Building a Theater Company without an MFA Degree!

Creative Juices

2010-02-10T20:07:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how much fun I'm having on this new project. Everyone involved has been a complete joy to work with. I feel a little guilty calling it work because it doesn't feel that way.

Yes, I still get up at 6:30 AM to walk Daisy my dog, then put on the coffee to jump start my day, but yet I feel like a kid. I remember when I was a kid and finding out there was no school because it snowed the night before. Can you remember the thrill of hearing your Mom saying

"You don't have school today"

How my heart raced with excitement and my stomach tickled with laugher. This is what it's been like since I voiced my wants and desires. I feel I'm coming into my own as a producer. I really like wearing the many hats a producer must learn to wear. I've been enriched from every lesson.

My good old Webster's dictionary says

Producer: One who supervises and controls the finances, creation, and public presentation of a play, film, program, or similar work.

My new American Heritage Thesaurus says

Producer: noun. ---See developer

Developer: A person instrumental in the growth of something, especially in its early stages ----- builder, contributor, creator, innovator, pioneer, producer.

Thesaurus wins hands down!

Look at all that a producer gets to do. Yes, Webster's is correct, a producer supervises and oversees budgets, but he or she must wear a hard hat of a structural engineer - think about it, the next time you go see a show- someone had to find the theater space that is an appropriate size for the type of the show and suitable for the audience; working with the director to find the right actors for the roles; creating and carrying out the marketing, including locating an image that can symbolically represent the play; finding and booking rehearsal spaces and coordinating with the director and actors; creating and printing the programs; and much, much more.

Many thanks to Jeremy Sherber and Michelle Tattenbaum for their professionalism and unbelievable talent! Through their love of exciting writing and theater, and their example, they've inspired me to want to rise to their standards.

Join us for our next
Staged Reading

Date
Monday Feb 22nd
Time
7:30
Location
Theater Row Studios
410 West 42nd Street
4th Floor
http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=theater+row+studios&fb=1&gl=us&hq=theater+row+studios&hnear=New+York,+NY&cid=0,0,16080606205112004216&ei=zVdzS6bPFsiUtgeSjuD-CQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAoQnwIwAA

Limited Seating
RSVP at
info@nonametheater.org

Star players

2010-01-25T21:01:00.000-05:00

I would like to give honor and respect to three amazing people.

There are people who have come into my life that are beyond stars. They have a quality or aura about them that light up a room.

I've had the great honor and privilege to work with three such people. All three have helped in their own special way when I started the theater company. Their incredible talent and patience has surpassed the call of duty. They're the type that won't jump ship under pressure. They're the kind that would throw you a life jacket, which comes second nature to them.

They all have the strength of character that surmounts any obstacle. They have the ability to ascend to the top in every endeavor.

One is an exciting and gifted actress and director, who I love with all my heart.

The other is an accomplished writer and actor, who has opened up my mind and soul.

The third is an intelligent and funny computer whiz, who has taught me to laugh at myself.

I will be forever grateful to them. Every night before I fall off to sleep, I send up a little prayer of gratitude.

Much light and love to the three of you, I've truly been blessed by your presence!

Building a Theater Company without an MFA Degree!: Sink or Swim

2010-01-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

Building a Theater Company without an MFA Degree!: Sink or Swim

Sink or Swim

2010-01-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

I recently had been trapped in a mind set that had been, well, pretty negative. Things were flowing smoothly with forming the theater company, but then things seemed to run into turbulent water. My communication skills led to misunderstandings, my plan of action was sinking fast, friends who wanted to form a theater company were jumping ship, and I was left in deep water with no life jacket.

Being in muddy water doesn't feel good, and pulling yourself out can be a challenge. I've learned fast and hard that I better have a backup plan for each project because, you may suddenly find that a director, writer, or actor that you were depending on has suddenly backed out of the project, even though theater space and dates were committed to. This kind of situation has recently come to the surface and left me with a sense of floundering without a ship of hope in sight.

After bobbing around for awhile in a negative mind set, I finally saw the life raft on the horizon. I made the decision to keep sailing on course in my desire to have a theater company. I said I was committed to the ups and downs of starting a theater company and I meant it, I will not jump ship just because of rough waters. You see, when there is a storm blowing, there are always clearer days ahead.

