An Ideal Husband — Photo by A Couple of Chicks
Shaw Festival 2010 Season

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario -- Fans of Shaw Festival social media see a side of the Ontario theatre that only a select few have the opportunity to see in person. Across virtually all social media platforms, the renowned repertory theatre company brings fans unique perspectives and virtual experiences, such as set changes and costume design intricacies.

Each social media stream offers something unique for its followers. For instance, Bernard Shaw himself is the voice of Twitter, while the Shaw Blog is run by the actors themselves. In addition to special Facebook offers on ticket prices, the Shaw Festival's Facebook "Photo of the Week" gives fans a peek at the unique underpinnings of the theatre: the scenic art department finishing paintings for the set of The Doctor's Dilemma;100 pairs of shoes that must be inspected prior to each performances of The Women; the Master Tailor making adjustments to the wardrobe of Harvey.

"Originally, we wanted to present the Shaw Festival and our plays to a wider group of potential theatre-goers, expanding our presence to younger audiences who might not have otherwise considered attending or had preconceived ideas about the theatre," says Valerie Taylor, Director of Marketing for the Shaw Festival. "It turns out that our social media efforts have had broad appeal with past visitors, members, and even those who have never been but who are interested in what happens behind-the-scenes in a venue like ours with multiple performances each day in four different theatres."

The most recent addition to the Shaw Festival's social media landscape are time-lapse videos on YouTube including a set change from The Women to An Ideal Husband at the Festival Theatre, a 2 1/2 hour process featured in 2 minutes.

The 2010 Season, which runs through November 14, 2010, includes Harvey, An Ideal Husband, The Women, The Cherry Orchard, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Age of Arousal, One Touch of Venus, Half and Hour and Serious Money. For more information about the Shaw Festival Theatre, visit http://www.shawfest.com.

About the Shaw Festival Theatre

In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

[email protected]

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
1-800-657-1106 ext. 222