In the realization of a play the role of the "producer" differs from that of the director, but it is certainly no less important. The producer takes care of the financial, managerial and logistic part of the theatrical production, although he can also contribute to the creative side of the making process. Read this guide to learn how to produce a play!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Plan and Organize
Step 1. Find a script
It will be you, the producer, who will be the first person to begin the process of creating the play. First of all, you and your staff will have to decide "which show to produce". You could choose a classic like The Miserables, Death of a Salesman, Ms. Saigon or La Loc Bandiera, plays that are still produced decades (or centuries) after their debut. But maybe, you might decide to debut with a new script. In this case, commit to finding quality scripts written by talented writers that you will surely find in a variety of places, including universities, theater companies, or perhaps through a theatrical agent.
Theatrical works are intellectual property and often require royalties to be paid for their use. Contact the author, their agent or who owns the rights if the script you have chosen is not in the public domain
Step 2. Find a director
The director is the "boss" of the show, he has the final say on creative decisions. He directs the actors during rehearsals, decides the aesthetic aspects of the show, such as the scenography, and also receives most of the glory (or derision) after the performance. The producer is responsible for finding a suitable director for the script - it can be a friend, a professional partner or an up-and-coming director. Keep in mind, however, that the director may decline your offer, or negotiate a higher fee. As a producer, your job will be to find replacement directors and / or participate in negotiations if necessary.
Some producers also have the role of director. This carries a huge responsibility, so think carefully before taking on the dual role, unless you already have a lot of experience behind you
Step 3. Secure your funds
One of the most important functions of the producer is to pay the costs of the show. If you personally have the necessary funds to cover all the costs of carrying out the work, you can choose to be the only lender. Many shows are funded by a group of investors - people hoping to get a slice of the profits. In this case, your job will be to "promote" the work to investors, whether they are friends or strangers with a lot of financial resources, in an attempt to get them to pay for it.
It is also your job to keep investors up to date on the production process, notifying any significant changes during the implementation phase
Step 4. Find a theater
Shows need a physical space, both for rehearsals and for the performance itself. As a producer, you will have to find the right place. The space must facilitate the technical aspects of the production (the size of the stage, the lights, the sound, etc.) and must be large enough to accommodate a good number of spectators. Other aspects you should consider are:
- The cost of the theater: each theater will have different rules on sharing profits on tickets, and other costs;
- Presence or not of staff provided by the theater (for the ticket office, etc.);
- Liability insurance provided by the theater;
- The aesthetic and acoustic qualities of the theater;
- The background of the theater.
Step 5. Organize the auditions
All shows need a cast - even those with only one actor. If you have multiple contacts, you may already have some actors in mind that you would like to offer parts - and that you will contact personally. If you don't know anyone, you will need to audition. Make sure you advertise the auditions so any actors know when and where to show up.
Concentrate promotion in places where actors are more likely to be found: in theater companies, in acting schools, in theater agencies
Step 6. Hire staff
Actors are only part of the human resources needed to make a show. You will need machinists, lighting and sound technicians, costume designers, choreographers and other staff to successfully make your show work. As a producer you will have to supervise the hiring of staff, although you will not necessarily have to direct them in their task, as this is usually a role played by other professionals.
Note that although many theaters already have their own support front staff, some do not provide it and you will therefore need to hire additional staff for these tasks
Step 7. Assign roles
Generally, the director has the final say on cast selection, being the person who will work directly with the actors to create the show. However, if your relationship with the director allows it, you will be able to contribute to the selection process, especially if you have already worked on the creative aspects of a theatrical production.
Part 2 of 2: Bringing the Show onto the Stage
Step 1. Organize the rehearsals
Theatrical performances require intense preparation and a lot of rehearsal before being performed in public. He works with the director to create a rigorous but reasonable program, which gradually increases in intensity as the debut approaches. Consider the costs and space availability for rehearsals and the dates of other scheduled events at the theater of your choice. Generally, at least one hour rehearsal is recommended for each page of the script.
Make sure you set aside time for technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. The technical rehearsals allow the actors, the director and the rest of the staff to stage the complete show and solve any problems regarding lighting, sound, costumes and special effects. Dress rehearsals consist of rehearsing the show in costume as if the audience were present, without pauses or interruptions. For example, if an actor forgets the lines, the show must go on, as it would during a public performance
Step 2. Take out liability insurance
In some theaters insurance is already included, in others it is not; in these cases it is necessary to provide insurance, in the event that an actor or a spectator is injured during the theatrical performance, so that the costs are covered and you do not have to shell out anything out of your own pocket. These assurances are a wise idea, especially if the show involves acrobatic scenes, fireworks, and the like.
Step 3. Organize the purchase and creation of sets, costumes, and props
All of these things take time to accomplish. The construction of particular and complicated sets, for example, may have to begin even before the actors' rehearsals begin! As a producer you will need to hire, coordinate and delegate both designers and technicians to shape the show.
If the funds are running out, it is not necessary to create every single physical aspect of the work on commission. You can search for the costumes in thrift stores and find volunteers from your community to help you create the set. Theater can be a good opportunity to unite the community in an enjoyable and artistic activity
Step 4. Plan the theater program
Usually, theatrical productions are not performed only once. The great theatrical productions in the major theaters are staged several times a week, for whole months; but also the small productions have a "season", which consists of different performances. As a producer, you will have to decide on a schedule that takes into consideration holidays, the availability of your staff and market opportunities, such as theater seasons etc.
Perform your show as long as you believe it will be able to sell enough tickets to make a profit - if your show sells out, you can always add more performances
Step 5. Promote the show
Promotion is an essential part of producer work and perhaps the most important factor in determining prime time viewership. Get the word out by any means possible, obviously without breaking your budget. You could buy advertising space on radio and television, put up posters, distribute flyers at local universities. The cost of advertising may be insignificant or huge for your budget, it will depend on the degree of promotion you intend to give to your show.
Not all promotion requires a cost. If you can get the attention of some local newspaper or television, for example, you will get free advertising. The internet also offers a myriad of promotional options at no cost, through social networks and e-mails
Step 6. Supervise the show throughout the programming
Your job as a producer doesn't end after prime time. Even if the preparatory work is practically done, you remain the person responsible for almost all aspects of the production of the show. Be prepared for any problems that may arise. Some props may break and will need to be replaced, show dates may need to be changed, and more. It is in your best interest that everything goes smoothly throughout the entire theatrical program, so don't become an inactive producer right after the show's debut.
As mentioned above, the thing you will certainly need to do is keep investors up to date on the situation - especially the financial success of the show. They may require financial reports, which is stressful if the show fails
Step 7. Reimburse staff and investors
When your show begins (hopefully) to generate profits from ticket sales, you will have to pay investors a percentage of the profit. Often, even the theater where the show is staged asks for a good chunk on ticket sales - the producer's job is to properly distribute the money to whoever is owed. Whether the show is successful or not, you will need to make sure you pay the tireless actors and staff their due.
