Schedule a Call

Marketing Strategist for Performing Arts & Mission-Driven Organizations

Zac Bernauer

Great marketing begins with listening better. I’m a Philadelphia marketing strategist specializing in performing arts and nonprofit marketing for organizations that want their message to resonate with those it reaches. Your mission matters too much for generic marketing.

Let's Connect

Who I am

Mission-First
Marketer

I’ve seen too many mission-driven organizations struggle to authentically communicate with their audiences. The disconnect begins with not knowing what actually drives audience connection.

My background in community-based work taught me to read audiences and craft messages that connect with people’s values. I help organizations find their true voice and translate their missions into messages that resonate. I’m particularly drawn to theater and performing arts marketing because live performance demands that immediate, authentic connection. You can’t fake genuine audience engagement when people are investing their evening in your story.

Meet Zac

What I do

helping you connect
your mission and message

Collaboration in Strategy

Marketing only works when people feel heard and known.

I start with your story, what you've tried, what has worked, and what is in the way. From there I develop strategy grounded in your reality and build the campaigns, content, and systems to execute it.

Data-Driven Creativity

Data comes alive when it is paired with imagination.

I dig into the numbers to see what your audience is really saying, then create the social content, email campaigns, and marketing materials that turn those insights into engagement. This approach works particularly well for nonprofit marketing where impact stories need both heart and proof.

Audience Connection

Understanding your audience goes beyond demographics.

I help you identify the values, motivations, and communication preferences that drive engagement, then build the marketing campaigns and community partnerships that reach them. Authentic audience connection drives results in theater marketing, nonprofit communications, and everything in between.

Watch Podcast on Inspirational Creativity

8+ Years Serving 250+ Mission-Driven Organizations

Case Studies

Strategic Thinking,
Creative Execution

I meet organizations where they are. Some need strategic planning. Others need hands-on execution. Most need both. 

The case studies below show how this plays out in practice.

Creating and Scaling a Strategic Social Media Service

What happens when a creative agency needs to scale personalized content without losing authenticity? I helped build a social media service from concept to sustainable system, shaping structure, tone, and delivery processes. Starting with four test clients, I helped build a social media service from concept to sustainable system, shaping structure, tone, and delivery processes.
Discover the Strategy

Creative and Campaign Strategy for a National Communications Conference

We started with a challenge: how do you reintroduce a brand in a way that feels clear, confident, and true to its audience? I helped guide the creative and strategic rebuild, shaping tone, messaging, and experience from the first teaser to the final recap. The event became a launchpad. It drove ticket sales, strengthened relationships, and created momentum for future offerings and long-term growth.
Explore the Campaign

Marketing & Creative Execution Plan: Little Shop of Horrors

"How do you get an entire community to feed the plant?" This sample campaign strategy for Little Shop of Horrors tackles the challenge of marketing cult classic theater to both die-hard fans and curious newcomers. Developed as a portfolio piece for a theater marketing role, the integrated approach spans social media storytelling, targeted digital ads, experiential lobby elements, and press strategy.
Feed the Plant

how i do it

Audience-Centered
Communications Strategy

Fractional Marketing Leadership

Ongoing strategic direction and marketing oversight for organizations that need senior guidance without a full-time hire.
Click Here

Marketing Strategy & Execution

Marketing strategy development and hands-on execution, from audience development and campaign planning to content creation and analytics.
Click Here

Performance Marketing & Community Engagement

Building sustainable audiences through grassroots tactics, local partnerships, and authentic community connection that goes beyond traditional advertising.
Click Here

Workshop & Training

Staff development on authentic patron engagement, grassroots marketing, content strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
Click Here

articles

How to Create Unforgettable Theater Experiences

In live theater, the guest experience starts long before the curtain rises.

Ushers and greets play a crucial role in managing lobby traffic, easing long lines, and creating memorable interactions. Learn how front-of-house teams can turn downtime into engagement, boost sales, and build patron loyalty through simple, intentional hospitality.

View all articles

Mission-Driven Marketing Strategist Reviews

What People Are Saying

"Zac connects with people effortlessly, translating complex concepts into practical strategies that resonate with our team."
Maggie Freeman
Maggie Freeman2/42 Community
"Zac’s easy-going, relational approach made the process enjoyable, while his up-to-date recommendations kept us ahead of the curve."
Tika Stock
Tika StockCity Life Philly
"Beyond his professional expertise, Zac stands out for his exceptional character - he's incredibly smart, always eager to learn, remarkably creative, and demonstrates unwavering integrity in everything he does."
Kim Tarlton
Kim TarltonStory and Stone