How to Leverage Facebook Groups & Events for Theatre Promotion

Facebook is one of the most powerful free marketing tools for community theatre. With the right strategy, Facebook Groups and Events can help you increase ticket sales, grow your audience, and engage with local theatre lovers in a meaningful way.

At Theatre33, we’ve seen firsthand how Facebook’s community-building features can expand our reach and bring in new audiences. Whether you’re promoting a new production, a fundraiser, or auditions, here’s how you can use Facebook Groups and Events effectively to boost your theatre’s visibility.

1. Why Use Facebook Groups & Events for Theatre Promotion?

Facebook Groups and Events are designed for community engagement, making them ideal for theatre promotion.

Benefits of Facebook Groups:

✅ Create a Loyal Fanbase – Build an engaged community around your theatre.

✅ Increase Word-of-Mouth Marketing – Fans can easily share your updates with their friends.

✅ Encourage Audience Interaction – Discussions keep your theatre top of mind.

✅ Promote Auditions & Volunteer Opportunities – Find local talent and crew members.

Benefits of Facebook Events:

✅ Boost Attendance – More people will see your event and RSVP.

✅ Improve Ticket Sales – Directly link to your box office or website.

✅ Send Automated Reminders – Keep your audience updated as the show approaches.

✅ Increase Organic Reach – When someone marks “Interested” or “Going,” their friends see it too!

2. How to Use Facebook Groups to Build a Theatre Community

Step 1: Create a Facebook Group for Your Theatre

A Facebook Group is a space for your most dedicated fans, volunteers, and artists. Unlike a Facebook Page, Groups allow for more engagement, discussions, and organic visibility.

🔹 How to Set It Up:

• Go to Facebook > Groups > Create Group

• Choose a name (e.g., Theatre33 Community & Events)

• Set it as Public (for max visibility) or Private (for exclusive members)

• Write a short description about your theatre and what the group is for

• Add admins and moderators to help manage discussions

🔹 What to Post in Your Group:

✔ Behind-the-scenes photos & videos of rehearsals

✔ Exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming shows

✔ Announcements for auditions, volunteer opportunities, and ticket sales

✔ Interactive posts (polls, Q&As, discussions about favorite plays)

✔ Cast & crew introductions to engage your audience

🔹 Encourage Fans to Participate

• Ask your audience to share their favorite theatre memories

• Start discussions about favorite plays and musicals

• Let group members vote on special performances, themes, or fundraisers

💡 Pro Tip: Pin a welcome post at the top of your group explaining how people can participate and what kind of content they can expect.

3. How to Use Facebook Events to Promote Your Shows & Activities

A Facebook Event is essential for every theatre production, fundraiser, and audition. It acts as a mini event page, allowing you to attract attendees and keep them engaged before the big day.

Step 1: Create a Facebook Event for Your Show

• Go to Facebook > Events > Create Event

• Choose Public Event for maximum reach

• Add an eye-catching event cover image (show poster or cast photo)

• Write a compelling event title (e.g., Theatre33 Presents: Constellations – A Moving Love Story)

• Include date, time, location, and ticket link

• Write an engaging event description (mention what makes this show special!)

🔹 Best Practices for Facebook Event Descriptions:

✔ Start with a hook: Join us for an unforgettable night of theatre!

✔ Include key details: Showtimes, ticket prices, venue info

✔ Mention special features (live music, immersive experience, post-show Q&A)

✔ Add a call-to-action: Reserve your tickets today before they sell out!

4. How to Promote Your Facebook Event & Group Effectively

Creating a group or event is just the first step—promotion is key!

📌 Promote Your Facebook Group:

• Add a link to your group on your theatre’s website & email newsletters

• Encourage cast & crew to invite their friends

• Offer exclusive content for group members (discount codes, behind-the-scenes access)

🎭 Promote Your Facebook Event:

1. Pin it to the top of your theatre’s Facebook Page.

2. Encourage cast, crew, and fans to invite friends to the event.

3. Post regular updates (e.g., rehearsal clips, interviews, countdown reminders).

4. Share the event link in relevant local community groups.

5. Boost with a small ad budget for extra visibility.

💡 Pro Tip: Post engaging countdown content like “3 days until opening night! Who’s coming?” to keep excitement high!

5. Where to Share Your Facebook Events for Maximum Reach

To reach more people, share your event in the right places:

✔ Your Theatre’s Facebook Page & Group

✔ Local Facebook Community Groups (e.g., “Events in [Your City]”)

✔ Theatre & Arts Groups (e.g., “Seattle Theatre Lovers”)

✔ Your Cast & Crew’s Social Media Pages

✔ Instagram & Twitter (link in bio or post stories about it!)

✔ Your Theatre’s Website & Email Newsletter

6. Bonus: Facebook Ads for Theatres

If you have a small budget, you can boost your event for extra visibility:

🎭 Best Facebook Ads for Theatres:

• Event Ads: Show up in people’s event recommendations

• Engagement Ads: Get more RSVPs & shares

• Website Click Ads: Send users straight to your ticket page

💡 Pro Tip: Target people who are interested in theatre, local events, and performing arts within a 30-mile radius of your venue!

Final Thoughts: Facebook Groups & Events Are Game Changers

If you’re not using Facebook Groups and Events, you’re missing out on a powerful (and free!) way to promote your community theatre. By building a loyal Facebook community and creating engaging event pages, you can attract more audience members, increase ticket sales, and keep your theatre top of mind.

At Theatre33, we’ve seen how a strong social media presence can transform audience engagement, and we encourage every theatre company to leverage these tools for success.

Do you use Facebook Groups & Events for your theatre? Let us know your best tips in the comments!