The strategy was to develop a robust marketing plan that features high-visibility and unique approaches targeting and engaging new people while inspiring and making proud the Theatre By the Bay (TBTB) patrons.

We always embrace the TBTB season with an expectancy and creative energy.  The arts have always been what motivates and moves us to make a difference and challenge ourselves to be better.

This was year two of the Simcoe County Theatre Festival, which we branded and marketed in 2022. As we did last year, we branded the 6 local shows accepted into the festival and created all promotional materials including, printed and interactive digital programs, posters, flyers, digital billboards, stickers, etc.  We designed the 20th Anniversary Film promo. We also took on the challenge of directing and producing the photography for the two season shows, Bobbie and Iceman.

Rhubarb conceived the idea of the 2 solo images for the promotion of “Bobbie” and “Iceman.”  We were on set directing the photoshoot,(lighting, fog, positioning, poses, etc.) and spent over 45 hours editing the images. This included sourcing props like the block of ice for IceMan and seeking authentic trophies/medals for Bobbie.

The intended outcome for all work was to grab your attention, create curiosity and make you want to see the shows.  The poses, the props, and the black and white photos with the subtle colour highlights engaged the audience as they saw the full banner posters and then encountered the giant full window posters at 5-Point Theatre. (11 feet tall and 4 feet wide.)  The outcome was the promotion that seemed like it should be part of a professional Toronto or Stratford show!

The OUTCOME

Develop a robust marketing plan that features high-visibility and unique approaches.

Success! Rhubarb created high-visibility art with months of coverage. The images and designs created, drew people in and helped solidify not only each show as a dramatic story you just can’t miss, but also allowed it to express a common theme, of “Breaking Barriers.”

Generate exceptional marketing materials.

Success! Rhubarb Media created high-quality, professional materials that artists and audiences were excited to engage with. Their images and overall creative designs raised the calibre of our marketing to unseen levels in Barrie!

Increase engagement.

Success! 2023 saw the return of audiences to pre-pandemic levels, and they saw sold-out shows, and a 15% increase in newsletter and social media signups due to the engaging materials. For their newsletter, signage and social media, it was using their teams’ efforts plus high-quality images and creative designs by Rhubarb that brought it all together!