Sara K. Dean's theatrical journey includes roles in stage management, arts administration, and performance, highlighted by their recent appointment as artistic director at Mountain View's Pear Theatre. Dean has extensive experience in the South Bay's arts scene, including previous positions at San Jose’s theater companies. As they prepare to perform in The Prom at Foothill Music Theatre, Dean shares insights from navigating the challenges of reopening theaters after the pandemic, stressing the need for strong audience engagement and adaptability in the evolving landscape of the performing arts.
I have this distinct memory of that first show post-pandemic... normally you would be at 60 or 70 percent of ticket sales 10 days before opening. We... were like, the doors are open and people will flock back. But when I checked the tickets, it was at 30 percent of sales.
Having watched the landscape shifting, we now have to lead with best intentions and reach out to really engage with our audiences in the hopes of bringing them in and enlightening their worlds.
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