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1. What is your organization or company. Give background history including who, when and why it was founded.

I have chosen to do my project on a community theatre that I was an active part of in Georgia, Rome Little Theatre (RLT). The theatre functions as an amateur community theatre that was founded in 1933. The theatre took a hiatus during World War II but began productions again in 1956. The location of the theatre productions has moved since its beginning but remains on Broad Street in the downtown area of Rome. I would imagine that the reason the theatre was founded is because of the lack of theatres in the Rome area. There are no professional theatre companies, performing art centers or resident theatres in town.

2. Why do they do or make – describe the products or services and what makes them unique.

RLT puts on a full theatrical season, each year complete with 8 season shows, 6 regular adult shows and 2 RLT Jr. shows for kids only. In addition to the 8 regular season shows there are sometimes additional summer stock shows. In my own experience and after talking with another very active member, we would say the theatre is unique because of its ability to have performers, volunteers and directors back again and again. I can’t point to one unique feature of the performances but the overall energy within the theatre ‘family’ is what make RLT unique.

3. Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like – the atmosphere? What is the building like – exterior/interior, architecture, fittings and furniture? How to the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How are they treated by management?

The organization employs only two full time positions, an office secretary and an executive director. All tasks are performed by these two positions, board members and/or volunteers. As you could guess, lots of volunteers are involved in every aspect of running this theatre.   This organization takes a ‘working board’ to a whole new level. Every member of the board is extremely active in the theatre productions.

The building is part of what makes RLT unique. The company performs in one of Georgia’s first movie theatres (Historic Desoto Theatre). There have been tons of renovations since they have started using this space, especially in the last 5 years. The space is not ideal for a theatre as there isn’t much space in the wings for dressings rooms, props, etc. That being said, it is a beautiful space inside and out and they make it work. The exterior of the building has the original marquee for the old movie theatre, which adds to the charm and makes it stand out on the main street of town. The interior has recently been renovated, repainted, carpeted, new seats, new concession area, etc.

4. Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics?

Based on the history and mission statement I would say their targeted audience is any community member that has an interest in the arts. That includes all age ranges and people from all backgrounds. Recently RLT has been focusing on recruiting children for junior shows, workshops, and classes. They do have plans to start a RLT Senior program in the future.

5. What is the organization or company mission statement?

The purpose of Rome Little Theatre is to present amateur theatrical productions, encourage interest in drama, and contribute to the cultural and educational life of the community. RLT is an active supporter of the arts in Rome and Floyd County.

For my brand awareness activity I have chosen 3 brands that have always stood out in my mind as successful logos.

1.  American Horror Story

American Horror Story premiered as a television show created by Ryan Murphy in 2011. Since the first season I have been intrigued by the branding and marketing of this show. To provide a little background, each season follows a completely different story line of a horror story: Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freakshow and Hotel. Simply put the brand looks scary! The simplicity and contrast of a black background and white text with no additional color adds to the spooky feel of the brand and provides a canvas for many different stories. It looks like a modern version of some sort of gothic font because of the double lines on the H. After some research I found that the creators used a mix of fonts, ITC Willow and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The o is raised above all other letters with a dot below and I think that’s what draws my eye to design. It works nicely because the dots create a triangle, perhaps that was an accident but it works well visually.

American Horror Story uses mostly social media and television commercials for their marketing. Each season the video clips/commercials they release are extremely graphic and scary. The simple black and white logo is a much needed contrast to the video advertisements because they are so intense and colorful.

2. Firehouse Subs

Ever since moving to Oregon in mid-July I have missed Firehouse Subs SO much! I absolutely love a sandwich and Firehouse Subs is the best I’ve ever had.  As you can tell from the name and logo it is a company founded by firemen and all of the marketing mimics a fire department seal/vector.

They used the white capital bold typography but added a small serif on the letters. It mimics the red badge as the background of the logo and I think that makes it memorable. When any person sees the Firehouse Subs logo they will think of firemen and I believe because of that it makes the logo memorable. The Subs part of the logo has the two gold dots on the edge of the oval like a seal on the front of a fireman’s hat. It seems strategic to put ‘Founded By Firemen’ at the bottom of the logo because a fireman is a very respectable job that serves the community. It could make people feel good about eating at an establishment because it was founded by people that serve the community in such a commendable way. Another way Firehouse Subs uses their history to market is through the dalmatian print. Their tables are topped with dalmatian print and they use it as a background for a lot of their in print material.

3. Lucky Brand

Lucky Brand is one of my favorite clothing/jewelry/shoe companies and their brand has always been very appealing to me.  I noticed that their brand has very recently changed so I wanted to show both and talk about possibly why they changed.

The first of the logos is their old brand and the second is their new brand.  I am really drawn to the new design because of its simplicity.  They made the font all capitalized, no serifs, with spacing between the letters,  and they added the four leaf clover, which has always been a constant symbol in their designs.   I would guess they wanted to rebrand to create a more modern and simple design and they wanted to add in the four leaf clover to reinforce that symbol with their brand.

1. Learn more about and explore the use of typography.

2. Explore the world of WordPress(which I have never used) and become more proficient in its tools and uses.

3. As I have zero experience in graphic design, I would like to learn more about how to properly use graphic design programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.

4. Gain a knowledge of graphic design terms and lingo, so that I may ‘talk the talk’ to graphic designers I work with in the future.

5. My previous experience is in higher education and I spent a lot of time working with our PR/Marketing team to build upon our brand and market to our consumers: high school students and their parents. I would like to learn more about how branding and marketing a higher education institute may differ or be the same  as working with an arts organization.

6. Learn how to use graphic design to show value? When marketing an arts organization we are typically not selling a physical product but an experience, so how do we use graphic design as a tool to demonstrate the value of that experience?

1. Where did you move from to attend the UO? And, briefly describe how you landed on the UO AAD program. Any interesting, funny, anecdotal stories/details are welcome.

I moved here from Rome, Georgia where I had been working as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Fine and Performing Arts Liaison for a small national liberal arts college.  I looked into several Arts Administration programs and after visiting Eugene and the university I chose the AAD program.  My story of trekking across the country to Oregon is unfortunately pretty typical.  My boyfriend, myself and our 10 year old bulldog(picture below) loaded up a POD and our vehicle and hit the road.  We did have the opportunity to visit several national parks along the way, Rocky Mountain National Park being my favorite.

2. Area of concentration in AAD?

My background is in vocal music and theatre and therefore I have chosen Performing Arts as my concentration area.

3. Describe your knowledge and use of technology systems.

I have worked on both Mac and PC computers, using all Microsoft Office applications.

4. What software do you commonly use? Briefly describe purpose/application for software on your list.

I use what is installed on my computer, if that helps define my knowledge of software.  I worked mostly on a windows computer for all professional work and I use my Mac for personal use.  I don’t have any particular software I have bought or downloaded for specific purposes.

5. Do you have any graphic design or media production/management experience? Have you taken any graphic design or media production courses?

No, I previously worked with the graphic designers at our college to develop marketing materials for enrollment management.

6. Know anything about typography?

Does it help to know that I am now going to Google ‘typography?’

7. Do you use Web (2.0) apps? Name those that you use or are familiar with.

After Googling ‘Web 2.0 apps’ I don’t think I use any on a regular basis.

8. Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Yelp, etc.)? Name those that you engage in.

I am active on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

9. Tell us something unique about yourself.

I recently learned and performed as Patsy Cline in the broadway musical ‘Always Patsy Cline,’ including 26 Patsy Cline songs.  As you could imagine I have quite an af

10. Anything else?