6 Low-Cost Ways to Make Your Patrons Feel at Home

One of the best things about being part of a chorus is the powerful connection you create with your patrons. In a world that’s more digital and disconnected than ever, choral concerts offer a rare opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and share a moving, ephemeral experience. Just like being in a chorus can feel like being part of a family, you can extend that same sense of warmth and belonging to your audience. But what does that mean, exactly? 

It’s about making them feel comfortable and at home. So, in the spirit of making your patrons feel like they’re part of your choir family, here are six low-cost ways to do just that—and keep them coming back for more.

1. Concert Wayfinding Signage

You know that panicky feeling when you're at a new venue and have no idea where to go? Yeah, let’s avoid that. There's nothing worse than wandering around, wondering where the entrance is while juggling your coat, your tickets... (and possibly your pride😅).

Let’s make it easy on your patrons. They’ve already braved traffic to get to your concert—don’t make them feel like they’re on a scavenger hunt to find the front door. Signage is key. And remember, many choral audiences skew a bit older, so clear wayfinding helps everyone feel more at ease.

Here are some must-have signs to stick up at your venue:

• Street-facing A-frame signs near the entrance or parking lot. Keep it simple: “Concert This Way —>” or “Concert Parking —>.” It’s also a great branding opportunity. Just don’t forget those arrows (and make sure they’re pointing in the correct direction).
• Restroom signs. No one wants to wander around hunting for the bathroom during intermission (or worse, during the performance!). Make it easy. Print a few signs with arrows pointing the way: “Restrooms ^” or “Restrooms —>.”
• Box office signs. Even if most of your tickets are sold online, you'll still have walk-up sales or will-call pickups. Clear signage—“WILL CALL” or “TICKET SALES”—will keep things smooth and avoid that pre-show chaos nobody needs.

2. A Team of Volunteers

What’s the best thing about coming home? The warm welcome, of course! You want your patrons to feel like they’ve just walked into a family reunion (minus the awkward small talk with relatives).

Having a team of enthusiastic, friendly volunteers is a great way to make that happen. These folks are your front line of hospitality, and they’ll set the tone for the whole evening.

Position volunteers in key spots:

• Parking lot: A volunteer directing patrons from the parking lot to the entrance? That’s gold.
• Greeter: Have someone standing by to answer any last-minute questions before people queue up for tickets. The Greeter can also help direct traffic. Already have your concert ticket? No need to check in at the box office, you can go right to the door. This also keeps your ticket sales and will call lines from getting too long!
• Ushers: Volunteers at the entrance handing out programs and guiding people to their seats? It’s not just helpful—it adds a personal touch.
• Seating: Even if your concert doesn’t have assigned seating, having volunteers guide people to available seats (and maybe even encourage them to fill the front rows) will help keep things flowing smoothly.

3. Post-Concert Mix & Mingle

Let’s be honest—your chorus members are basically celebrities to your patrons. They may not have a red carpet, but trust me, people want to meet them! After the performance, why not encourage the singers to come out and mingle?

I still remember my first choral concert, being completely star-struck when the singers came out to chat with the audience. It made me feel like I was part of something special—and your patrons will feel the same way. They’ll love the opportunity to share their excitement with the people who just wowed them on stage. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build a sense of community and make your audience feel like they’re part of your extended family.

4. Advance Program Notes

Let’s face it—choral patrons are nerds (in the best possible way). They love diving into the program, reading about the composers, and studying the text long before the first note even hits the air. And who can blame them? It just adds to the anticipation and excitement of hearing the music live.

So why not feed that excitement? Publish your program notes in advance! Post them on your website the week of the concert and include a link in your reminder emails. Your patrons will appreciate the insider scoop, and it’ll make them even more eager to experience the concert.

5. Clear Venue & Parking Info

Don’t make your patrons play a guessing game when it comes to parking or finding the venue. Clear instructions are your best friend here! Include a detailed map of the venue on your website, along with specifics on parking options and accessibility information.

If there’s a tricky parking situation, mention it! Is the lot hidden behind the building? Let people know. Do they need to bring cash for parking? Give them a heads-up. You’ll score major points for making their arrival a breeze.

6. Accessibility Accommodations

Making everyone feel welcome means ensuring that your concert is accessible to all. Do you have designated wheelchair seating? Great! Make sure it’s easy to find. Is your venue equipped with ramps or elevators? Let people know in advance. Have volunteers on hand to assist patrons with mobility needs and ensure they’re seated comfortably.

Nothing says “you’re part of our family,” like creating a seamless, dignified experience for everyone, no matter their needs. And trust me, your patrons will notice—and appreciate—the effort.

These six low-cost ideas will help your patrons feel right at home in your concert venue. With a few simple touches, you’ll create an experience that’s warm, welcoming, and unforgettable. And before you know it, they’ll be lining up for your next performance like it’s the event of the season—because to them, it is!

I’d love to hear about the creative and low-cost ways you’ve improved your patron’s concert experience! Please share some of them in the comments, so we can learn and grow together.