I'm new to town. I've not found any ethnic theater in the area. I've done lots of theater in college and have written, directed and produced 3 plays of my own. I've also directed several award winning plays and won awards for my acting. I said all that to say I have some experience....but don't know how to start and organization.
2006-08-23 14:06:54 · 6 answers · asked by luvladyblue 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
read books , and more books
2006-08-30 07:26:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first you need a name for your company!
And then you need a plan, let me help you organize some and consider some goals.
1. Get to know the other performance people in your area. Introduce yourself to the other directors and choreographers so they know your intent and don't feel threatened. Know that much of what you do is more politics than making art.
2. Get involved in the politics of the community -- meaning city hall. They are the ones who will help you along the way. You don't have to do this a long time, just join a committee or two for a while until people know you.
3. Start small. Fund your first show by renting the local high school theater in the summer and expect the box office to pay for the rentals only.
4. I'd not bill myself as "ethnic" overtly, it's limiting and sets an odd standard for art making. However, if your choices are ethnic, no one will see a conflict in that. That said -- get the support of your ethnic group! Join the church, sing in the choir, visit the business people unique to your ...uh...ethniticity. I did a show with an Armenian choreographer once, the house was packed with supporters ~ not necessarily dance fans.
5. Build a season. Be modest at first, say four shows a year. One spring, one fall and two in the summer. Get support of the community by having a local director be a guest. Once you have a season, you can sell season tickets for up front revenue.
6. Research "not for profit", it's the key to your future.
7. Have far reaching goals. Imagine a tour to local cities, support new works, expand into other areas.
8. Document your work. History is being written by those who documented their work, not necessarily those who did the best shows. Just those who had proof and photos.
9, Involve people who are looking for things to do. College students are always needing video projects (for documentation and projections), PBS is always looking for an interesting local slant, student designers - it's their first step into a professional world!
10. Love the work. Appreciate those who work for you. Be passionate about the task. Enjoy the process and let the product be what it becomes.
There y'go ... ten things.
Break a leg!
2006-08-23 18:33:01 · answer #2 · answered by wrathofkublakhan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you are new in town, go to all of the theaters and see what type of plays they produce. Afterwards, contact each theater and ask if they have considered producing an ethnic play, from there, you can pitch your service to them as a director and/or actor.
2006-08-30 07:26:39 · answer #3 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well since you have experience its much easier. you will have to check with the city to see if you can infest in it. then you must find a place or studio to run the business. you'll have to have fundraisers or something to come up with the money because it is a very costly and time consuming job. i cant really tell you anything else. i wish i could help more. good luck!
2006-08-23 14:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by Norah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well first check around to make sure there is none there - then you need to find a theater - advertise you want to start a theater group - and then plan meetings - set up fund raisers
2006-08-23 14:10:12 · answer #5 · answered by Shopaholic Chick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should find a building to start a theatre group and find some friends who want to participate.And then start the show!
2006-08-24 10:02:04 · answer #6 · answered by broadway princess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