Communication experts have tipped theatre players on the importance of using effective communication tools and channels to achieve maximum publicity and marketing.

The advice was given during a daylong training workshop for theatre players and arts writers at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre on Thursday.

Communication expert Annedore Smith said effective communication increases public awareness of the existence of a theatre group and its programmes.

Smith: Make sure that your message is repeated several times

“If well used, communication can help get support for the theatre as well as increase patronage,” she said.

Smith told the theatre players that they should strive to have several news articles about their activities and programmes for effectiveness to be achieved.

“Make sure that your message is repeated several times. To achieve this, engage the media several times as they are busy people who are always under pressure to attend to many things,” she said.

Kwathu Drama Group interim leader Charles Mphoka said the workshop was an eye-opener.

“During the workshop, we have realised the importance of reaching out to the media so that they help us publicise our events,” he said.

Mphoka added that the workshop also taught them how to package their communication message so that it is effective and yield results.

Organiser of the workshop, Solomonic Peacock director McAurthur Matukuta said they deemed it crucial to organise the training because many theatre players do not know how to go about achieving effective communication.

“We feel it is important to help theatre players with knowledge on effective communication as such will go a long way in helping them improve their visibility,” he said.

At least 20 theatre players from various theatre groups, especially who took part in the just-ended Easter Theatre Festival, attended the training.

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