The Performing Arts Needs New Infrastructure

Independent artist (actor, dancer, musician, circus artist, etc.)

Not knowing if my concept will resonate before I commit budget

Restarting from zero between every project (no audience continuity)

Low engagement despite high social media follower count

Can't prove impact to funders/boards with data I don't own

Scattered tools stealing time (email, calendar, project management)

Marketing budget that doesn't convert to seats

Artistic vision vs. audience expectations (will data flatten my work?)

Team collaboration breakdowns (communication gaps, missed alignment)

Interpreting audience feedback without compromising artistic integrity

I have no way to contact them again (venues/ticketing companies own the data)

I have social media followers but they rarely see my posts (2-4% reach)

I have a contact list but haven't used it in months (dormant relationships)

I actively maintain the relationship (regular contact, authentic engagement)

The data exists but someone else controls it (venue lists, third-party platforms)

I don't—I trust my artistic instinct and make the work

Social media polls (Instagram stories, informal temperature checks)

Conversations with trusted peers, mentors, or collaborators

I ask my existing community (email surveys, informal check-ins)

Paid test events (workshops, previews, development showings)

Pre-commitment signals (deposits, early access, crowdfunding)

Past performance data (what worked before in similar contexts)

Yes, I regularly generate support through my process (workshops, development access, etc.)

I've tried once or twice but it's not consistent

No, but I'm curious about how this could work

No, this doesn't align with how I see my practice