When I first performed at a local prison at the beginning of the month, there were three people present. They seemed to like it. They were engaged the whole time. And after it was over, the idea was that if they actually liked it, word would get around and the next performance, there would be more people present. But if they didn’t like it, no one would show up for the next one.
Today I performed for two residents. They were engaged the whole time, and seemed to enjoy it. There were others in the building who didn’t choose to attend. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and it was fulfilling, but this doesn’t seem to be headed in the right direction.
Part of the problem was the lack of promotion or marketing. There didn’t seem to be any anticipation that this was going to happen. An announcement was made over the intercom as it started, but that seemed to be the only advanced notice.
I am going to the prison as an act of charity, and it sounds off to complain about promotion and marketing. But there really does need to be some institutional support for this to work.
Perhaps it is just a matter of regularly showing up. I’ve only gone twice, without it being a regular event. But if I were to show up every week, there might be some opportunity for the audience to grow.
I am a little deflated after this experience, but it is still a rare opportunity, and I don’t want to become discouraged. Also, there is every reason to expect difficulties and setbacks in this kind of endeavor. I will keep trying, and see if this plant will grow.
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