Running Your Theater: Producer's handbook

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Producer's handbook

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5081
Printed Date: 4/29/24 at 8:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Producer's handbook

Posted By: acmeactor
Subject: Producer's handbook
Date Posted: 5/25/11 at 11:42am

Does anyone have a Producer's handbook they use? After 20 years in operation we have decided we need an actual handbook. I know every group is different but I would like to look over what other groups cover in their handbooks.

Thanks

Dave

Replies:

Posted By: SamD
Date Posted: 5/28/11 at 9:26pm

Yes we use a producer's handbook. In it is a list of all the positions needed to put on a show, and the job descriptions of each. We list everything from Producer to House. Each position has it's own folder where we keep a list of volunteers willing to do certain jobs. It is so much easier when people have the information up front and know the chain of command. The people willing to head up these jobs sign their job description paper and we put it on file. Of course this is not a legal document, but we find when people sign something, they tend to take it more serious.

Posted By: vickifrank
Date Posted: 5/29/11 at 1:18pm

Here are two that I found online: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mltlive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F03%2FFirehouse-Producers-Handbook-rev-1.4.pdf&ei=0nviTcOqEMb0gAe7tZXJBg&usg=AFQjCNGbkm23i4cEx4dZzJKBTtcRXX81ig - http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mltlive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F03%2FFirehouse-Producers-Handbook-rev-1.4.pdf&ei=0nviTcOqEMb0gAe7tZXJBg&usg=AFQjCNGbkm23i4cEx4dZzJKBTtcRXX81ig

and

http://www.needhamtheatre.org/documents/NCTProducersHandbook.doc - www.needhamtheatre.org/documents/NCTProducersHandbook.doc

I'd like to see the following in a handbook:

1. Roles & Responsiblities

2. Timeline (typical show and typical musical).

3. Any contracts/ paperwork/forms (Audition forms, Sample rehearsal schedule)

4. List of volunteers and experts with contact info.

5. Safety rules

6. Use of facilities rules--and facility contacts (Example: all softgoods returned to original placement, broom cleaned stage, paint sinks cleaned).

7. Any audition rules

8. Promotion materials (sample press release, sample ad, list of places to release to or advertise in)

9. Special relationships--example, we trade advertisement with this organization, or we place fliers in these windows

10. Source information for backdrops, costumes, stage rentals.

11. Frequently asked questions

12. Sample program

13. Emergency and board contact information.

14. Suggested methods to handle common problems or disputes.

15. After the show lesson's-learned survey/form, so that people can add to the knowledge base.

Clearly label the binder with the information of who to return it to after the show. Have two complete binders, one for the current show, the next given to the next producer, or held by the board. Sadly, even those people placed in responsible roles, sometimes abscond with materials or fail to return them.

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http://www.studio-productions-inc.com
1-800-359-2964

The theater scrim people

Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 5/29/11 at 4:47pm

Often when I am hired as a "director" duties often include those of an Executive Producer (overseeing everything including the Producer), so I have my own "Handbook" that I use. My handbook includes:

Audition Sheet Template

Costumer

Directing

House Manager

Lights

Producer

Props

Publicity

Set Decor

Set Designer

Sound

Stage Manager and Assistant Director

Tech Director

Timeline (Non-musical)

I don't have one specifically for musicals; maybe because the timeline, creative aspects, etc is so collaborative between the director, music director, and choreographer, so each one is individualized. Certainly much of the above would be applicable to musicals as well.

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KEB