Introduction xiii Chapter 1 Getting on the Same Page: Efficient Internal Communication + Project Management 1 Times Change, but How Do We? 2 How Knowledge Systems Create Success 4 Internal Communications: From Memos to Email and Slack 8 Managing the Workflow: Project Management Software 13 Asana 15 Airtable 15 ArtsVision 17 Training 20 The Selection Process 21 Summary 22 Takeaways 23 Technology Solutions 23 Knowledge Management 23 Internal Communications 24 Project Management 24 Notes 24 Chapter 2 Keeping Track of Everyone 27 Structuring the System 30 Gathering + Cleaning 33 Using Data Analytics for Strategy + Planning 36 Data- Forward Company Culture 40 User Training + Onboarding 40 Privacy, Security + Legal Compliance 43 Artificial Intelligence: Automation, Machine Learning, + Chatbots 46 Selecting + Designing a CRM with a Robust CDP 48 Takeaways 49 Technology Solutions 56 Structuring the System 56 Gathering + Cleaning 57 User Training + Onboarding 57 Privacy, Security, + Legal Compliance 58 Notes 58 Chapter 3 Growing Audiences + Donors: Tools + Tactics 59 Marketing + Communications 60 The Customer Journey + User Experience Design 62 People’s Light 65 Data and Automation 67 TheatreSquared 67 Team, Tools, + Tactics 68 Website 69 People’s Light 69 Video 70 Black Ensemble Theater 71 Social Media 71 Emmet Cohen 72 People’s Light 72 PARA.MAR Dance 74 Email 74 Black Ensemble Theater 74 People’s Light 74 Emmet Cohen 75 Subscriptions Are Not Dead 75 Savannah Philharmonic 76 Artists 81 Artificial Intelligence— Now + the Future 81 Donations Adapt: Apps, Taps, Codes, + NFTs 83 DipJar 84 QR Codes 86 NFTs 87 Takeaways 88 Technology Solutions 89 Video 89 Project Management 89 Special Events 90 Artificial Intelligence 90 Email 90 Data Analysis for Marketing 90 Subscription 91 Customer Management Systems 91 Project Management + Surveys 91 Chapter 4 Making Magic: Enhancing Artistic Productions 93 Set Design 94 Czerton Lim, Freelance Set Designer for Clue at Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) and Syracuse Stage 94 Scott Penner, Freelance Set Designer for The Merry Wives of Windsor at American Players Theatre (APT) 97 Costume Design 99 Eric Winterling, Costume Creator 99 Scott Penner, Freelance Costume Designer 101 Lighting Design 102 Brandon Stirling Baker, Lighting Director for Boston Ballet and Freelance Lighting Designer 102 Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) in Indianapolis 104 Video Design 105 Benjamin Pearcy, Chief Technology Officer and Project Director at 59 Productions 106 Jason H. Thompson and Kaitlyn Pietras, PXT Studio 108 Lawrence Shea, Media Architect 112 Sound Design + Music Composition 114 Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), Indianapolis 114 Sartje Pickett, Freelance Composer + Sound Designer 115 The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts 116 Playwriting, Directing, + Casting 118 James Still, Playwright and Director 118 Takeaways 119 Technology Solutions 120 Set Design 120 Lighting Design 120 Video Design 121 Sound Design + Music Composition 122 Playwriting, Directing, + Casting 123 Chapter 5 Defining Who You Are: Branding, Rebranding, + Residencies 125 Brand Style Guide 127 Branding Through Social Media 128 Jane Monheit, Jazz Singer 128 Chun Wai Chan, Ballet Dancer 131 Chapter 6 Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Opera Singer 132 Stephanie Martinez, Choreographer + Artistic Director 133 Rebranding 134 Ballet RI 135 Detroit Opera 138 Residencies 140 Takeaways 142 Technology Solutions 144 Introduction 144 Social Media 144 Rebranding 145 Extending the Stage: Digital Content, Education, + Touring 147 Streaming + Simulcasts 147 Tradition of Capturing Dance at Jacob’s Pillow + Hybrid Festival 148 New York Philharmonic Media Wall +Digital Archives 150 Second Stage’s Journey with Simulcasts 153 Digital Business Model at Boston Baroque 154 Digital Transformation at SFJAZZ 156 Expanding Content Use at Dallas Symphony Orchestra 160 Education, Mentorship, + New Work Development 162 Converting a Space into a Filming Studio 162 PNB Dance Film Festival 164 The Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab 168 Touring 171 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 171 Takeaways 174 Technology Solutions 175 Streaming + Simulcasts 175 Education, Mentorship, + New Work Development 176 Touring 176 Chapter 7 The Arts Are for Everyone: Diversity + Accessibility 179 Hearing + Vision- Impaired Audiences 181 Meeting the Needs of Artists with Disabilities 186 Podcasts + Live Streaming 188 The Score 188 Live from Emmet’s Place 190 Green Room Meditations 192 Human Resources + Marketing 193 Bias in Written Materials 193 Color Blindness 194 Diversity of People in Images 194 Training 194 Systemic Racism 196 Additional Resources 198 Summary 200 Takeaways 200 Technology Solutions 200 Meeting the Needs of Artists with Disabilities 201 Podcasts + Live Streaming 201 Bias in Written Materials 202 Color Blindness 202 Appendix Interviewees 203 Acknowledgments 231 About the Authors 233 Index 235

Discover emerging technologies with the potential to transform your performing arts organization “Whether you are the accidental techie or experienced technologist at an arts organization, ‘Raising the Curtain’ will provide you with a wealth of insights about becoming a ‘tech-first’ arts organization - the key to surviving and thriving as an arts organization post-pandemic.”— Beth Kanter, Author & Nonprofit Technology Leader recognized by Fast Company & NTEN Lifetime Achievement Award. “Technology isn’t something a lean organization can’t embrace; rather, Crawford and Hansen demonstrate it’s a smart technology setup that allows organizations to be lean. Simply written, easy to understand, and covering tech’s integration in each facet of a performing arts organization, this book is a necessary guide for every arts administrator.”— Aubrey Bergauer, the “Steve Jobs of Classical Music”, The Guardian, CEO, Changing the Narrative. “At a time of unprecedented challenges for performing arts organizations, Crawford and Hansen have written a practical and indispensable handbook on how to face these issues. Rather than seeing technology as a threat, Crawford and Hansen provide the theory and concrete examples showing how arts organizations can benefit from technology best practices. The organizations they cite provide important guideposts for other organizations who want to learn.”— Michael Mael, Co-Founder, Advisory Board for the Arts. Former Executive Director of Washington National Opera