Raffle to end all raffles

Johnny Grim | 12/05/2012 - 16:47

This post may place me in grumpy old man territory, however, having failed miserably in my quest to stop people using the self-serve checkouts at the supermarkets, I shall turn my attention to the dreaded community theatre raffles. I'd like to find out if anyone in (Perth) theatre land feels as I do, that the customary community theatre raffle is somewhat nauseating and outdated. I think I've said before, that the raffle is but a relic of days gone by, that we, as a community, insist on hanging onto. Recent conversations alerted me to the fact that our audiences seem to be dwindling, due in part to the fact our audiences are gradually leaving this earth in search of fluffy cloud territory. My only wish is that one of the dearly departed would take the raffle instruction booklet with them on their way out the door. Seriously guys, if we have to hold a raffle to keep the doors open, then we're in a bad way? Do correct me if I'm wrong. Secondly; we the people are bombarded by raffles day and night, by phone, by door knockers, by shopping centre trestles. Wouldn't it be nice to find respite from the same, even to find said respite, one must turn to the land of make belief. Of course, people will argue that the raffles raise funds, and yes they do, because our patrons are too polite not to buy the bloody things...trust me, I've been selling them. It's hard to escape eye contact in a matchbox sized foyer....my final word honest...I wonder if anyone else has a thought on the matter..

PS: whilst I'm on my soapbox...most theatres sell confectionary, great idea, I love to partake of a chockie or two myself, however, of late I've noticed some confectionary bars selling packets of chips...can there be anything worse than hearing the person behind opening said bag of chips during the production, and for the same pertson to much their way through them in the same fashion as Bernie the Bunny hoes into his carrots? Call me old-fashioned! Call me prehistoric!...But guys, it's not only insulting to the cast and crew, but to the very people we want to support us. So stop it! Chuck out the chips, and get in the chockies..I'm going now...going to get ready to go to the theatre and help out FOH....I think I'm on the raffle...sigh.

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Just let them eat chips

Author: Walter Plinge
Date: 12/05/2012 - 16:50

Just let them eat chips outside the theatre, not when they're seated. Easy fixed.

To raffle, or not to raffle...

Author: jeffhansen
Date: 12/05/2012 - 17:18

Well John, on the first item, I've never been guilty of using a self serve checkout.
As to the raffle...
Down at Melvilleland, we recently discussed this very point. We thought that when dear Edna shuffled off this mortal coil, we might retire the raffle with her.
Guess what? Patrons kept asking, "Where's the raffle?"
So, the raffle stays.
If I may insert a plug - All profits from the raffle for Melville's season of Emma are going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, as is $2 from every paying punter.

www.meltheco.org.au

raffle for charity

Author: Johnny Grim
Date: 14/05/2012 - 16:54

Jeff, who would argue against a raffle for charity? I'm also for giving patrons 3 free raffle tickets on arrival for nix, as a way of saying thanks for your support. I would say the majority of raffle prizes are donations, so my theory is, get them for free, give them away for free, or as you suggest make a donation to charity. I would think the kudos one would get for giving away prizes, or raising funds for charity may outweigh the money raised, then again, I could possibly be dreaming...I should get back in me box, and shut the hell up...at least until until I hear that someone is performing The Importance of Doing Ernest again.'

Raffle for Charity?

Author: Norma
Date: 14/05/2012 - 22:26

John,Ii think you've just shot yourself in the foot!

Why do you object to us running a raffle- you don't HAVE to buy a ticket you
know.

And if it's Ok to offer a free ticket to a raffle , there goes your objection
to the idea of a raffle

And no, prizes are not donated they are actually bought.

Objection

Author: Johnny Grim
Date: 15/05/2012 - 16:36

I would have thought my reason for objecting was clear, however, I wave the white flag, and surrender to the raffle... I'll have 3 tickets please...

Just a thought why not just

Author: JoeMc
Date: 12/05/2012 - 18:49

Just a thought why not just have a lucky seat rafflle, &/or raise your prices by a $ or 2.

Chips ahoy?

Author: Rapunzel
Date: 15/05/2012 - 12:02

100% agree on the subject of chips....ban the b@ggers, have lot's of lovely lollies instead.

Am torn on the raffle topic though. Part of me is a right snob and cringes at a raffle, the other part goes 'get some more dosh out of the punters any way you can...'

I guess it all boils down to how it's presented/drawn/sold etc. Hmm, must chew on that and think about it (but not chomp on chips)

"Life is too short to stuff a mushroom"

www.moorebooks.net.au

18/05/2012 - 16:04 Gilli B Pissed (off) at raffles?

18/05/2012 - 17:21 Lunamynx22 Under a rock

Long white (fluffy) cloud

Author: Walter Plinge
Date: 20/05/2012 - 15:55

Interesting comments, personally the raffle is a wonderful idea that brings the audience together after the interval(I know I always applaud the winner). Surely if you don't want to then simply don't buy one.
As for dwindling numbers perhaps theatre companies could perhaps produce something other than dated plays suited to those who have just gone to heaven. Where all the musicals? The audiences are always 50% busier for a musical. Oh and I don't mean poorly directed 'operas'.
Shouldn't theatre companies actually be producing shows for people with money, people in their 30's-50 's or families. They won't sniff at a $2 program and $2 raffle ticket!
Come out from under the rock Theatre WA

21/05/2012 - 11:50 Walter Plinge RAFFLE TO END ALL RAFFLES

I remember going to a show

Author: JoeMc
Date: 21/05/2012 - 12:38

I remember going to a show years ago, back in Pohmyland. aAt the Grand theatre byker Newcastle Upon Tyne back in the 50's. Where by the entrance fee was a tanner(6 Pence) 'n 2 Jam jars. 0r any Canned or packaged product of eaqual value or more than the admission fee. These goodies were set up on a table in the Foyer & punters could buy raffle (Tomboler) tickets at the Interval or preshow. In fact they made a lot more than charging for bums on seats.

Give it a go!

Raffle to end all raffles

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