I'm gathering a new crew who are excited about coming on board ship. The theater space and dates that had been abandoned from a former project, I've decided to offer to a new playwright or actors looking to show case their work. This new idea has re-energized me and led to more creative ideas for the theater company. I've started up a new workshop series for playwrights who have new plays, who are looking for the chance to have them read and discussed. The first workshop reading will be on Monday Feb 1 with a new play by Jeremy Sherber.

I'm happy to be back on course and excited to be sailing in clearer waters. Here is what the American Heritage Dictionary definition of the word "course"

Course:

   A) Onward movement in a particular direction; progress.

   B) The route or path taken by something, such as a stream, that moves.

   C) A mode of action or behavior.

Lesson number Five: When in the midst of a storm, always remember clearer days are soon ahead. STAY ON COURSE!

Diversity

2009-12-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

In a recent NY Times article called "Study of Audiences Cites Diversity" it talks about a new demographic study of Broadway audiences during the 2008-09 season. The average theatergoer had an annual household income of $195,700, and audiences appeared to be more racially diverse. White attendees accounted for 73.7 percent of the audiences, compared with 80.2 percent in 1998-99. The proportions of Hispanics and audience members listing themselves as "other" have grown the largest on Broadway. At the same time, only 2.4 percent of theatergoers on Broadway last season were black, compared with 6.3 percent in the 2007-08 season and 6.7 percent in 2006-07.

To read more go to NO NaME ThEaTeR COMPaNY facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/pages/NO-NaME-ThEaTeR-COMPaNY/224466720960

"For Profit or Non Profit" That is the question!

2009-11-15T19:51:00.000-05:00

Did you know that if you're a For Profit Theater Company (Commercial), the theater rental personnel can charge you more money than if you're a Non Profit Theater Company. I'm not talking pennies here, I'm talking like a gap anywhere between $150 to $200 dollars.

So what's the difference in this whole For Profit and Non Profit stuff?

One has less paper work and One has more tax exemptions. One has fewer restrictions and One has more grant possibilities.

The IRS has no special requirements for a new venture which is a "for-profit" theater company; just the usual annual income tax returns. Even though a "non profit" has to file more annual questionnaires and schedules, I feel it's best to organize NO NaME ThEaTeR COMPaNY as a non-profit because I like the sense it gives of its mission and organization, something that's really aimed at creating a public benefit.

This is where an attorney comes in handy. I'm very lucky to be married to one; however, if you're not as lucky, there's an organization called Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts ("VLA") http://www.vlany.org which helps assist creative artists in forming companies, negotiating contracts, and settling any legal disputes that may occur. I think they're a great organization and worth any membership fees. And who knows, you might find your future spouse there!

2009-10-21T07:43:00.000-04:00

Here's a great new blog that I'm following:

christophervandijk.blogspot.com

Keep up the good work Christopher!

The Big "F" words!

2009-10-20T21:33:00.000-04:00

Before I get into using the "F" words, I would like to update you on the incredible success we had with our staged reading of Fault Lines. We had about 60 people show on a rainy, holiday, Monday night. I've gotten amazing feedback from all who attended. The actors were all on fire! They seemed to be having the greatest time.

One actor who won me over is, Christopher T. VanDijk http://exitstage-left.blogspot.com, a well rounded actor/writer/director, whose work I hadn't known before meeting him. I first met Chris when he came to our audition. There was something about him that felt so right from the moment he gave us a big hello. I'm so glad I listened to my instincts.

When I was watching him during rehearsals, he was coming up with all these amazing ideas and would fulfill each of them with so much color. He was always open to new suggestions and what our director David Deblinger would give him. This is the kind of actor I think every producer, director, and fellow actors love to work with. The whole cast worked beautifully off of each other. Which made for an exciting night. Thank you again everyone.

Now let's talk dirty.

The big "F" words that I think we all know, however, we don't like to hear are: Fiscal Sponsorship, Financial Planning, Forming a Network, and Faith.

Pretty filthy, right? LOL, I hate using such obscene language. But if I'm going to be honest and fulfill my goals, sometimes I might have to get down and dirty.

If you're not sure what a Fiscal Sponsorship is, don't fret I will try and help you understand. For those of you with A.D.D. have a great daydream and check back later.

