I've Done It. You Can Too
I’ve written, produced, directed and performed in my own stage plays. Not only that, but I’ve created my own theater company. Guess what? You can too. By now you’ve already read from others about what steps you need to to take to produce a play; the script, the cast and crew, the venue, marketing, etc. Well, if you’re willing to do all of those things then you might as well start a theater company of your own. It only makes sense.
I started many years ago with raw talent, ambition but absolutely no experience. I only knew that I wanted to do it so I started inquiring and researching every lead I could find. I’ll tell you this, it helps to be humble, flexible and patient. All the while you should be willing to put in whatever contribution you can. I started by assisting any and everyone I knew that worked in the business. I’ve worked on just about every level, from handling props, building sets, designing sets, driving the truck, creating graphics, writing, acting, directing, producing and even promoting. All of this has given me much needed experience and confidence to start my own company and write and produce my own plays. I have had some set backs and failures but moreover, I’ve had many successes. It’s hard work but if you’re heart and passion are in it- it’s really not work at all.
One of my companies is called Spread The Word Productions, Inc. It is a 501 (C-3) tax exempt organization dedicated to The Arts and entertainment. I decided to create a non profit company because of my commitment to the community. A non profit organization has a greater chance of soliciting sponsorship and funding if it is contributing to the community than a for-profit entity. Though I must say, for me, the hardest challenge isn't in finding a script, actors, crew or a venue; it’s finding the necessary funding for my projects. Just having a tax exempt status does not guarantee that you will find the necessary capital to finance your endeavor. This is where an experienced and successful grant writer and financial consultant comes into play. If you’re going to start a company you are going to need someone who knows how to keep the books, file the forms and get the money. It’s not impossible but it does take a lot of commitment and diligence. However, I strongly recommend it.
As far as starting a play, to concur with others on this subject, my advice is to move on it and move now. The more time you waste, the more regret you’ll have. Visualize it and execute it. Start by researching every aspect of it. Complete your 1st script, copyright it even if it’s a rough draft because seldom are scripts ever completed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even the 4th rewrite. Get feedback-feedback-feedback. I can’t tell you how important that is. Find some friends, family members or actors to flesh it out. Video record the scenes if you can so that you can see through the audience’s eye. When you feel that you have something of substance then it’s time to go public. Get some committed actors and crew to help you perform. Find a small venue, church, local activity center or where ever you can to showcase it. Get the word out. Even if you have no money, get creative. Find ways to spark the community’s interest in your production. Invite people whom you think will be interested in contributing to your production in the future. You may or may not decide to charge an admission. That depends on the size and expense of your production and the venue at which you perform it. Even if you showcase it for free, that’s better than not doing it at all because if it’s well received, you may have a great chance that others will want to be involved physically and financially for your next show. I did say your next show because believe me, once you’ve experienced an enthusiastic audience, you’re going to put on another show.
Again, the important thing is that you don’t waste time thinking about doing it. Get up and do it. Success or not, you will have the satisfaction of acting on your ability and the experience of the action. Get to work and break a…toe nail! (I don’t like that other phrase)
©2010 Tony Omar All Rights Reserved
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