Staging a show at the theatre – How do I begin.?

Hi, I’m the MD of a up and coming function band. We play mostly weddings and parties in and around East Anglia. We are however looking to branch out into festivals and staging a run of shows at theaters in the local area. Has anyone out there got any advise on the logistics and business of taking on such a venture, I have a fair amount of knowledge about the music industry but this is a different ball game all together. Any tips on costs, standard booking arrangements, best way to approach the venue, publicity, and what cut the performers/venue take would be gratefully received.

First of all if you are going to be MD and the producer of the event you are in for a thorny bundle of work. 1/4 of a budget for a production should go into promotion. The theater may want a flat fee for the use of the place and/or a % of the gate. If given a choice I’d give them a flat fee. You will need a ticket taker maybe two at the door unless the theater provides that. Expect the theater to charge you for cleanup. If there is an intermission or drink and food sold that is another problem. If the venue does not sell beer or refreshments, and you can get a temp license, do it. You might have to hire a bartender or serving winch, and it is a more work, BUT you will make more money on beer than on ticket sales. Don’t charge less then the band is worth when deciding on a ticket price. Make sure to negotiate free practice time in the theater. Make sure the date(s) you choose are not competing with, say, England’s semifinal World Cup match. Who is going to post bill for the event, get the event listed in newspapers and magazines, plus other places? You are going to find impresario that producing is a lot harder than the MD. You might think about sharing the bill with another known group to they can do some of the work. Have fun.

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