Internet ticket plan for Peninsula Theatre

Gosford Council may introduce internet ticket sales for events at Peninsula Theatre, after deciding not to remain a Ticketmaster agency.

The council's theatre staff recently assessed the operation of the agency and found that the expected benefits had not eventuated.

It was originally anticipated that the agency would bring it commission, increased traffic through the box office and would see the promotion of Laycock Street Theatre events through Ticketmaster.

Theatre staff stated that the commission received did not cover the cost of staffing the agency, with Ticketmaster only offering a "very moderate" increase to the commission, which would be "well short" of an equitable remuneration.

The staff reported that with changes to technology and patron purchasing trends, more tickets were being purchased over the internet and printed at home.

This meant that people wishing to attend events elsewhere were less likely to purchase their tickets at a local outlet such as Laycock Street Theatre.

Staff said that there had been no proof of increased traffic through the box office or increased ticket sales "either at the time of sale or at a later date".

Tickets to Laycock Street Theatre productions, including events at Peninsula Theatre, were sold through the theatre ticketing system, and had never been advertised on the Ticketmaster website.

"It is very unlikely that this nation-wide website would be effective in generating local sales in any case.

"Over the past two years, the operations at the theatre have significantly increased with the introduction of a subscription series and The Supper Club, and strategically there is no benefit in continuing the Ticketmaster agency when resources could more effectively be utilised to introduce internet ticket sales for the Laycock Street Theatre, Peninsula Theatre and events at the Gosford Regional Gallery and other outdoor events and festivals - which will be implemented this year."

Laycock Street Theatre entered into a Ticketmaster outlet agreement on August 9, 2003.

The system commenced operation on November 20, 2003, and the initial period of the agreement was for three years.

A staff report to Council stated that recent discussions with its legal officers and Ticketmaster representatives had confirmed that council was able to terminate the agreement at its instigation with formal notification.

Council has resolved to terminate the agreement with Ticketmaster.

Council agenda COM.3, 22 Jan 2008