Workshop

Buzz Before the Box Office (Building Pre-Season Hype on a Budget)

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  • Where:
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Build the hype before you even hit the stage

You don’t need a massive budget to start turning heads before opening night. This workshop is for anyone gearing up to promote a show and wondering: how do I get people interested before tickets even go on sale?

We’ll take you through how to build a bit of momentum early—even if you’ve only got a few followers, no trailer, and zero dollars in the budget.

You’ll walk away with a plan you can actually stick to (and repeat), so by the time you go on sale, your audience already knows something exciting is coming.

We’ll chat about:

  • What to post and when in the 4–6 weeks before you open

  • Easy ways to build curiosity without needing polished content

  • Simple tools and tricks to keep people interested (and clicking)

  • How to use your mailing list or social media—even if it’s small

  • What to skip so you don’t burn out before opening night

Hosted by

Laura Milke Garner

Laura Milke Garner is the driving force behind MILKE since 2008—an award-winning producer and mentor based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. With over 27 years of industry experience, Laura has produced and supported exceptional live work across Australia and internationally, collaborating with hundreds of artists and presenting shows on iconic stages including the Sydney Opera House, London’s SOHO Theatre, and major festivals around the globe.

Her recent producing triumph, Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, swept the 2025 festival circuit—winning Best Comedy at Perth Fringe World, Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe, and the prestigious Most Outstanding Production at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Laura’s impact extends well beyond the stage. For over a decade, she’s been mentoring the next generation of producers through workshops, online courses, and personalised guidance. Her latest initiative, The Producer Lab, is a national platform dedicated to practical, accessible, and industry-relevant training for independent producers.

As Program Producer at Malthouse Theatre for the past five years, Laura curates the theatre’s annual four-week program for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, spotlighting the best in local and international comedy. She’s also a committed advocate for the sector, having served on the boards of the Moosehead Awards, Golden Gibbo Award, and as a founding member of the Perth International Cabaret Festival.

Workshop

Tickets

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Location

  • Online

Pricing

  • $35

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