hi,
my friend and i are currently writing a play, which we hope to self-produce here in new york with some of our unemployed actor friends. what do i need to know in order to do it by the book (if there is such a thing)? any regulations i need to know? (it's going to be non-union, that i know). any push in the right direction would be much appreciated. thanks!!!

Well, you have to figure out a few things:
are you going to have to rent a space? If so, where?
Do you have a budget?
Do you need props, lighting equipment, sound equipment?
Who is your desired audience, and how are you going to reach them?
Do some research to make sure the play your writing doesn't get dangerously close to a play that may seem similar.
And lastly, are you still looking for cast members?!

quote:

Originally posted by bah:
hi,
my friend and i are currently writing a play, which we hope to self-produce here in new york with some of our unemployed actor friends. what do i need to know in order to do it by the book (if there is such a thing)? any regulations i need to know? (it's going to be non-union, that i know). any push in the right direction would be much appreciated. thanks!!!

Um, yeah, there are books on producing a play, lots of 'em. A visit to the Drama Bookshop is probably in order here. You might also want to examine, "Why do I want to self produce?" If this is your first play, you might also consider working with a theatre company; there are lots of small groups out there with experience taking new works through the reading/workshop/production cycle which will let you focus on what you know (writing) and let them do what they do best (producing new works). Contact me off list if you want to know the name of a group that might be interested. Good luck!

I agree with Joe- it is a lot of work to write and produce. Definitely make as much use of any play mentoring programs around the city to get the play as tight as possible and get people interested... Maybe the lark theater is a place to look - larktheater.org. Good place for aspiring writers to network...If you can submit to a festival some of the burden of production will be alleviated and chances are you will fill more seats, as people will be there to see numerous works. OUtside of a festival, it soundslike you will be doing a showcase code show-look at the AEA website for regulations.

I do think self producing is a really great way to learn fast- do be sure to respect everyone's time and do all you can to fill the house! Those were the two mistakes I both made and was victim too! People would run out of time and energy to publicize the show, and I would be guilted into rehearsals way beyond what I had signed up for... blech.
I have branched out of acting and just wrote a post about ideas taking flight- not the nitty gritty you can get from a book, but things I wish someone had told me back when I had a theater company! Click here.

I have done this a few times and would be happy to give you more info if you PM me.
Break legs!

There are numerous ways to produce a show.

THE CHEAPEST:
Submit your work into a theatre festival. There are numerous independent theatre festivals in the city that will use your work. The only downfall is you wont profit from it but any exposure is good exposure, plus experience.

There are a few theatre companies in NYC that are not OVERPRICED with rats holding shelter in them. THE PRODUCER'S CLUB has been around for years and their prices are reasonable.

THIS IS OPTIONAL-GOOD, BUT DANGEROUS-holding a reading. I say its good because once you hear your original lines aloud (besides the cheesy coleco vison Atari voices on the Final Draft script software), you can make changes and adjustments.

I say its bad because actors are sometimes lazy and will try to tell you how THEY should perform and TRANSFORM your character THEIR way instead of being committed to what's written. Plus you may have a disgrunted writer who wants to player hate and try to shoot you down. If you believe in your work, dont let no one change it. I'm not talking about IMPROV, that's different. I'm talking about an actor who would say, "I know what you mean about this but I think I should do it this way" to make it easier for them.

As long as you have positive, let me say this again, POSITIVE people surrounding you, you will succeed. I dont care if you hire an actor who is better than Meryl Streep on a sick day-if they're debbie downer all the time, get rid of 'em.