Understanding how to produce a Broadway show is one of the main requirements for any budding playwright. After all, a good Broadway producer or Broadway director makes all the difference between a hit or a flop. It’s no secret that most Broadway shows get sold-out within days of their run at the theatre. There are some great tips to help you get your own show off the ground. But if you’re a novice at producing Broadway shows, there are some quick pointers that can help too.
First and foremost, be prepared to do a bit of homework. Research the play before you ever submit it to a casting director or producer. You’ll want to know what kind of topics the play will cover, how long it is and who the play’s audience will be. Once you’ve found out about these details, then it’s time to contact a playwright agent or company and see if they might be interested in having you produce their show. Most agents and companies today specialize in just this kind of thing.
Be sure to let the producer know the full story about your play, even down to the minutest detail. You want to tell them why your play is different from those that have previously been produced on Broadway. What makes it different? Is it time-consuming and difficult to produce, is it written specifically for an adult audience and/or is it based on a true story?
If you find that the producer is interested, you must now proceed with the arduous process of finding a production company to work with. There are many companies out there – most of them are good but some are not. What you need to look for when browsing companies is whether they have a record of producing high quality shows. Check reviews online of their past productions.
After you’ve researched several potential production companies to work with, meet with them to discuss the particulars of your project. How long do you plan to rehearse your play? Is it going to be shown in the summer or the spring? What costs are associated with the production, both in relation to time and money?
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few companies, find out what their production schedule looks like. How many productions they do in a year? How many new shows will they produce in the next year? How long are their breaks? Ask these questions and find out if the company is committed to your project.
Find out about the company’s history. Find out how long they’ve been around and what type of experience they have. It’s important that you feel comfortable and that your production company of choice has the same level of expertise and professionalism. Find out what kind of training the company offers both onsite and through video recordings.
The most important thing when learning how to produce a Broadway show is to choose a company that you’re already comfortable working with. See if you can talk to previous clients and see if you get along well. Find out what kind of interaction you should have with the company and whether the principals are easy to reach and talk to. If you can, try calling current clients after the production has been completed to ask for their input. A great production company makes all these things easier to achieve.
Another important consideration when learning how to produce a Broadway show is the company’s history. This shows, especially to an unknown producer, how successful they are at finding talented people and building a team. What kind of support does the company offer for its artists? Is there any kind of mentoring program? Mentoring is essential for new artists because it helps them overcome obstacles and learn from their mistakes.
Your how to produce a Broadway show budget will inevitably be one of the most important factors when choosing a Broadway production company. The production company you choose should offer payment options that allow you to work within your budget. A good production company won’t overcharge you just to get the work done; they’ll give you an accurate quote based on your level of work. If you have a financial statement available, use it as a guide.
Choosing how to produce a Broadway show isn’t as simple as ABC. There are many details involved in getting a Broadway production company together. But by taking the time to plan carefully and choose wisely, you can increase your chances of finding success with your Broadway show. If you keep these things in mind throughout the process, you’ll be more likely to get the results you want from your efforts.