A forecasting model of opera attendance was used to assess the relative importance of two categories of predictor variables: performance attributes and environmental characteristics. Separate analyses for subscribers and nonsubscribers yielded insight into the differences between the two groups concerning the impact of repertory and scheduling on attendance. While subscribers were most heavily influenced by timing, nonsubscriber attendance was also influenced by the familiarity of the opera. The predictive validity of the model was evaluated using data from the most recent season's performances.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
NielsenR. P. and McQueenC., Performing Arts Consumer Behavior: An Exploratory Study, in American Marketing Association Proceedings, CurhanR. C. (ed.), American Marketing Association, Chicago, pp. 392–395, 1974.
2.
RyansA. B. and WeinbergC. B., Consumer Dynamics in Nonprofit Organizations, Journal of Consumer Research, 5, pp. 89–95, 1978.
3.
SextonD. E. and BritneyK., A Behavioral Segmentation of the Arts Market, in Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. VII, OlsonJ. C. (ed.), Association for Consumer Research, Ann Arbor, pp. 119–120, 1980.
4.
SkrzypczakC. S., Is There a Niche for a Major Symphony with Its Own Symphony Hall on Long Island?, in Community Support of the Performing Arts—Selected Problems of Local and National Interest, EastonA. (ed.), Hofstra University Yearbook of Business, Series 7, 5, pp. 163–202, 1970.
5.
AndreasenA. R. and BelkR. W., Predictors of Attendance at the Performing Arts, Journal of Consumer Research, 7, pp. 112–120, 1980.
6.
PermutS. E., A Survey of Marketing Perspectives of Performing Arts Administrators, in Marketing the Arts, MokwaM. P.DawsonW. M. and PrieveE. A. (eds.), Praeger, New York, pp. 47–58, 1980.
7.
HolbrookM. B., Some Preliminary Notes on Research in Consumer Esthetics, in Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. VII, OlsonJ. C. (ed.), Association for Consumer Research, Ann Arbor, pp. 104–108, 1980.
8.
BaumolW. J. and BowenW. G., Performing Arts—The Economic Dilemma, MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1966.
9.
MooreT. G., Quantitative Analyses of the Performing Arts, in Selected Readings in Quantitative Urban Analysis, BernsteinS. J. and MellonG. W. (eds.), Pergamon Press, New York, 1977.
10.
ThrosbyC. D. and WithersG. A., The Economics of the Performing Arts, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1979.
11.
WeinbergC. B. and SchachmutK. M., ARTS PLAN: A Model Based System for Use in Planning a Performing Arts Series, Management Science, 24, pp. 654–664, 1978.
12.
MartorellaR., The Sociology of Opera, Praeger, New York, 1982.
13.
BelkR. W. and AndreasenA. R., De Gustibus non est Disputandum: A Study of the Potential for Broadening the Appeal of Performing Arts, in Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. VII, OlsonJ. C. (ed.), Association for Consumer Research, Ann Arbor, pp. 109–113, 1980.
14.
BelkR. W.SemenikR. J., and AndreasenA. R., Co-patronage Patterns in Arts-related Leisure Activities, in Symbolic Consumer Behavior, HirschmanE. C. and HolbrookM. B. (eds.), Association for Consumer Research, Ann Arbor, pp. 95–100, 1980.
15.
PedhazurE. J., Multiple Regression in Behavioral Research, 2nd edition, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, New York, 1982.
16.
SemenikR. J. and YoungC. E., Correlates of Season Ticket Subscription Behavior, in Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. VII, OlsonJ. C. (ed.), Association for Consumer Research, Ann Arbor, pp. 114–118, 1980.