First Time Theater -- Which Show?
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I'm looking at starting a theater where I live. It's a big responsibility but I'm up to the task as I have always wanted to see one here. However, I'd like to know where I'm headed before I head there. I've gather some support and I want to know if we were to do a show, which MTI show would we do?I've been particularly attracted MTI's shows because: a) I'm a sucker for Disney and, b) they seem very well-put together and organized.I'm not sure how tight our budget will but from years of making costumes for some rather difficult and odd characters, I know how to work something out on a budget in that department.
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Hi Conner! Great advice from Dale and Rodney! Taking advantage of leg-work that is already done by people is important. Everything you have to scratch from with will take away from the artistic process with kids. That is the theory and solution behind the Broadway JR showkits...less work for the director as the music, choreography, directing guidelines, costume ideas, set ideas, curriculum suggestions are already done for you - like a "bed in a bag" it is a "show in a box"! Interested in knowing what ages you intend to work with. Congrats on doing your research first Conner...have seen many a brilliant director fall in the whole with the business end! Cindy
Conner,
You might like to start by directing a show at an established theater that can handle the publicity, box office, royalties and all that or you, then produce a show for them or another theater where you handle all the back office work, THEN think about producing a show in a borrowed or rented space.
By taking things in a stepwise fasion, you'll learn a lot, make tons of connection and take very little financial risk.
Break a leg! Wait--break an actor's leg!
That's very ambitious. I would think you certainly need to know what kind of support you can expect. First time theater is tough - venue, advertising, royalties, etc. I have seen a couple of groups start (on different ends). One started with an historic straight play, so that the wouldn't have to put out too much money when they weren't sure they could cover costs. It is in its fourth season and remains a small group that does quirky shows and gets 60 - 70 per show. It is a small niche, but because of how they do it they have the luxury of time to slowly build an audience.
The other group had their inaugural show last summer- Miss Saigon - they will be doing only a summer show for the forseeable future. They were gangbusters on advertising and were able to get about 350 per show (we are a small market to begin with). Their theory was that if they wanted to get noticed they had to try something that hadn't been done here. They were happy with their turnout and are looking forward to next summer.
The similarity of both groups is that they had a plan and knew what they were looking for and what to expect. You need to get your ducks in a row and know what to expect when you do it. After that the show/shows you will do will be more apparent.
You say you like Disney - I would think the questions about how you tie in with local schools would be important to tackle along the way.
Good Luck!