Fiscal Sponsorship: Often refers to the practice of certain non-profit organizations (Sponsor) offering certain benefits of their legal and tax-exempt status to groups engaged in activities related to the organization's missions. It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between the Sponsor organization and a new artistic company/project. This is a good thing. I've been working with Fractured Atlas, www.fracturedatlas.org

Basic Characteristics: The Sponsor obtains federal group tax exemption, allowing 501(c)(3) status for subordinate projects/companies that the Sponsor approves. Project/company gets 501(c)(3) benefits without separate application to IRS; must be subject to general supervision or control of Sponsor. This thus allows donors to give tax deductible donations through the Sponsor for the project/company. This is especially useful when a new company is waiting for its own IRS tax-exempt approval.

Financial Planning: Without a plan, your company won't stand! OK that's a little lame, just wanted to see if you're still with me. But there is some truth in it. Every successful company has a budget, and if you don't, your company will fail. Planning and organization are key here. Budgeting is an important part of management and the most basic. There are different types of budgets and I'm finding out fast that the best thing to do is, write them all out.

Forming a Network: I am not talking about a network of an audience, although that is part of it. I'm talking about forming a group of people who you will be working with, your team or core members. This is something that should be honestly thought about. Sure friends are great to be with, however this is a business and needs to be treated as such. Things change when there's grunt work to be done. Also, egos can be hurt and miscommunications can really sour a once great relationship. A friend of mine once said, "I don't work with people who I won't invite over for dinner". Make sure you're all on the same page with your company's goals. Are they, or I for that matter, willing to take a backseat when necessary for the company's success? Do they have the same belief in your company's mission statement? How involved do they want to be? It helps if all members of the company are in agreement on these basic points.

Faith: I read that "Faith without works is dead". Now I'm not going to get into religious principles and that sort of stuff. The kind of faith that I'm talking about is an inner knowledge that you're doing all you can to build the best possible production with an understanding that it's all out of your hands in the end. I can't control if an audience comes to the show, I can't control that every fire track in NYC will start blaring their sirens during the show. The only thing that is in my control is choosing to turn it all over to a power greater than myself. I can control the type of materials that speak to our audience, I can insure the best actors are cast for the job, and I can find a theater space not on a busy street. If I just give up my will to the outcomes, I find things have a way of working out just right. Also, I'm stressed a lot less!

Lesson number Four: The F's matter, it's best to always be clear. You'll save a lot of friends, financial resources, and have the faith that it will all workout.

Christmas Time Is Here!

2009-09-17T08:59:00.000-04:00

Well we had our first rehearsal. The morning of the rehearsal I felt like a kid on Christmas day. I jumped out of bed, running around the house singing "It's the first rehearsal, it's the first rehearsal". I had even gotten out my old copy of the Charlie Brown Christmas album (good album by the way). I know I might be going over board with all of this, but it still amazes me what can be achieved when creative minds come together.

There's something about starting a new project that is so energizing, it's seems like love, well all most. I don't want to sound corny about it. I really do enjoy the whole process, it just tickles my insides. Hearing the play read for the first time, seeing what the actors bring to their characters, listening to how the director finds something in the script that I hadn't seen before, and then, of course, the feeling of excitement that comes with creating a passionate endeavor, how can you not love this.

We have our next rehearsal on Friday and I will be making breakfast for everyone. YEPEE! I get to do this again!

Think of your audience

2009-09-13T11:28:00.000-04:00

OK here's the deal - I was tiring to understand how this blog thing works so people can view my blog and make comments, or at least send a thumbs up.

So I did a blog help search and found this page "Promoting Your Blog". In it I see a whole list on ways to grab people to your site. One of the titles is "Write quality content and do it well". It goes on to say "If your "style" is bad writing, worse grammar, no punctuation, and an ugly design, that might be okay for a niche crowd. But the idea here is to achieve mass appeal, so fix yourself up a bit."

What! "do it well" "ugly design" "fix yourself up a bit!". Holy typo! Could this be why no one comments on my blog?

Sometimes I can't even write a sentence, or worse, I don't have a strong command of the English language, let alone punctuation skills. I'm forever grabbing my dictionary for the spelling of a word or yelling across the apartment to my spouse "Sweetie, how do you spell" (I can't trust spell check) "Sweetie, can you proofread this". I'm amazed we're still together and that the neighbors haven't pounded on the door and thrown a thesaurus at me chanting, "The question before us is, where's his thesaurus!"

Since we live in this cyber age where corresponding with people is through emails, chat-rooms, networking sites, and blogging, I thought I better "fix myself up a bit" with this form of dyslexia I have and bought this book called Send - Why Peolpe Email So Badly and How to Do It Better, by David Shipley and Will Schwalbe. I don't know if this book is giving me "style" but it's helping me with communicating better when corresponding with my theater company colleagues. Let's hope this new fix - me - up is more effective then the old.

