How to Start Producing Theater (And Raise the Money to Do It)
It’s that time of the month again.
I asked you on Instagram, “Do you have any questions about new work development?” And you delivered. Here are the quick answers. For the full story behind each one, watch the video here.
Q: How do I start making theater?
You just have to start. Forget about Broadway. Just get your show to the next step.
Grab a Shakespeare play, call some friends, order a pizza, and read it out loud.
That’s producing, folks.
Q: How do I raise money for my show?
Accept that you need it . . . and that no knight-in-shining-armor is coming to write the whole check. Start with friends and family.
Then try this: set a timer for five minutes and write down 100 names of people you could ask. No judging.
(Watch the video for my 1991 Cutco story. It’s a good one.)
Q: What’s the average investment on Broadway?
It’s way less than you think. Click here to find out.
Q: What makes a good showcase for new work?
It doesn’t need to show what your show will be. Just what it could be. Leave room to grow.
(And yes, there’s a Juilliard story in the video. Spoiler alert: I did not get in.)
Q: What does an associate director do?
They’re the person the director turns to first, and the one who runs the other room when the director can’t be there.
And remember: assistants become associates. Associates become directors.
So be nice to them, folks.
Want the full answers? Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/JnyYNdq7lTA
Which question should I answer next month? Drop it on my Instagram.
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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.
