A theatre production business can be demanding. There are so many different elements to consider and plan for! But don’t worry, here are some tips on how to make your theatre company a success.
Relax and enjoy the ride.
Producing a play is no small feat. It takes weeks, sometimes months, of dedication and determination. However, the process can be enjoyable if you take the right steps.
The first step to enjoying the ride is learning to relax. This may seem counterintuitive since producing a play is such a huge undertaking. But if you’re constantly stressed out, you will not enjoy the experience. Take a deep breath and remember that everything will work out.
This second step may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember to actually enjoy the process. Yes, there will be times when things are chaotic and everything is falling apart. But those moments are often followed by some of the most rewarding ones. So savor the good moments and learn from the bad ones.
Also, laughter is the best medicine, and this rings especially true when you’re producing a play. There will be tense moments and long days, but laughter can help relieve some of that stress. And what’s more, it’ll make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Finally, theatre communities are close-knit, so take advantage of that fact and appreciate all the hard work that everyone puts in. Everyone has an important role when putting on a successful show, from the actors to the stagehands. That’s why you should show your appreciation for their work. They’ll be sure to return the favor.
Choose the right play.
One important factor to consider when choosing a play is the cost. Can your theatre company afford it? Can you generate enough revenue from ticket sales to offset the production cost? Consider all potential costs, such as costumes, sets, royalties, and marketing.
Another thing to keep in mind is audience appeal. Who is your target audience? What sort of plays do they typically enjoy?
You’ll want to choose a play that will excite your target audience or pique their interest. Otherwise, you run the risk of empty seats and unsold tickets.
Another important consideration is the availability of actors and actresses. Do you have the necessary talent on hand to produce the play? If not, can you find actors and actresses willing and able to commit to the production?
Keep in mind that some plays require more performers than others. You’ll need to ensure you have or can get enough and the right actors/actresses available before making your final decision.
Finally, consider what sort of challenges it will present for your actors. Does the play require special skills such as singing or dancing? When choosing a play, it’s important to pick something that will challenge your actors and push them outside their comfort zones. That’s not to say that you should always choose the most difficult play possible—but you should definitely avoid plays that will be easy for your actors to coast through without really stretching themselves.
Keep your gear safe.
Your gear is your bread and butter, so ensure that it is well cared for, whether in transit or storage. The last thing you want is your expensive sound system or lights getting damaged because they weren’t properly protected. So, how can you ensure that your gear is well cared for? Using protective and functional cases or shipping containers like the ones from americase.com.
Cases and shipping containers come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one perfect for your needs. Cases are great for smaller items like microphones or lighting fixtures. In comparison, shipping containers are better for larger items like speakers or stands. No matter what type of case or container you choose, though, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure that your gear stays safe and sound.
First, make sure that the case or container you choose is made from durable material. You don’t want something that will fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Second, line the inside of the case or container with soft materials like foam or bubble wrap. This will help cushion any impact and prevent your gear from being scratched or dented.
Finally, label the outside of the case or container, so everyone knows what’s inside. This will help prevent any mix-ups during transit and will also help ensure that your gear gets returned to you if it gets lost.
Whether you’re setting up a new theatre company or trying to manage a successful one, keeping your gear safe and choosing the right play are just two of the many important things you can’t forget about. Last but not least, always remember that the most important thing is to relax and have fun with it.
