Ensemble Arts
A Masterclass in Branding, Powered by Tracy Fauntleroy
The Kimmel Center - The Heart of Broadway
In the bustling heart of Philadelphia, there’s a place where the arts don’t just live—they thrive. Ensemble Arts (formerly The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) is more than a cultural entertainment and musical institution. It’s a brand that has redefined what it means to connect people to the power of live performances. And at the center of its transformation in what you see today, was a man who knows a thing or two about building brands: Tracy Fauntleroy.
Attracting Your Audiences:
Good marketing is no accident. It’s the product of sharp strategy, keen insights, and an unwavering commitment to results. Tracy Fauntleroy embodies all of that and more. When he was brought in to reimagine The Kimmel Center, he didn’t just think about what looked good on paper or what would sell tickets in the short term. He thought about what would last—what would make Ensemble Arts not only stand out, but become indispensable to its community; He knew that employees and audiences don’t just work or attend concert performances for entertainment. They come to be inspired, to feel something, to be part of a story. And that’s exactly what he delivered.
Redefining Brand and Communication; Relevance:
The challenge? Rebrand one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious cultural venues without losing its rich history or alienating its core audience. The solution? Tracy took the best of what The Kimmel Center had to offer and made it more accessible, more relevant, and, above all, more meaningful to the modern audience. He knew that the best way to sell anything—whether it’s a car, soap, or a symphony—is to understand your audience’s needs and desires better than they do.
He led with research, as any good marketer does. He dug into audience data, dissected market trends, and studied competitors. Then, he turned that knowledge into action. It wasn’t just about flashy campaigns or one-time gimmicks. His strategy was comprehensive: he led the marketing, digital, and sales campaigns for over 450 events in a single season. The result? A staggering 30% increase in first-year attendance after the rebrand. That’s not luck—that’s what happens when you understand your audience and deliver exactly what they’re looking for.
The Visitor and Employee Experience:
Tracy’s success wasn’t just in filling seats. It was in crafting a internal and external brand that customer and employees wanted to be part of. He understood that engagement and communication with multiple product brands and offerings is not just in person experience, but is elevated via multiple touch points—digitally, OOH, socially, and emotionally. He made sure that Ensemble Arts was as compelling with employees (i.e. onsite offerings, rewards, benefits, meet and greets, promotions and service), as well as, online activating visitors interests from the website to social media, every element was designed to draw people in and keep them coming back.
At its core, Ensemble Arts is about connection. Connection to the arts, to the community, and to something larger than oneself; Tracy’s strategic vision brought it to life. He didn’t just sell tickets—he sold experiences. He didn’t just fill seats—he filled hearts.
