#LoveTheatreDay returns

On Wednesday November 18th, theatres across the UK and beyond will take the stage for #LoveTheatreDay 2015 — a virtual celebration of all things theatrical.

The event returns for its second run following the success of last year’s initiative. #LoveTheatreDay debuted in November 2014, with Twitter users sending more than 40K Tweets in one day as the event trended in 18 countries around the world.

The one-day extravaganza will give theatres the chance to celebrate the industry, connect to new audiences and showcase their unique and exclusive content through Twitter, Vine and Periscope. It is completely free of charge and open to all theatres, from professional to amateur dramatics, and any other cultural institutions that want to join in.

Getting involved:
More than 333 theatres, groups and venues have already signed up, from 10 different countries across the globe.

(See a full list of participants here)

Even if you’re not officially registered, we would still invite you to join the conversation using #LoveTheatreDay!

Like last year, there will be one main hashtag steering the Twitter conversation on Wednesday - #LoveTheatreDay. There will also be three event additional hashtags used to guide interaction, which will focus on specific themes throughout the course of the day:

#BackStage: 10 a.m. to 12-noon GMT

• Theatres can give an access-all-areas glimpse into how a production comes together, share the intricacies and secrets behind the magic. What really goes into costume and makeup, set design and venue management?
• Showcase the work of the unsung heroes of the theatre world, from production staff to prop procurers and veteran crew.
• For example, the @CrucibleTheatre will be using Periscope during the day to live-stream a first glimpse of ‘Show Boat’ from the rehearsal room.

#AskATheatre: 3-5 p.m. GMT

• A chance to share the voice of cast, crew, orchestra and others through Twitter Q&As. These could be conducted live on Twitter or our live-streaming app, Periscope.
• A unique opportunity for aspiring actors or keen stagehands to have their questions answered to discover how a production comes together.
• For example, artistic director at Sheffield Theatres’, Daniel Evans (@DanCrucibleAD) will take all your questions in a live Twitter Q&A.

#Showtime: 7-10 p.m. GMT

• Experience the main event, through Twitter, as the performance unfolds. Twitter will be the virtual stalls that brings a new dimension to the typical theatre experience.
• Whether in the flesh or online, theatre-lovers can join the conversation throughout the evening, right up to curtain call.
• For example, Damian Williams (@djwilliasmsact) who is playing the Dame in Aladdin will be using the selfie stick backstage in a takeover of the @SheffieldLyceum Twitter account

As the curtain comes up on #LoveTheatreDay tomorrow, keep a close eye on @TwitterUK, @CultureThemes and @GdnCulturePros to see the highlights from the day.