PNT Launches PLAY ON Slogan For 2010 Campaign

A simple but meaningful slogan will be popping up around town soon. Part invocation, part statement it reads "Play On." Is it an announcement? A command? It's a little of both - in Performance Network Theatre's new marketing campaign, designed by Ann Arbor marketing firm Perich + Partners. The creative pieces can be seen around Ann Arbor starting on September 6, on banners, billboards and buses as part of Performance Network's 2010 campaign to recruit 2,010 subscribers by December 31, 2010.

The campaign is funded by a grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, along with donations from the theatre's individual donors. "Play On" will also be the cover of the theatre's season brochure, which will be mailed to 40,000 individuals. The AAACF grant has enabled Performance Network to hire a marketing firm for the first time.

The theatre will also unveil a series of posters designed by the firm, one for each show in the 2010-2011 season that tie in graphically with the "Play On" slogan, as well as a new logo, in September.

The campaign is well underway with 1,000 subscribers secured through renewals and early marketing efforts. Additional mailings to new lists, presentations to groups, Subscriber breakfasts and a season launching open house on August 28th will also promote the campaign.

The rollout of "Play On" comes in conjunction with the Theatre's announcement of its 2010-2011 season of seven professionally produced shows. Hot off the heels of the season that has garnered Performance Network 21 Wilde Award nominations, the theatre gears up for another stellar season of premieres, award-winners and comedies that offers something for everyone. Details on the shows can be found on the theatre's website at www.performancenetwork.org

Executive Director Carla Milarch said "We're absolutely thrilled with the assets that the Perich team has delivered and that the AAACF funding has made possible. These are materials that will impact the overall look of the Network brand for years to come and hopefully will open some new eyes to the dynamism and fun of the live theatre experience. We're planning on using them as our graphic touchstone moving forward."

The project has also provided the theatre with an overall marketing plan for its entire 2010-2011 season, which it will use to improve awareness of the individual shows as well as the 2010 campaign. Milarch concludes, "Get ready Ann Arbor, Performance Network is this town's best-kept secret no longer."

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Performance Network is currently celebrating its 10th season in its downtown home at 120 East Huron (Corner of Huron and Fourth). Since opening its downtown space 9 seasons ago, the company has grown into a regional leader, with a track record of winning more awards than any other theatre in the state. It has garnered national acclaim, including 3 American Theatre Critics' Association nominations and moved plays premiered in Ann Arbor to theatres nationwide, including one optioned for Broadway.

Performance Network brings joy and entertainment to 20,000 patrons each year, and its touring shows and family series light up the faces of 20,000 children. Its programs include the critically acclaimed professional series, the Fireside Festival of New Works featuring scripts in development, classes and workshops for children and teens and a late night performance series for developing artists.

 

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