In theatrical performances, the role of the producer is different but not less important than that of the director. Producers are responsible for financial, managerial and logistical obligations for a theatrical production. Producers can also provide suggestions on the creative side of the show. See Step 1 below to learn how to create a theater show yourself!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Planning and Organizing
Step 1. Find a script
You as a producer are the first to start the process of making a theatrical performance. Before anything else begins, you (and/or your staff) need to determine "what theater play to make". You can make theater classics like Les Miserables, Death of a Salesman, Ms. Saigon, or A Raisin in the Sun – famous theatrical performances like this have been staged frequently for decades after their first appearance. However, you may also decide to show a new theatrical play. In this case, you must ensure quality manuscripts from talented writers, which can be found in a variety of places, including college venues, theater companies or through an agency or publisher.
Remember that theater performances are intellectual property. Therefore, the show requires us to pay royalties for using it. Make sure that you contact the playwright, his agent or the show's rights owner that the selected script is not public domain
Step 2. Find a director
The director is the "boss" of the show in terms of creative decisions. He manages the players during training and has the final say on aesthetic decisions such as equipment and costume design. The director is also the person who gets the most appreciation (or ridicule) from the performance by the cast. The producer is responsible for finding a suitable director for the show – a friend, colleague or talented newcomer can be chosen to be the director. However, be aware that directors may decline an invitation to direct or negotiate a higher fee. As a producer, you are responsible for finding replacement directors and/or participating in certain negotiations as needed.
Some producers have the same role as a director. This can make the burden that must be carried becomes very large. Therefore, be careful about having multiple roles, unless you already have a lot of experience
Step 3. Get guaranteed funding
One of the most important functions of a producer is to finance a show. If you have sufficient funds to finance the show, you can act as the sole sponsor of the fund. However, many shows are financed by groups of investors – a group of wealthy people who hope to profit from the shows. As a producer, it's your responsibility to "persuade" investors, be they personal friends or wealthy strangers, to back up the show's funding.
You are “also” responsible for keeping investors happy and informed of the show, informing them of any changes, new sales projections, etc
Step 4. Find a venue for the show
A place is needed for the rehearsal activities as well as the performance itself. As a producer, it is your responsibility to determine the venue for the production of the show. The venue must be able to accommodate the technical aspects of making the show (in terms of stage size, lighting, sound system, etc.) and must be large enough to accommodate the size of the audience. Some other aspects you need to consider are:
- Fees for use of different venues have rules for profit sharing from ticket sales, etc.
- Does the venue provide front room staff (ticket checkers, etc.) or not
- Does the place provide insurance or not
- Aesthetic and acoustic quality of the venue
- History of the venue
Step 5. Schedule an audition
Every show needs a performer – even for a single performer. If you have a good network, you can use the services of certain performers in making your show. In this case, you can contact them directly to offer participation in the show. If not, you'll need to schedule an audition. Be sure to promote the audition so that talented performers know where and when to audition for the show.
Focus the audition promotion in places where the performers are usually located, such as theater companies, art schools, etc. As well as groups with frequent contact with these players such as talent agencies
Step 6. Recruit support staff
Actors are not the only player element in a show. Performers, lighting and sound technicians, fashion designers, choreographers and so on collaborate to make a show a success. As a producer, you will need to manage the recruitment of support staff, although you don't need to manage them in their day-to-day duties as this task is usually delegated to several managers.
Note that some venues provide front-of-room staff and some do not. If not, you will need to recruit some of those staff members
Step 7. Choose the players
Usually, the director has the final say on cast selection, as he is the one who will work directly with the cast to create the show. However, you can still provide input for the player selection process. This will depend on your relationship with the director and especially if you have experience in the creative aspect of theatrical production.
Part 2 of 2: Part Two: Putting on a Show on Stage
Step 1. Set a workout schedule
Theater performances require intensive preparation and practice to be ready to stage a show in front of an audience. Collaborate with the director to create a strict but reasonable schedule. In terms of intensity, the exercise needs to be done more often as the performance time approaches. Pay attention to the cost and availability of practice venues and other performance schedules at the venue you have chosen. It is recommended that you schedule at least one hour of practice for each sheet of paper.
Be sure to set aside time for each technical practice and one time for dress rehearsals. Technical rehearsal can give cast, director and crew the opportunity to stage a show using the technical aspects of the show – lighting, sound cues, costumes, and special effects. Dress rehearsals stage performances "as if there were an audience watching" without pausing or stopping. If the player forgets the dialogue, the show must continue like the actual show
Step 2. Ensure insurance coverage
Some performance venues will arrange insurance coverage for theatrical performances, some will not. If a performer or audience member is injured during a performance, insurance coverage covers the costs, protecting you from the costs of maintaining you and the venue. Therefore, insurance coverage is a wise idea for many theatrical performances, "especially" performances involving high-flying acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and so on.
Step 3. Make or buy stage equipment, costumes and other equipment
Spent a lot of time creating gear and costumes specially designed for the show. The manufacture of complex equipment had to even begin before the players started training! As a producer, you need to recruit, coordinate and delegate designers and technicians to create the theatrical performances.
If you have limited funds for theatrical production, you don't need to make every physical aspect necessary. You can use old clothes as costumes to wear. You can ask volunteers in your area to provide the necessary equipment. Theater can be a great opportunity to entertain the community together
Step 4. Create a show schedule
Usually, theatrical performances are not only staged once. Large theater shows can be staged for several days a week for a period of months. Even smaller theater shows usually have a "bargain" of shows consisting of several shows. As a producer, you need to determine the schedule of shows according to holiday schedules, approval of your staff and marketing such as seasonal theater visits and so on.
Try to keep the show on for as long as you believe you can sell enough tickets to generate revenue – if the show is a success, you can put on an extra show
Step 5. Promote the show
Promotion is one of the most important and even most important responsibilities of a producer to get your venue filled with audiences. You have to do various ways even with limited funds. You can promote your show by renting advertisements on radio, television or bulletin boards or distributing flyers at universities in your area. The amount of money that needs to be spent on the promotion depends on how "big" the promotion effort is.
Not all promotional options cost money. If you can persuade a local television channel or newspaper to promote your show, then you will get free publication. In addition, the internet network offers various kinds of free promotions such as social media pages and emails
Step 6. Keep an eye on the show as it progresses
Your liability does not end during the show. While there isn't much preparation and planning to do anymore, you are still the person responsible for every aspect of making the show. Be prepared to deal with problems that may arise. You will need to schedule time to repair or replace damaged equipment, resolve schedule conflicts by re-scheduling and so on. What you want is for the show to run smoothly, no problems occur, and don't leave you off duty after your first play.
As explained above, one of the things you need to do is provide information about the status of the show – especially in financial terms. Investors may want you to report financial statements. It can be a stressful experience when the show is not turning a profit
Step 7. Pay back staff and investors
Once your show has started to profit from ticket sales, you should start paying back investors with a percentage of the money made. Show venues also often require you to provide a certain income from ticket sales – as a producer, you must manage the distribution of the money made so that it is right on target. Whether the show is profitable or not, you have to make sure that even the hard-working cast and staff are getting paid as promised.
