Nel directing Juilliard’s New Dances livestream (2022); photo Elizabeth Svokos

Now that we’re back in theaters, I think it’s common to question why you might continue to livestream dance performances.

In the last few years, we’ve become so used to digital performance, and audiences expect some virtual options from your dance company. 

So, why host a hybrid event (simultaneously serving in-person and online audiences via livestream) versus editing together a show online audiences can access on-demand?

For me, it always goes back to your goals… 

Maybe, during the pandemic, you’ve built a new audience out in the world that isn’t tied to your geographic area. That audience may be interested and engaged in what you offer, and willing to pay for a ticket, but they may not be able to physically be in town for your show. Would a hybrid offering allow you to include that audience in your ticket sales? 

Maybe you’re hosting a special, one-night-only event, and you want to be able to fundraise live, while the event is happening.

…Or maybe your decision goes back to your budget: 

You may find it’s actually more cost-effective to livestream your event than to film, edit and package it to be available on-demand.

Thinking through your goals and reasons why is so important when making decisions on how to best serve your audiences, stay within budget, and increase potential for revenue and engagement. 

Finally, you might also want to think about the beauty of going live on its own! I love live streaming so much. You know that excitement you feel before you get on stage? As a former performer, I feel that same excitement when I’m getting ready to direct a livestream. The butterflies, the anticipation, the possibility! There’s something beautiful about being live, and that may be what you’re looking for!