A Practical Guide with Examples, Hashtags, and a Proven Schedule
Promoting a community theatre show on social media is no longer optional. For most audiences, Instagram, Facebook, and email are now the primary ways they discover live events. The challenge is not just posting—it’s posting with intention, consistency, and clarity, while still honoring the artistic spirit of theatre.
Community theatres often assume they can’t compete with larger institutions online. In reality, what they lack in budget, they gain in authenticity. Social media is where community theatre shines—when used strategically.
Start With One Clear Goal Per Show
Before posting anything, define the primary goal of your social media campaign. Most community theatre productions fall into one of three objectives:
Sell tickets
Build awareness for the theatre brand
Showcase the artistic and educational value of the work
Trying to do all three in every post weakens the message. A post that is meant to sell tickets should say so clearly. A post that builds connection can focus on process, people, or story.
Clarity of purpose is what separates effective promotion from noise.
What to Post
1. Announcement & Identity Posts (6–8 weeks out)
These establish the show and its tone.
Examples:
Show title + dates + venue
Short synopsis (2–3 sentences max)
Visual teaser (poster, actor silhouette, rehearsal still)
Caption example:
This season, Theatre33 presents Cyrano de Bergerac — a story of wit, courage, and impossible love. Opening March 15. Tickets now available.
These posts answer one question: What is this show?
2. Rehearsal & Process Content (4–5 weeks out)
This is where community theatre has an advantage. Audiences love seeing how theatre is made.
Examples:
Rehearsal photos or short clips
Actors working text or movement
Directors explaining a scene choice
Designers sharing sketches or ideas
Caption example:
Rehearsals are where the real magic begins. Every choice, every movement, every pause is part of building the story you’ll see on stage.
This type of content builds emotional investment, not just awareness.
3. Character & Cast Spotlights (3–4 weeks out)
People come to see people, not just titles.
Examples:
Individual actor photos
Short quotes: “What surprised you about this character?”
One-sentence character descriptions
Caption example:
Meet Laurence. Brilliant, guarded, and sharper than she lets on. Played by [Actor Name].
These posts humanize the production and are highly shareable.
4. Educational or Context Posts (2–3 weeks out)
These position your theatre as professional and thoughtful, not just local.
Examples:
“Why this play matters today”
Historical or cultural context
Acting or directing insights related to the show
Caption example:
Cyrano isn’t just a love story—it’s a play about self-worth, courage, and the cost of hiding who we are.
This content builds credibility and appeals to audiences looking for meaningful theatre.
5. Ticket Push & Urgency Posts (Last 10–14 days)
Now you sell—clearly and confidently.
Examples:
“Opening this weekend”
“Limited seats remaining”
Audience reminders with direct links
Caption example:
Opening this Friday. Limited seats available. Join us for an unforgettable night of live theatre.
Avoid apologetic language. Confidence sells tickets.
Best Posting Schedule (Realistic & Sustainable)
You do not need to post every day to be effective.
Recommended Weekly Schedule (Per Show)
Instagram / Facebook
3 posts per week
3–5 stories per week
Suggested rhythm:
Monday: Educational or rehearsal content
Wednesday: Cast, character, or behind-the-scenes
Friday or Saturday: Ticket-focused or reminder post
Stories:
Use stories for informal, in-the-moment content—rehearsals, props, backstage moments, countdowns.
Consistency matters more than volume.
Best Times to Post
Based on live event engagement patterns:
Weekdays: 11:30 AM – 1 PM or 6 PM – 8 PM
Weekends: 10 AM – 12 PM
Evening posts perform well because people plan entertainment after work.
Hashtags to Use
Avoid massive generic hashtags only. Use a mix of theatre-specific, local, and brand hashtags.
Core Theatre Hashtags (use consistently)
#theatre #play #performance #acting #dramaCommunity & Local Theatre Hashtags
#communitytheatre
#livetheatre
#localarts
#supportlocalarts
#theatrecommunityLocation-Based Hashtags (essential)
#SeattleTheatre
#BellevueEvents
#PNWTheatre
#SeattleArtsShow-Specific Hashtags
#CyranoDeBergerac
#Theatre33
#LiveOnStageUse 8–15 hashtags max. More looks spammy and doesn’t improve reach.
One Final Rule: Make It Human
The most successful community theatre social media accounts don’t feel like advertising—they feel like an invitation.
Show the people.
Show the process.
Show why this work matters to you.
When audiences feel connected before they arrive, they are far more likely to buy tickets, attend, and come back.
