Centenary graduate launches online community for local theatre-goers
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary alumnus Paul Savage ’15 recently launched Shreveport Theatre Community (ST.c), an online resource providing comprehensive information about upcoming live theatre performances as well as creates a platform for theatre-goers to write reviews and rate performances. The site will also include a blog featuring exclusive content from local actors and directors.
“This idea was first introduced to me by a fellow theatre-goer in the community a few years ago,” says Savage. “Having performed in several local theatre productions myself, I was well aware of the convoluted nature of finding local shows. I thought I could present that information to local audiences in a more intuitive way and was determined to put into action what many in the community were already seeking.”
Since launching ST.c in April 2017, Savage has focused on spreading the word about the site in the local community and also on responding to user feedback to make the online resource as useful as possible. His long-term plans include developing tools that can help local troupes target patrons and promote specific shows, genres, and theatres.
“The response from the local theatre community has been absolutely amazing,” says Savage. “They’ve been very responsive to questions we’ve had while updating our resource. We recently designed our first Snapchat geofilter for one of Shreveport Little Theatre’s recent productions – we love these types of collaborations and this is something we plan to continue to do in the future. Our second geofilter will be live this weekend for Stage Center’s Peter and the Starcatcher at Centenary’s Marjorie Lyons Playhouse.”
Another Centenary graduate, Dellanee Wade ’16, also recently joined the ST.c team. Wade, currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at Louisiana Tech, is serving as a communication intern for the new site, helping manage its social media presence and ensuring that the site content is accurate and updated. Wade designed the Peter and the Starcatcher Snapchat geofilter and also proposed the idea for a monthly “Look At Me!” Facebook contest recognizing a local actor, director, or crew member.
In addition to managing ST.c, Savage is the founder of Savage Creative Solutions, a full service marketing and advertising agency based in Shreveport. Savage graduated from Centenary in May 2015 with a degree in communication and worked for KSLA News Channel 12 before launching his own company.