Who's Your Audience?

Writers, directors, content creators all get this question. "Who's your audience?"

"Well, that's simple. Teens."
"Why it's the baby boomers."
"Well, I think people who love a good mystery or story."

All are valid. Any answer would suffice. But, honestly, I think we're wrong. Those are demographics. Not an audience. Think about it. Who is your audience, really? Who are you telling your story to? Why are you telling it? On stage, people talk about the immediacy of the reaction from the crowd. People they connect with. People they see with their own eyes. When you tell jokes, you're looking to make people around you laugh.

To get a reaction.

When I finish a project and show it to friends and family, I'm seeking their reactions. I'm looking for their approval. I'm gauging their interest in my story because they are my audience! What is the difference between me and storytellers from decades pass whom gathered around a fire and entertained? When I created The Puzzle Maker's Son, I reached out to people I didn't know and told a story. I sought a connection with others across the Internet and once acquaintances were made and pleasantries were exchanged, my audience grew from my blanket demographic.

But initially, my audience consisted of my wife, my friends, my But family, people I work with, people I've met, colleagues, living, breathing people in front of me. These are the people who I tell my story to. Like it or not, you do, too.

Everyone else is a demographic. (until you share a connection with them, then they become part of your audience) Please, don't misunderstand me and think I'm insensitive to those whom I've never met, but appreciate my work. There's no relationship between me and them...yet. When I'm telling a story, I don't wonder about a faceless person across the country. I'm thinking of people I know.

This is why I'm always amazed and pleased to here from people I've never met who took the time to watch my work. It's very humbling to meet people who've seen my work and enjoyed the story. Making a connection with others, where no perceived inclination of approval was present, is awesome.