Politics is high drama.  It always has been.  But in the last 10-20 years, it has reached some serious Sophoclean-type @#$%.  

It has high stakes, unique characters, and lots of twists and turns. 🙂

Just look at the last three months of this presidential election alone!  I mean – you couldn’t write this stuff!  If you pitched me a script with all the plot points of this past summer, I’d probably say, “It’s not believable.”

We could only hope that all of our shows have this kind of conflict, stakes and drama!  Just look at how many people tuned into Tuesday’s debate.

I watched, like so many others . . . and, apart from the political takeaways, I was reminded of 5 things that could be used on Broadway or wherever you are making your theater:

1. The Opening Image

“The Opening Image” is a screenwriting term used in a book I highly recommend, Blake Snyder’s great read and formula, Save The Cat. But the same story beat is in every great theatrical production too.  The first thing you see sets the tone (and usually the protagonist). 

The tone of the debate, and of the characters and their points of view, was established from the moment the candidates walked out on the stage . . . and Vice President Harris walked right over and shook her opponent’s hand. 

Not only did we see where she stood, but it was talked about immediately by the commentators from the television networks and all the commentators (real people) on the social networks.

What’s your opening image?  Does it set your tone?  And does it get people talking?

1. Having An Audience Creates More Excitement and Energy

I know there were a lot of reasons they didn’t have an audience in that room – but I missed it.  And I actually think the debaters missed it too.  Playing off the crowd, working hard to get them on your side, working hard to win them back if you’ve lost them . . . that’s part of doing what politicians do . . . and, of course, what theatermakers do.  

If you’re a theatermaker, get in front of an audience as much as you can.  Even if it’s just 10 people.  Do readings, workshops, and more, even if you have to read all the 27 parts in your show. 

3. Say It So Often People Remember It

We may get tired of politicians repeating the same thing over and over again . . . even when we like them . . . but they know that it’s an essential part of the marketing of their message.  They need multiple impressions for it to not only sink in . . . but for the consumer of the message to be able to REPEAT IT to others. 

That’s what marketing is all about – not just getting you to “buy” whatever the person is selling – but to know it, remember it, and believe it so much that you are able to tell it to other people!

If you’re marketing your show . . . to ticket buyers or to investors . . . make sure you bang home that message over and over and over again.  (And if you don’t have a clear, politician-sized message, then best get one.)

4. The Endorsement Heard Around The World

It was no coincidence that Taylor Swift’s endorsement came moments after the debate ended. 

Endorsements, whether they are Swift-sized or from an influencer – with ten thousand or even two thousand Instagram followers – matter for EVERYONE.  

If you have a show, you must have a strategy for gaining endorsements.  Yes, go for celebrities – but there are many different levels of celebrity.  

Getting the late Dustin Diamond to SEE The Awesome 80s Prom was a big deal for us . . . and then he actually starred in the show. (By the way – he was a blast to work with, up for anything, and a terrific company member.)

Who are you getting to endorse YOU after a big moment (reading, first performance, etc.)?

5. Leave Them With . . . 

We talked about The Opening Imagine . . . but what about The Last Message?  (That’s my story point).  Well, the debate had two very different candidates end with two very different messages.  

I believe that in the theater, especially for musicals, you must leave your audience with hope.  Even if it’s only one ray of sunshine . . . you’ve got to inspire people to leave that building knowing things can and will get better.  

The debate had two very different endings by two very different candidates.

Give me joy, optimism, a chance for a brighter future, a chance for change, not just for change’s sake, but for the benefit of all . . . everywhere?

Well, that’s a show . . . and a candidate . . . I get behind.  

I hope you watched.  If not, I hope you watch over the next few weeks.  I hope you look at all the issues, especially the ones that matter to you . . . and to the world.  And make the choice you want to make.

But vote.  It is still what makes this country the greatest country to live, work, and make theater in.