are visually interesting and if nothing else... fun. Afterall, we are in the business of entertainment.

Here are a few examples that I think are effective (and these are Rogue 2007 participants):

• Tanjora
• Mia Pascal
• Jesus in Montana
  

Poster Design
A good poster design can do wonders... and should be included on your site. This is part of "branding" your show... providing a visual link and hopefully interest. A few have been posted on this post. By The Way... if you click on them... it will take you to their sites!

TIP: Resolution
For Printed Media (posters, flyers, etc) at least 300 DPI
For Web Visuals (website, blog) about 72 DPI is good for quick loading in any browser.

Slide Shows
OK, not many people are going to do promotional videos for their shows. (Though, with a little effort... it's really an affordable to do these days... more on that later.)

But a slide show is easier to handle. There are several sites that allow you to upload pictures and create one. Once you do... just copy the code and paste it onto your website or blog. Reading about what you do is great and all... but remember... it's the visuals that grab your audience.

Below is a list of slideshow sites that you may consider using.
http://www.picturetrail.com
http://www.flickr.com
http://www.bubbleshare.com
http://www.slide.com
http://photobucket.com

Here are a few examples from Rogue 2007 participants:

• Ashtree Studios
• Theatre Ventoux
  
  

Then There Is Video
Sure, it takes a little time. And yes, editing can be a bitch. But it has become very affordable! Really, a camcorder and a basic editing program (that now comes standard with most operating systems these days) will provide you with the in-home possibilities to create an exciting visual

There is no medium that is more stunning than video. Once again, there are sites out there that will host your video... and once uploaded... just embed the code onto your site or blog. Presto! You now have a cool and interesting visual to sell your show to the world!

Below is a list of video hosting sites that you may consider using.
http://youtube.com
http://www.dailymotion.com
http://www.streamload.com
http://www.vimeo.com
http://www.zippyvideos.com
http://video.google.com

Here are some examples (once again from Rogue 2007 participants)

Example 1
Example 2

In fact, if you create a slideshow or a video for your Rogue Show... email the embedded code to graphics@roguefestival.com and will will feature it on a posting here on the updates page along with a link to it on your profile when the full 2007 Festival site is up. First come first serve.
Please include in your email:
1. Company:
2. Show Title:
3. Showtimes, Dates & Location

More on Arts Marketing on the Web - Coming Soon!

Performer Meeting and the Mainstage

Hey Roguers!

Solitaire here from the Starline...

I can say that I've talked to the Man in Charge and he's allowing us to invade the Starline February 3 at 4:00 pm.

I've called some of ya, and now I'm posting for the rest of ya! I'm hoping to bring my digital camera and take pics of the lighting we have at the Starline and post them here so you out-of-towners can check out the washes and what the stage actually looks like. Hopefully it'll help with the final touches to blocking and your show! :-)

If you have any questions, please email me or comment here! I'll get back to ya as soon as I can!

Ciao for now!

Sol

Hello Rogue Cafe people --here's todays' news (Jan.15)

The big news is this:
PERFORMER's MEETING.
SATURDAY, FEB.3rd in the afternoon [exact time and location to be confirmed shortly]

---this is your chance to meet fellow performers.
--this is your chance to make friends for cross-promotion of shows.
--this is your chance to ask questions of Rogue Old-Timers...like: "Does the Rogue provide
special Harmonica Holders " ....actually, I'll save you the time on this one...the answer is 'no'.

Best to ya all!
The Rogue is a positive and constructive time for all. This is why we have performers returning year after year after year.
Looking forward to getting to know you,
Blake Jones
Rogue Cafe' Coordinator

Using the Web for Arts Marketing - part one

If you are in the Arts you really need to quit your fear of using the Internet. For the first time in history there is a medium that puts everyone on a level playing field. (Really, for centuries people in the Arts were on the cutting edge of the new... except over the last 20 years.) Begin with your participation in the Rogue and start building an audience for now and for the future.

• Here is an article about it... plus some affordable plans ( starting under $5.60 a month!)
  
• This Post gives you some start-up tips.
  

On a budget but wanting to have a web presence anyway?
Get a BLOG! They are easy to use... and best of all... they are FREE! Here are some of the better blog services out there. You can post articles, pictures and even videos.

• Blogger
• Wordpress
• LiveJournal
• TypePad
  

Why A Blog And How Can I Use It?
Let's tackle the first question. Because it is easy to use! It also makes your presence interactive as it allows visitors (and potential audience members) to comment. Regular folk like to feel special... and interaction provides that.

Here are a few Arts based blogs and how they are used (incidentally, these are current Rogue participants):

• It can be used to post promotional videos.
• It can be used it as an "insider's look"
• It can be used to simply announce what is happening.
• It can used to be provocative.
  

Provide A Sample Of Your Work!
This provides intrigue to your upcoming show. Musicians especially can use this to great effect. Many have MySpace pages. You can easily give your potential audience a taste of your stuff. (BTW... every performer should have a MySpace Page... it's a wonderful tool for networking through their "friend" function.)

Here are some examples (and once again they are all current Rogue participants):

• Julia Dawn
• Vince Thomas
  
• Trike Shop
• Poplord
• Scats On The Sly
  

But it's not limited to Musicians. Here are some other Rogue participants with MySpace pages.

• Entandem Productions
• Ananka
• Terrance
  
• Even the Rogue has one (BTW... come over and "friend" us if you have a MySpace.)
  

Next Topic... Visuals! Coming soon!