Thank for your interest in helping behind the scenes! There is no need to figure everything out on your own! Here is a basic outline that might help...
Producer
*Hire director, stage manager, designer (for set/props/lights/sound), costumer, musical director (if needed)
*Secure rights for the play and order scripts
*Work with publicity person to do posters, ads, articles, radio spots, etc… for auditions and for performances
*Set audition times/dates, Get audition location secured, and get keys
*Set performance times/dates, Get rehearsal and performance locations secured and get keys
*Get volunteers to help with auditions, set building, ushering, intermission treats, and whatever else is needed (Bill Swanson is a great resource for tickets, intermission, volunteer ushers...)
*Make and print posters, print program, tickets
*Arrange for school performances, if applicable
*Get a photographer to take rehearsal pics and headshot pics (try Chris Olson)
Publicity
Producer
*Hire director, stage manager, designer (for set/props/lights/sound), costumer, musical director (if needed)
*Secure rights for the play and order scripts
*Work with publicity person to do posters, ads, articles, radio spots, etc… for auditions and for performances
*Set audition times/dates, Get audition location secured, and get keys
*Set performance times/dates, Get rehearsal and performance locations secured and get keys
*Get volunteers to help with auditions, set building, ushering, intermission treats, and whatever else is needed (Bill Swanson is a great resource for tickets, intermission, volunteer ushers...)
*Make and print posters, print program, tickets
*Arrange for school performances, if applicable
*Get a photographer to take rehearsal pics and headshot pics (try Chris Olson)
Publicity
Nancy has prepared a document that details everything, which she keeps in the binder she has started. This is what she will "pass on" to future people responsible for publicity. But in a nutshell:
1) place advertisements for auditions and performances, based on budget constraints, in local newspapers, using the posters designed for the play
2) place notices for auditions and performances in free listings for upcoming events in local newspapers
3) arrange for radio interviews with cast members to promote the play
4) place information with the Chamber of Commerce and City of Lanesboro
5) write press releases
6) take photos in case other photos don't happen
7) write an article and send to the newspapers (free)
8) keep copies of publication of advertisement and article(s) for documentation purposes
Costumer
*Read the script and make some plans before the show begins.
*Track down resources (thrift shops, renting from other theaters, who can sew, etc...).
*At the first rehearsal, measure cast members.
*Gather and make costumes.
*Have cast try costumes on, assess what else is needed.
*Arrange to have cast wear costumes for director approval before tech week.
*Cast should wear costumes starting Tuesday of tech week, add hair and makeup on Wednesday of tech week, working with unusual items (such as full skirts, shoes, etc...) well in advance, if possible.
*Keep a sewing kit handy for minor repairs during the show, such as fixing a button.
*After show, return, wash, store, or treat costumes as needed.
Process for getting reimbursed for budgeted theatrical purchases:
*When purchasing an item for the LCT be sure you have the Tax Exempt form to show the clerk so you will not be getting charged tax. The LCT will not reimburse anyone for tax. (Tax Exempt forms can be obtained at or through Robin Krom 507-993-2029).
*Once the purchase is made take the receipt to LAC and ask them to put it in the LCT box along with:
*description of what was purchased
*item purchased and what it will be used for
*name, address and phone number of the person being reimbursed
*The reimbursement will be checked and submitted for payment. Payment may take up to two weeks.
*Any questions pertaining to this procedure please contact Robin Krom @ 507-993-2029 (Created 3/2010)
Curtain Speech (adapt as needed to fit show)
"Good evening and welcome, everyone, to the Lanesboro Community Theater’s production of _______, written by _______ and directed by __________. We want to thank the Lanesboro Arts Center for contributing the use of this wonderfully historic St. Mane Theater, and also the Southeast Minnesota Art Council for providing funds through their grant program.
The play will have one short intermission, with beverages and cookies available in the lobby.
We ask that you silence any devices that could beep or ring or buzz or make any kind of noise. Should it be necessary for you to leave the theater, please use the doors in the rear. In the event of an emergency, there is an additional exit through this opening immediately behind me (point).
For those of you sitting in the center seats, there is an electrical cable running along the floor the length of the theater. Please step gingerly.
Because of your continued support, the Lanesboro Community Theater organization is planning future activities and productions over the next five years. The annual melodrama will be performed outdoors, without charge, this coming August in Sylvan Park. Contributions towards our future work are welcome, and you will find a donation box in the lobby.
Now, please, enjoy the show!"
Sometime after the final show, get together to discuss these aspects of the show:
auditions, rehearsal schedule, technical elements (set, lights, sound, costumes, props), facility, rehearsals, performances (tickets, times, volunteers), publicity (timeline, individual pieces like press releases, posters, web, etc, archiving show and press), school outreach, finances, budget, grant wrap up, additional items
Costumer
*Read the script and make some plans before the show begins.
*Track down resources (thrift shops, renting from other theaters, who can sew, etc...).
*At the first rehearsal, measure cast members.
*Gather and make costumes.
*Have cast try costumes on, assess what else is needed.
*Arrange to have cast wear costumes for director approval before tech week.
*Cast should wear costumes starting Tuesday of tech week, add hair and makeup on Wednesday of tech week, working with unusual items (such as full skirts, shoes, etc...) well in advance, if possible.
*Keep a sewing kit handy for minor repairs during the show, such as fixing a button.
*After show, return, wash, store, or treat costumes as needed.
Process for getting reimbursed for budgeted theatrical purchases:
*When purchasing an item for the LCT be sure you have the Tax Exempt form to show the clerk so you will not be getting charged tax. The LCT will not reimburse anyone for tax. (Tax Exempt forms can be obtained at or through Robin Krom 507-993-2029).
*Once the purchase is made take the receipt to LAC and ask them to put it in the LCT box along with:
*description of what was purchased
*item purchased and what it will be used for
*name, address and phone number of the person being reimbursed
*The reimbursement will be checked and submitted for payment. Payment may take up to two weeks.
*Any questions pertaining to this procedure please contact Robin Krom @ 507-993-2029 (Created 3/2010)
Curtain Speech (adapt as needed to fit show)
"Good evening and welcome, everyone, to the Lanesboro Community Theater’s production of _______, written by _______ and directed by __________. We want to thank the Lanesboro Arts Center for contributing the use of this wonderfully historic St. Mane Theater, and also the Southeast Minnesota Art Council for providing funds through their grant program.
The play will have one short intermission, with beverages and cookies available in the lobby.
We ask that you silence any devices that could beep or ring or buzz or make any kind of noise. Should it be necessary for you to leave the theater, please use the doors in the rear. In the event of an emergency, there is an additional exit through this opening immediately behind me (point).
For those of you sitting in the center seats, there is an electrical cable running along the floor the length of the theater. Please step gingerly.
Because of your continued support, the Lanesboro Community Theater organization is planning future activities and productions over the next five years. The annual melodrama will be performed outdoors, without charge, this coming August in Sylvan Park. Contributions towards our future work are welcome, and you will find a donation box in the lobby.
Now, please, enjoy the show!"
Sometime after the final show, get together to discuss these aspects of the show:
auditions, rehearsal schedule, technical elements (set, lights, sound, costumes, props), facility, rehearsals, performances (tickets, times, volunteers), publicity (timeline, individual pieces like press releases, posters, web, etc, archiving show and press), school outreach, finances, budget, grant wrap up, additional items
