Lesson Plan

• Describe the primary aims of marketing a drama production.
• Explain the difference between desk and field market research.
• Identify and characterise target market groups for a drama.
• Apply a simple marketing‑plan framework to a chosen production.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed handouts of the target‑market table
• Sample survey/questionnaire templates
• Laptop with internet access for research demo
• Sticky notes and markers for group activity

Begin with a quick poll: “What would make you buy a ticket to a play?” to spark interest. Recall students’ prior knowledge of advertising and ask how it might differ for live theatre. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to design a basic marketing plan that meets clear success criteria.

1. Do‑now (5') – Students list three reasons a theatre markets a show; share responses on the board.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present the aims of marketing and the two types of market research (desk vs. field) with slides.
3. Group research activity (15') – Pairs use laptops to conduct quick desk research on local demographics and record key findings on sticky notes.
4. Target‑market workshop (15') – Each group selects a target market, fills in a handout (characteristics, strategies) and presents a brief rationale.
5. Marketing‑plan planning (10') – Whole class synthesises the data to outline a simple 5‑step marketing plan; teacher checks understanding with questioning.
6. Quick revision quiz (5') – Exit ticket: three short questions on aims, research methods, and target‑market identification.

Recap the four key components covered: aims, research, target markets, and the planning framework. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding and address any lingering misconceptions. For homework, ask students to draft a one‑page promotional flyer aimed at their chosen target market.