Producer
What is a Producer?
A Producer will:
- Obtain the rights for the project (play or musical)
- Select and engage the creative team
- Negotiate and issue contracts
- Ensure legal compliance
- Create and manage a budget
- Book the venue
- Create a production timeline
- Raise the money
The Producer needs a broad skill-set:
- Negotiation
- Communication
- People management
- Knowledge of theatre audiences & appetite
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Business management
- Financial planning
- Problem solving
Useful links:
- Stage One (UK Charity that supports and trains commercial theatre producers) [Instagram]
- UK Theatre Supporting theatre organisations / owners
- SOLT Society of London Theatre https://solt.co.uk For theatre producers / owners in London
Notable Theatre Producers:
First Theatre Producers:
USA/Broadway: David Belasco attracted audiences on his name alone. Chose unknown actors & elevated them to stardom. Built his own theatre in 1906.
UK: David Garrick (active 1741-1776) Hugely influential actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer. Performed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, purchased a share of the theatre, managed the venue for 29 years. Favoured naturalistic acting style.