Here is what we did to get our theatre started about three years ago. We identified a handful of people that we knew would be interested in the project. We announced via a notice in the newspaper a reading of the play to take place on a Sunday afternoon. Then we called everybody we could think of that might be interested in seeing the project go. (WE knew we wanted to start a theatre, THEY just thought we wanted to do a play.) Then we started meeting formally to get things ironed out. We put together a budget for the show and asked the local arts council to help fund it. They gave us about 25% of the royalty, another local charitable foundation gave us another 25%, the rest came from individuals (some were members of the arts council board) who were excited to see someone cared enough to start something. We also held some fundraisers -- one of our sisters is a singer/guitarist and whe was willing to perform for free and let us take donations. We served refreshments. From that, we took every opportunity to promote ourselves in the community, making plenty of press releases, utilizing the executive director of the chamber of commerce to help promote it in the avenues that she knew of (radio announcements, newsletter, etc).

Our arts council even was willing to adopt us as part of their nonprofit organization, which really helps when it comes to fund raising. People want to know that their donations will be tax deductible.

Just let everybody know what you are up to. That is the most important. We NEVER ASKED ANYBODY if there was an interest in community theatre. WE never conducted polls or surveys (people are always telling you to do surveys.... but I say, don't waste your time with that.) Just get a few who are as interested as you are, come up with an irresisable idea and jump in and keep swimming! Best wishes and break a leg!

Thanks Kathy S! Your idea about the Arts Council was great. We've got one and I've already e-mailed them concerning the whole thing. Thanks for the optimism and advice.

Hi! I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I wanted to open a children's theatre too. Two years ago, I call the priest of my church and ask him to donate the auditorium at our CCD center. He thought it was a great thing to do. We posted audition signs all over town, newspapers, libraries, and called it a 12 week theater workshop. Our first show was "Annie".We charged a workshop fee to cover the cost of the show. It was a huge success! People thought they were coming to see a "school play", but they could not believe how professional the show was! Well, we're on our 4th performance and we are tackling the Wizard of Oz as well. Good Luck! We had to finally rent our own space to accomodate all our students. We treat it like a dance studio. They pay monthly tuition and the production is like their recital. If anyone wants to exchange ideas about the Wizard Of Oz feel free to e-mail me coreyhickey@onstagetheatre.net

Patrice- I have no degree either. Just alot of experience, when I was younger, and as a parent of child who has been in many productions. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so when my daughter's productions were "so-so" from reputable theater groups, I just took notes and listened to other parents. The main complaint from parents was theater directors who were disorganized. I made sure sure I was organized, structured, but lots of fun. It takes some time to get the bugs out, but it's all a learning process. If the kids love going, the parents will love , too! Good Luck!