showbringing

Showbringing is a term used in the performing arts to describe the planning, coordination, and delivery of live performances for audiences outside traditional theater spaces. It covers bringing a show to new venues and communities, including touring logistics, site planning, venue partnerships, transportation, technical setup, marketing, ticketing, and accessibility considerations. The term is a relatively new or informal neologism and does not have a single, universally accepted definition; it is used variably by organizations to describe outreach-oriented touring, site-specific works, and pop-up performances aimed at broad or underserved audiences.

The practice often involves collaborations with local organizations such as schools, libraries, parks, community centers, and festivals. Showbringing aims to extend access to live arts, foster cultural exchange, and stimulate local participation, while helping artists diversify revenue beyond traditional subscriptions and box office models. Programs may include educational components, audience engagement activities, and post-performance discussions.

Challenges include funding and scheduling constraints, licensing or rights for venue use, liability and insurance, transport logistics, and ensuring accessible experiences across different spaces. Success is typically measured by audience reach, community impact, partnerships formed, and the ability to sustain ongoing activity rather than a single performance.

In practice, showbringing overlaps with touring, outreach, and community engagement. Because it is not strictly defined, its meaning varies by organization and context, but the core idea is the strategic dissemination of live performances to diverse audiences beyond conventional theaters.