Play the Sherman

Attention Bands!

If you are interested in playing the Sherman you probably have tons of questions. Here are the answers to our frequently asked questions.

Why do I want to play the Sherman?

The Sherman Theater is a major performing arts center. The Sherman has the longest running, largest independent rock scene in northeast PA. We provide a clean, safe, and professional atmosphere with professional sound, lighting, security and ticketing. You can showcase your talents in an atmosphere not often available to local artists. We believe in providing an opportunity for all performers to be able to showcase their talents. We offer an Independent Rock Series with shows 1-2 times a month that are designed specifically for local rock bands. The Sherman has a state of the art sound system with professional sound and lighting engineers, you perform with the same equipment that national acts use. We treat the all fans and artists with respect and disgnity and expect the same in return. We frequently do showcases for major & independent record labels and we are contacted on a regular basis by organizations around NEPA looking for acts willing to perform at their events. The Sherman can also help with your merchandising, CD Presses & Recordings, and we send press releases to over 400 targeted media contacts. Be sure to ask about all the ways we can help promote your band. If you are interested in getting on a show, or becoming an opening act for a national band read on for how it’s done.

How can I get on a show?

Send an email to cheryl@shermantheater.com with a link to your myspace and include any other information regarding what kind of music you play, potential draw and anything you think that will help us get to know your band. Also be sure to make us your friend on myspace.

Why do I need to sell tickets?

Everyone involved in an event wants it to be successful. Unfortunately local shows do not typically generate enough money to warrant TV or radio ads. By selling tickets we are assured that you and all the bands that may be on your show are actively promoting your event.

I’m scheduled on a show, how can I promote this event?

We have an incredible amount of experience in promoting events and making them successful. Take advantage of the information we can give you, it can only help to make your event better.

Don’t procrastinate. Start marketing your show as soon as you know you are on it.
Understand how supply and demand work. If you look how we book shows, we do not have any one type of music every month. We may have a huge Jazz Event this month, County the next, and a Reggae the third. This creates a demand. If you are a country fan and know we will have a country show every few weeks, you will be less excited to come see a particular show than if there won’t be another show for several months. Here is how demand works for different level acts.

National bands

Regardless of the size venue they play, National acts seem special to fans because they aren’t playing in a given area week after week. If a fan has to decide to see a national act or your band, the chances of them choosing your band increase if you have not played in your city in a while.

Other Local bands

If you are in a metal band that plays a show each week, when a metal band that performs less frequently does play, they have an advantage over your band, even if their performance happens to be on the night of your big CD release party.

Your own band

The adrenaline rush you get from performing is sometimes hard to control, but controlling it is completely necessary if you want to create demand for your music. Regardless of what other bands do, you simply cannot play every week in the same city and do well.

Aggressively Promote Your Show: Try to get at least 100 people to attend your show.

Email. Email as many people as you can. If you don’t already have one, set up a myspace account and develop as big of a friends list as you can so when you send your emails you can let as many people know about you as possible.

Phone. Phone as many people as you can both friends and businesses and let them know about your event.

Press releases: We have done most of the work for you, however, you know your band best. You should be the best at selling you. If you write a press release about your band give it to us & we will get it out to over 400 media contacts.

Flyers. Get yourself a Street Team or be one yourself. The more your name is out there, the more name recognition you will have. Ask us if we have flyers to your event. We often have flyers and the more that get out there the better.

Word of Mouth. Do not discount the power of your voice. The more people you tell the better. Be excited about your event and others will be too. If you make your show sound like it will be the most exciting thing in the world to you, your fans will want to come.

Why haven’t I gotten on a show yet?

We receive hundreds of requests from bands and would love to be able to give everyone a chance, obviously this is very difficult. Feel free to continue to express you interest via email at cheryl@shermantheater.com

Do you have any tips that will help make my show better?

Have fun on stage and be a performer, if you are having a blast the audience will know it and respond.
If you have a special need or sound request please be sure to tell us, we are here to help make you sound the best you can.
Make sure your set flows and there is not much dead time between songs.
Get as many of your fans to come as possible if you have a built in fan base, you will feel more comfortable going on stage and the audience will pick up on the excitement from you fans.
This is your chance to show how professional you can be. You are given contracts when you pick up your tickets with tons of information, READ IT.
Show up on time, if you are not here on time you can lose your spot.
Act in a professional manner. Our staff is all professional and we expect you to act the same way. If there is a problem we are here to help you in any way possible, but we expect professional behavior.