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Fifth House Ensemble
& SMQ Consult

in partnership with Carol Fox & Associates​

Selling 100% Capacity for Fifth House Ensemble's Touring Performance of 'Undertale Live'

Fifth House Ensemble_Digital Strategy_SMQ Consulting

Key Results

Demonstrated ability to drive complete sellout results in competitive market

Achieved maximum possible revenue for the performance venue

Built audience for future 5th House Ensemble productions

About Fifth House Ensemble

Fifth House Ensemble, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a dynamic and versatile chamber music group praised by The New York Times for its “conviction, authority, and finesse.” Known for pioneering narrative chamber music performance, the ensemble creates innovative multi-media experiences that blend classical music with storytelling and artistic collaboration. Through their extensive educational programs, Fifth House reaches over 17,000 students annually, offering arts-integrated curricula and interactive musical experiences. The ensemble is recognized for pushing the boundaries of traditional chamber music through creative partnerships and transformative performance experiences.

The Challenge

Fifth House Ensemble needed to drive ticket sales for a specific performance, competing in Chicago’s crowded performing arts landscape. The goal was not just strong attendance but achieving sold-out status to maximize both revenue and artistic impact.

Our Approach

1. Focused Campaign Strategy
  • Developed targeted Google and Facebook advertising specifically for the single performance
  • Created urgency-focused messaging emphasizing limited availability
  • Implemented audience targeting reaching both theater enthusiasts and broader entertainment seekers
2. Conversion-Optimized Approach
  • Built campaigns specifically designed for ticket conversion rather than just awareness
  • Created compelling creative assets that conveyed the unique nature of the performance
  • Implemented retargeting strategies to convert interested browsers into ticket purchasers

What Made This Work?

By creating real urgency around limited seating, and targeting the right mix of theater, music and video game enthusiasts, we achieved the ultimate performing arts marketing success: sold out performances.

Reviews of
SMQ Consulting

"Thanks to Steve, we have been successfully and cost-efficiently developing and implementing our digital marketing strategy for many world-acclaimed dance and theatre shows and tours produced and presented by Show One Productions. Strongly recommended, and I know that he always has time and passion for all of his Clients."
Natasha AbramovaAssociate Producer,
Show One Productions
"Steve was great to work with at Teatro ZinZanni. He provided detailed analysis of our digital presence, and managed our digital advertising like a pro! Steve had a substantial impact on our ticket sales. He is super detail oriented and is able to communicate his strategies clearly and effectively. Highly recommend him!"
Kerry SheehanGeneral Manager/Producer,
Teatro ZinZanni Chicago
"Working with Steve was an absolute pleasure. He was efficient, communicative, and delivered results. We had dynamically changing needs leading up to a concert tour, and Steve handled all the changes with expertise and professionalism. Would highly recommend him to other arts organizations!"
Alex OlsavskyExecutive Director,
Fifth House Ensemble
"Steve was instrumental in building our social media and digital advertising department from the ground up. He is self-motivated, hard-working and an honest, straightforward guy. He is great with clients and colleagues alike. I give Steve my highest recommendation."
Carol FoxPresident, CF&A
“Steve is exceptional. Steve used his expertise in digital strategy to build Learn to Live’s online community and social media presence into a core part of our business. His creativity and ability to think outside the box to address new challenges is exceptional. I give Steve my highest recommendation!”
Dale CookCEO, Learn to Live
"I have no idea what Steve did, and even if he told me I wouldn’t understand. All I know is that my digital media feeds started blowing up in ways I’d never seen before, and our launch was a huge success."
Taylor MaliPoet & Educator

Projects
& Partners