TIPs and tricks // touring pack troubles

So, marketing packs. Love 'em or hate 'em - if you are trying to get a work booked you'll probably need one. Or three. 

A lot of people ask me about these - what should I put in it? Who is it for? How long should it be? My main piece of advice is that you don't have to have just one document. It's really hard to please everyone and meet their needs in a few sheets of A4. 

Let's tackle the 'who' first. 

As a rule, I would never suggest using a pack as a cold call. When someone knocks on your door to offer you a leaflet, do you take it? Well maybe you do in which case you are very nice indeed. I don't. 

If someone I know offers me a leaflet, of course I'll take it. So folks, don't cold call. Put a face or conversation to the name and get to know programmers first before pinging them your pack. 

So you've spoken a few times and you want them to know about a new piece you have. Try including these on 3 pages of A4 max:

• Cover page: Title and artist name
• Cover page: Contact details
• Cover page: One strong image
• Blurb about the work
• A few more strong images
• Further information: quotes, trailer, confirmed tour dates, tech spec, bios

Now they've come to a sharing and seemed interested. Adding on to the list above, try including:

• Audience - who is the show for?
• Reviews
• Additions - any workshops to offer too?

So they booked your work - hooray! Now they want to know about this stuff as well:

• Marketing the work - short and long copy options, sample social media posts, indication of behind-the-scenes content

Using these as a guide only, you should tailor them to suit your needs - don’t force something or make up workshops if it doesn’t feel right!

Not sure what it should look like - here are a few examples which I found via Google:
Museum of Water - Amy Sharrocks
Rosie Kay Dance Company - There is Hope
Protein Dance - (In)Visible Dancing

Hope that’s helpful! Do let me know if you have any questions,
Lx