8. Conclusion: Analyzing "Slime Tutorials"
In the Internet Age, digital fandom is the main way that fans connect with one another, interact with art and theories, and spread the word about their favourite media. Tumblr has curated a niche of digital fandom which attracts multimedia creators, as well as fans who are drawn to multimedia fandom. It is no surprise, therefore, that fans of the "Slime Tutorial" gather on Tumblr to share their appreciation for musical theatre.
Bootleg recordings are the backbone of digital theatre fan communities, as they allow for fans (new and old!) to view a show without the cost or travel time. Despite the concerns of theatre stars, they are also proven not to detract from ticket sales, as almost all fans would buy a ticket if it were feasible. The illegality of bootlegs rests purely in the murky waters of copyright infringement, especially enforced by video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, hence the code-name "Slime Tutorial." While theatre creators' disdain combines with the social belittling of musical theatre fans to form a harsh stigma that they are "entitled" or "don't respect" etiquette, these claims are rooted largely in classism and ageism, as while most musical fans are young (and therefore less likely to be wealthy), they are systemically barred from live performances due to skyrocketing ticket prices and social disapproval. Bootlegs serve as a budget-friendly alternative as well as a safe space for other fans in a similar position.
Furthermore, bootleg recordings serve the valuable purpose of archiving the limited experience of a particular show with a particular cast, sometimes even catching unique moments not seen in the official script or score. These recordings in turn encourage fans to create their own media, be it art, GIFs, or edits, which interacts with shows in a way which wouldn't be possible if the experience were kept behind lock and key.
While some productions are beginning to tap into the marketing potential of fan interaction, especially since fandom on social media has been a driving force behind word-of-mouth notoriety, digital fandom remains a largely untapped resource, likely due to the stigma. The future may be uncertain, but musical theatre has a very clear opportunity to propel themselves into the twenty-first century, if only they were to fully embrace their young, digitally-minded fanbase.
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