For 86 seasons, the Pittsburgh Savoyards has kept the works of Gilbert & Sullivan alive here in Pittsburgh, PA. We are a semi-professional, community-based, non-profit theater company funded primarily by local contributions and ticket sales. Our dedication to bringing classic productions to our community audiences is the driving force of our organization and as a small community theater we strive to serve those who do not have access to the large mainstream theaters of our culturally rich metropolis. Our small store front theater is a hidden gem in the borough of Bellevue, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where many of our volunteers work and play.

We can not do what we do without the time tested lead outreach mechanism of print media to communicate with our audiences and we have found over the years that our audiences respond well to this form of contact.

The first prong of our publicity starts with our mailer campaign.  Sending mailers to our subscribers informs them of our upcoming season offerings with production titles and dates so they can ‘Save the date’ and not miss a show as well as remind them to purchase season passes at a discounted seat price. These mailers bring our activities directly into our patrons homes and the colorful photos of the previous seasons are an exciting reminder of our shows.

Once our season begins, our volunteer designers produce an eye catching poster for each production that our tireless crew deliver to shops, restaurants, and various other public spaces where we can capture the attention of those who may not have heard of our theater and our presentations.  These types of flyers not only build community with other businesses when we stop in, but give us the opportunity to learn about them and their activities as well.  

During a show run we utilize print by placing table tent advertising in local restaurants where customers of our neighborhood bars and restaurants can be introduced to our theater right at the table and be rewarded with coupons to use with both businesses. That’s a win win for all.

As a theater with window fronts we have the advertising space to display large banners of our season presentations catching the eye of those who travel our area as well as the added bonus of sharing the print media flyers of our extended community who are advertising their own offerings.

And no show would be complete without a show program. Our Program developers work diligently on each production's program to showcase cast and crew not just for our attendees to familiarize themselves with who is involved in the show, but as keepsakes for those who contribute to these fantastic productions. Show programs also provide an opportunity for local businesses to place ads for their own advertising avenues.

Not only does print media advertising work, but often it is the strongest tool in the non profit toolbox.  With a Conquest Graphics Grant we can step up our game in a way we hadn’t had the option to use before and we would love the opportunity to use that increased visibility to reach a larger audience.