By: Jay Feldman
In an era where the digital landscape has become a cornerstone of visibility and success, one name stands out in the vibrant tapestry of theater marketing: Julie Nemitz. With a blend of creativity, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to empowering artists, Nemitz has pioneered a revolutionary approach through her newest initiative, the Artist Marketing Lab. This groundbreaking platform is a testament to Nemitz’s expertise and a beacon of hope for theater artists seeking to resonate in an increasingly competitive industry.
“Theater has always been a singularly powerful medium, presenting stories that have the potential to transform both artists and audiences alike. However, the challenge for theater artists to gain recognition and cultivate their brands online can be daunting in the digital age. Like it or hate it, the discovery and vetting of artists is happening on the internet,” said Nemitz during a recent conversation with me.
Recognizing this pivotal need, in 2023, she embarked on a journey to bridge this gap through the wildly successful launch of the Artist Marketing Lab. At its core, this innovative venture is dedicated to amplifying the presence of theater artists—writers, actors, directors, designers, or producers—turning them from hidden gems into celebrated artists recognizable in the digital sphere.
What sets her apart is not just bespoke marketing strategies but also Nemitz’s expertise, which underpins it. Through personalized coaching sessions, tailored marketing plans, and an empathetic understanding of each artist’s unique story and goals, Nemitz ensures that every artist she works with achieves growth and confidence in their online presence.
Julie Nemitz’s journey in establishing the Theatre Marketing Lab in 2019 was fueled by her passion for theater and her recognition of the digital void that existed within it. With a celebrated career spanning over a decade in senior leadership in media sales and marketing, she leveraged that expertise towards theater production and marketing before venturing into entrepreneurship with the Lab. Nemitz has always been at the forefront of innovation. Her approach is holistic; she does not simply focus on traditional marketing techniques but integrates innovations in digital content effectively to reach broader audiences. Every strategy and piece of content curated under Nemitz’s guidance is designed to resonate deeply with both existing audiences and potential new collaborators. In fact, over 2,800 theatermakers have benefited from Nemitz’s leadership and coaching in the Lab.
LinkedIn and Instagram serve as critical platforms where Julie shares invaluable insights into personal branding strategies for artists, further establishing her thought leadership in this niche area. In addition to leveraging these platforms for brand building and networking purposes for her clients’ benefit, she actively uses them for the Lab’s growth—demonstrating by example how a strategic online presence can lead to tangible results.
At its heart, what truly differentiates Julie Nemitz’s approach is her genuine care for each artist’s success and an innovative mindset towards marketing within the arts sector. She believes in helping the artist define and craft meaningful content that resonates authentically with audiences, not just selling themselves. Julie said, “My Compass Framework within the Marketing Mastery program gives artists direction and systems that empower them to spend less time creating content for the internet and more time doing what they’re truly passionate about – creating work for the stage.”
Moreover, her website, julienemitz.com, serves as a central hub where theatermakers can delve deeper into group coaching and individual consulting services Nemitz offers while exploring valuable resources to master marketing for their theatrical career. Owen Smith, Producing Artistic Director of Playhouse Stage Company in Cohoes, New York, said recently, “I have worked with few people in my professional life who are as genuinely passionate about the advancement of live theater as Julie Nemitz. In every measurable way, her work with us delivered exceedingly positive outcomes for our organization. She understands how to engage audiences in unique, creative ways, and, perhaps more importantly, is constantly evolving her approach to effectively adjust to the seemingly ever-changing circumstances of both online and legacy marketing methods.”
As one looks towards a future where digital presence becomes increasingly synonymous with professional success within creative industries like theater, the resources, coaching and training that Nemitz provides are paramount. They provide necessary tools and guidance and inspire confidence among theatermakers and artists navigating the theater industry.
“AI may be taking over a bigger role in business and even Hollywood, but I refuse to believe AI will ever replace humans responsible for creating and performing work for the stage – work that changes hearts and minds. I believe in the power and promise that gives our society to continue steadfastly into the future of theater. People will always crave connection to other humans, and that happens on the stage,” Nemitz shared.
Under Julie Nemitz’s leadership, the Lab exemplifies how blending artistry with astute marketing expertise can create powerful narratives capable of elevating careers onto global stages—proof that when vision meets execution flawlessly, boundaries blur between virtual visibility and real-world acclaim on the stage.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
