18 Most Popular Blog Posts from The Producer’s Perspective: 18 Years of Broadway Insights
In 2007, I started a blog called The Producer’s Perspective.
I started writing it because Broadway was at a turning point. It was the beginning of the financial crisis. People were ringing the death knell for the theater . . . again. And I had some ideas. Some good ones. Some terrible ones. But some ideas.
My hope with the blog was to amplify the conversation about theater with the hope we could make it better. And make more of it.
Because I believe, as I know you do, that the world is a better place if there is more theater in it.
A lot has changed since I started that blog. For one, I’ve written 6076 posts over 18 years.
And as is with any anniversary comes some reflection . . . any questions from my team as to the most popular blogs we’ve written the last almost 2 decades. So we looked up the stats! If you’re curious as to the 18 most read blogs, keep on reading . . .
#18 – How Do I Find Investors For My Broadway Or Off-Broadway Show
Originally Published: February 4, 2008
This is the question I get more than any other. The answer? Relationships. Storytelling. And the courage to ask.
#17 – At The Broadway League Conference – Day 1/Wise Words About WE From Jonathan Tisch
Originally Published: May 16, 2012
Day 1 dropped some wisdom bombs. Jonathan Tisch reminded us: this business is about WE, not ME.
#16 – 10 Audition Tips For Actors
Originally Published: December 10, 2008
Want to crush your next audition? Do these 10 things. (Spoiler: it’s not just about singing the right 16 bars.)
#15 – My Take On Non-Union Tours (Part 1 – A History)
Originally Published: November 5, 2014
Non-union tours: Here’s my honest take on what they mean for the industry—and why the conversation matters.
#14 – 10 Questions For Broadway Pro: A Few Notes From Lin-Manuel Miranda
Originally Published: July 19, 2011
Lin-Manuel Miranda has dropped a few nuggets of wisdom in his time. Here are the takeaways that stuck with me.
#13 – How Barnum Used Bricks To Build And Audience
Originally Published: March 25, 2011
T. Barnum didn’t just build a show. He built buzz. One brick at a time. There’s a marketing lesson here and it’s gold.
#12 – 10 FAQs About Broadway Investing
Originally Published: January 29, 2016
Thinking about investing in a show? Start here. I answer the 10 questions everyone asks—before they write the check.
#11 – The Difference Between A Producer And A General Manager
Originally Published: August 1, 2014
While both roles are vital, the Producer is the visionary who decides what gets done, and the General Manager is the executor who figures out how to get it done.
#10 – How Does a Broadway Producer Get Paid
Originally Published: January 20, 2010
Want to know how producers make money? Here’s the breakdown—fees, royalties, and a little thing called profit participation.
#9 – House Seats Shouldn’t Be On The House
Originally Published: July 8, 2008
House seats are an expensive operation. This is how they work (or rather, don’t work)
#8 – Sure You Get A Refund If An Above-The-Title Star Is Out, But What About . . .
Originally Published: July 21, 2014
Sure, you can get your money back when the above-the-title star is out. But what about when anyone else is missing?
#7 – What Is The Broadway Musical Recoupment Rate Over The Last 5 Years (Part 1)
Originally Published: January 16, 2020
Everyone wants to know: “Will I make my money back?” Here’s a hard look at the numbers—and the reality of recoupment on Broadway.
#6 – How Do I Get The Stage Rights To A Book/Movie/Play?
Originally Published: January 29, 2008
You’ve got your dream source material. Now what? Here’s the straight-talk guide to finding the rightsholder, making the ask, and getting those rights.
#5 – How To Write A One-Person Show In 30 Days
Originally Published: August 5, 2016
Think you can’t write a show in a month? Think again. This step-by-step plan will get that idea out of your head and onto the page . . . and fast!
#4 – Top 100 Theater Books Every TheaterMaker Should Read
Originally Published: January 24, 2019
Want to get better at this business? Read. A lot. This list of 100 books will make you a sharper, smarter theatermaker.
#3 – Some Startling New Statistics On Broadway Musical Adaptations vs Original Shows
Originally Published: May 1, 2014
Here’s a stat that’ll make you sit up straight: most Broadway musicals aren’t original. They’re adaptations. Why? Because risk is real and source material sells.
#2 – The Three Types of Broadway Producers: Lead Producer, Co-Producer, and Executive Producer Explained
Originally Published: March 28, 2019
Here’s a quick breakdown of Lead, Co-, and Executive Producers . . . and why knowing who’s who can make or break your show.
#1 – 100 Quotes Every Theater Producer, Playwright, Director, Actor, Etc Must Read
Originally Published: April 26, 2019
We all need a little inspiration sometimes. This list is like a shot of espresso for your creative soul. 100 quotes to fire you up when the business (or the art) gets tough.
Whether you’ve been reading these posts for the last few weeks or since the very beginning – THANK YOU! If you believe the world’s a better place with more theater in it, make sure to subscribe to this newsletter or follow me on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook) so you don’t miss the next post.
Podcasting
Ken created one of the first Broadway podcasts, recording over 250 episodes over 7 years. It features interviews with A-listers in the theater about how they “made it”, including 2 Pulitzer Prize Winners, 7 Academy Award Winners and 76 Tony Award winners. Notable guests include Pasek & Paul, Kenny Leon, Lynn Ahrens and more.


