Breakin’ down a Broadway Budget.

By Ken Davenport

I’ve only got three months to finish up my New Year’s Resolutions, and this post crosses another one off the list!

You see, someone recently asked me what I loved to do the most, and I answered, “I love to produce shows . . . but I may love to help people produce shows more.” That’s what started this whole blog thingee six years ago. And last New Year’s I made a vow to try and help you with more specific issues that you are facing, instead of just vomiting up what was on my mind about the business on that day. (It was an attempt to do what Producers should do, actually . . . think about the audience.) So, I wrote a blog asking you what your problems were . . . so I could tailor my content to you. I got a ton of responses, both on that blog, in email, via twitter . . . and some dude in a black fedora even yelled something at me on 56th and 5th.

Those comments led to at least a dozen blog posts, a book on raising money, a teleseminar about the fundamentals of producing, and a brand spankin’ new webinar about budgets and the budgeting process.

You didn’t hear about the webinar?

That’s because I’m announcing it right now!

On October 22nd and 29th, from 7-8 PM ET on both nights, I’m holding my first ever webinar, called “Breakin’ Down A Broadway Budget!” And don’t worry, if you can’t make the sessions, each one will be recorded and will be available for you the next day.

Over those two nights, I’ll walk you through my philosophies of budgeting, a strategy to make sure you come in under budget on every single one of your shows, and most importantly I will walk you through each and every line and page of an actual Broadway budget.

In other words, if a budget is the engine of a Broadway show, I’m going to pop the hood, take apart the motor piece by piece, and then put it back together again . . . so you not only understand how it works, but so you can build your own.

Yep, I’m going to walk you through every single component of a budget: the Production Budget, Operating Budget, Price Scale, Recoupment Schedule, and more.

And the example budget we are going to use will be one of my upcoming shows . . . so you know you’re looking at the real deal. And remember, this is a webinar, so you’ll hear me talking and you’ll be following along with the presentation right there on your screen.

At the end of each hour, I’ll leave some time for questions so you can talk to me about any specific issues you may be having with your budgets.

It’s going to be fun, and if you’re a numbers guy/gal, you’ll really love it. If you’re not a numbers guy/gal, well, all the more reason for you to sign up, because budgeting is where so many shows go wrong. It is the business blueprint of your production. Get it wrong, and it’s hard to get back on track. Understanding how it works is the best way to make sure you give your show the best shot at success.

To register for the webinar, click here.

And I’ll “see” you on the 22nd!

UPDATE: It’s not too late to register. Sign up today and get the full digital files from the 22nd so you can get caught up. Next and final session this Wednesday on the 29th! click here.

Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)

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FUN STUFF:

– Win two tickets to Love Letters. Click here.

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