Lesson number Three: When casting your project, make sure you're clear about dates and times for rehearsals before you hire your actors.

Keeping your eye on the ball!

2009-09-11T10:45:00.000-04:00

When starting out with a goal, I've learned that, in order to achieve it, you must always keep your focus and your eye on the goal. Or at least that's what my dog Daisy teaches me when I toss her the ball.

Sometimes it's so easy for me to lose focus of what my passion is with starting up the theater company. So many times I'm ready to run to the next event or be caught up in what everyone else thinks I should do or shouldn't do, which always makes me lose sight of the ball.

In times like this I'm learning to nip in the bud the should's and shouldn'ts, by regrouping, breathing and going back to my original vision for a theater company, which is, To create a theater where powerful play writing can be heard and where exciting actors of all ethnic backgrounds can have a platform to showcase their talent.

I have heard and seen theater like this and have always been inspired by it. I'm a big lover of playwrights who start out telling you a story, and I'm in for the ride, and then Boom!, I'm hit with a curve ball at the end. I always leave the theater thinking, Wow! I never saw that coming. At one minute I'm laughing my guts out, than I'm crying my heart out.

Don't you love writing like that! I had an acting teacher who taught us, "When you have great writing, your job as an actor is a breeze". She is correct. Some of the playwrights that helped make my job a "breeze" are, Stephen Belber, Craig Wright, Stephen Adly Guirgis, just to name a few.

As for the exciting acting, well the list would go on forever with all my favorites, which I'm sure you could also add to, but here are some: Rege Lewis, Paul Sparks, Christopher Mann, and Michael Shannon. You can IMDB these guys or Youtube them. I'm sure after you see just a snippet of their work they'll be on your list also.

Lesson number two: When you stay true to your passion and keep the focus, you always catch the ball!

Is it a Stage Reading or Staged Reading

2009-09-05T18:42:00.000-04:00

So here is the postcard for the reading. Funny thing, there was so much discussion on the wording of ("Stage Reading or Staged Reading"), and as you can see, we went with Staged Reading.

This question might not seem like a big decision, however one does want the correct formatting with a very important project. I had the AEA guidelines, which has the wording as "Stage Reading" I thought Oh OK I'll go with that, Hooray I can start sending out my postcards for the event, than I picked up the newspaper and to my horror I see in big letters "STAGED READING". Could I've made the biggest mistake of my life? Oh God I have to email again, for the hundredth time, the friend who is volunteering his time with his amazing computer skills. Stop the press (or is it presses), we need to change the postcard again.

I did a google search and this is what I found.

Reading: Just that. The actors sit on chairs in a rehearsal room or on stage facing the audience and read your script, sometimes with no rehearsals. A Stage Manager or another performer reads the descriptions from our Character Page and Setting Page, and then the essential stage directions during the presentation.

Staged Reading: The Performers have several rehearsals with a Director who establishes entrances, exits, and other movement as well as basic character interpretation. You may have a chance to revise dialogue during the rehearsal process. It's not unusual for a plain old Reading to be called a Staged Reading if the performers have at least one rehearsal and even if they never leave their chairs.

So "Staged Reading" it is.

I never know all the ins and outs of producing theater. At moments I feel like Wow this is great, it's really happening, but than I get thrown a curve ball and think, Man I can't do this, I don't know what I'm doing, I must be crazy.

I ask myself, do I have what it takes to manage people, the marketing skills, the financial savvy, and the personal strength to reach my five year goals? How do I make those networking relationships, when I'm the new guy on the block. How do I get industry people to take me and the theater company seriously?

These are some of the questions I'm asking myself and more. My hope with this blog is, to share with you my search and the process of building a theater company (or make my dream a reality), and hey if I can inspire someone else to start their own theater company that would be a blessing! One thing is clear, I'm getting the education of a life time, and fast!

Oh yeah! marketing skills lesson number one: Promote your project!

Checkout the info in the above postcard. Or contact info@nonametheater.org to reserve your seats, seating is limited.

2009-09-03T09:08:00.000-04:00

OK back home in the crazy city of NY and it's time to make the donuts. Yummy!

Here are some images we're thinking of for Fault Lines.

I like the image of the tracks cutting into two.

2009-09-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

My view from my window.