Audience Extras Inc

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Audience Extras ( AE ) is a "papering" system ( i.e. provide additional audience to shows when needed ) that was established by Mr. Peter Copani and his son John-Vincent to benefit the Performing Arts in three innovative ways. First, by screening for responsible, dependable and discreet people to put in an empty seat when a producer needs extra audience. Second, by distributing "paper" complimentary tickets in a way that could develop future audiences, that is, on a "free sample" introductory basis. The third benefit is to use the AE "papering" program as an ongoing funding source for non-profit theatre. The cost of the AE communication system is covered by the ticket recipients making it free for theatre companies and producers who use the service to "paper" or "Dress The House". Each step of development was carefully planned to: 1 ) Keep a low profile so that AE is not in competition with box office's sales. 2 ) Encourage good audience etiquette and exclude anyone refusing to cooperate. 3 ) Make recipients aware that receiving a complimentary ticket is a privilege, not an entitlement. 4 ) To encourage spreading good word-of-mouth publicity for shows when warranted. When Peter Copani was in drama school in the 1950's his teacher told the story of Conrad Cantzen, who started a fund to provide shoes for actors. He was so moved by this story that he dreamed of someday being like Cantzen. From 1969 to 1978 Mr. Copani was a playwright/producer of one to four productions a year. In the summer of 1974 he had 3 epic musicals, a total of 62 songs all performed at Lincoln Center out-of-doors. His shows were in festivals during the summertime, which later transferred to off and off-off Broadway. In the autumn of 1978, Copani was hired for a CETA job to get senior citizens and rehabilitation centers to shows when theatres needed to "paper" or fill the house.