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The Auditorium Theatre
& SMQ Consult

Maximizing Single Ticket Sales and Season Subscriptions for The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago

Historic Auditorium Theatre Chicago packed with audience enjoying performance on stage with ornate architectural details and decorative arches illuminated - The Auditorium Theatre case study featuring SMQ Consulting multi-year partnership maximizing single ticket sales, season subscriptions, customized show-by-show campaigns, and audience persona development across diverse entertainment offerings

Key Results

Successfully promoted entire season with customized approach for each production

Maintained strong performance across diverse entertainment offerings

Built lasting professional relationship spanning multiple years and roles

Contributed to the venue’s reputation for consistently strong attendance

About The Auditorium Theatre

Auditorium Theatre, a National Historic Landmark in Chicago, is renowned for its exquisite architecture and diverse performing arts programming. This iconic venue hosts a variety of events, including dance performances, live music, and community initiatives, making it a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural and artistic landscape.

The Challenge

The Auditorium Theatre, a prestigious Chicago venue, needed consistent digital advertising support for their diverse programming including notable performing artists, dance groups, music groups, and theater events. The challenge was creating effective campaigns for vastly different types of performances and audiences.

Our Approach

1. Long-Term Partnership Strategy
  • Managed digital advertising campaigns over multiple years and engagements
  • Initially worked as Digital Marketing Specialist at Carol Fox Associates (10+ years ago)
  • Returned as consultant for recent season, bringing enhanced expertise and industry knowledge
2. Comprehensive Show-by-Show Campaigns
  • Created tailored advertising strategies for every production in their season
  • Developed audience personas for different performance types (classical music, contemporary dance, theater, etc.)
  • Scaled campaign budgets appropriately from small targeted campaigns to robust major production pushes

What Made This Work?

The long-term relationship allowed for deep understanding of the venue’s brand and audience. Experience across different roles and timeframes provided unique insights into both the venue’s evolution and the changing digital advertising landscape.

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