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July 16, 2021: What TheaterMakers Are Talking About This Week

Here’s what TheaterMakers were talking about this week . . .

 

1 – Remembering Broadway Wig Designer Paul Huntley

Legendary stage and screen wig designer Paul Huntley passed away last week. I had the pleasure of working with Paul on Thoroughly Modern Millie – my first Broadway show as a Company Manager. His other credits include Sweeney Todd, Hairspray, and Cats. 

We lost a genius. Read more about Paul’s career below.

Read more: www.playbill.com 

2 – Emmy Nominations

The 2021 Emmy nominations were announced this week, which included several theatermakers getting some well-deserved recognition for their work on screen! A special congrats to MJ Rodriguez, who made history this week as the first trans woman to be nominated in the leading actress category. Find the full list of nominees below. 

Read more: www.broadway.com 

3 – Dana H + Is This a Room

When I first moved to NYC, Commercial Off-Broadway was in a crisis. Producers kept thinking of out-of-the-black-box ideas that could help restore commercial Off-Broadway to what it was before and beyond. Now, our solution for Off-Broadway is being used on Broadway, as Dana H and Is This A Room have announced their runs will SHARE the Lyceum theater this fall. More details about the productions below. 

Read more: www.broadwaynews.com  

4 – ALW Arts Activism

Andrew Lloyd Webber has been making major headlines this last year . . . and not just for his adaptation of Cinderella, which premiered last month. His shift to arts activist has taken the West End by storm, creating dozens of conversations about the arts rebuilding in a post-pandemic world. Read more below about how the composer turned arts activist has voiced his opinions on theater’s reopening on the West End.

Read more: www.nytimes.com  

5 – LMM and Philanthropy

Most people would say “art imitates life”. But for Lin-Manuel Miranda, they are one in the same. And I don’t know about you, but I can see that sentiment in everything Lin creates. Read more about the Miranda Family Fund grants and how art and philanthropy work their way into Lin’s daily life and work. 

Read more: www.apnews.com  

 

Fun on a Friday: 

Go behind the scenes of the music of Girls5Eva, featuring Broadway favorites Renee Elise Goldsberry and Sara Bareilles

 

Watch the video here:

 

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July 16, 2021 Broadway, Fun on a Friday, Hollywood No comments yet

An Off Broadway Model Comes To Broadway (It’s About Time)

I arrived in New York City during the Golden Age of Off-Broadway. Forever Plaid, Nunsense, And The World Goes Round, Cryptogram, Family Secrets, and more, were a few of the shows running in theaters under 499 seats . . . in commercial productions! And many actually recouped!  

When I started creating and producing commercial theater, I started Off-Broadway. I wasn’t ready to raise $10mm for Broadway shows (which is what they were then . . . compared to the $15-20mm they are now). I wanted to be a Lead Producer and didn’t have the decision-making experience yet. And, well, the ideas I had come up with were Off-Broadway ideas (my first three shows were The Awesome 80s Prom, Altar Boyz and My First Time).

So that’s where I started. 

No one told me that in the fifteen years since I arrived in NYC, the Off-Broadway model changed. And trying to run and recoup an Off-Broadway show was . . . ahem . . . challenging.  (And is even more so now.)

In other words, Commercial Off-Broadway was in a crisis.

So, I pivoted. And so did everyone else in the community. (This is when the Off Broadway Alliance was born . . . and I’m proud to say I was at that very first meeting!)

We asked ourselves . . . what were the out-of-the-black-box ideas that could help restore commercial Off-Broadway to what it was before and beyond?

One of the ideas that was born in this era was the idea of two, three or more shows, sharing a theater. We termed it “bunk-bedding”. It required simple sets, similar lighting plots and a whole lot of cooperation between companies (especially when the Producers were NOT the same people) . . .but it worked. My First Time ran at least an extra year because it was a “top bunk.”

It reduced costs, of course, but also reduced the # of performances in a week that each show could perform. And that was an advantage! Since there wasn’t demand for 8 shows for 99% of commercial Off-Broadway shows, bunk-bedding filled up fewer performances, increasing ticket scarcity. Almost the same # of tickets were sold for fewer shows as opposed to 8. And those fewer shows were filled, creating a much better experience for the audience. 

Need a case study? Of the three productions mentioned above that started my career? The ones with less than 8 performances did better financially. 

Flash forward, and Broadway (and the theater industry) is in a bit of a crisis as we stage our comeback from a pandemic.

Again, Producers face a question . . . how do we decrease risk, but still produce great theater?

Yesterday, a group of creative and bustin’-the-box thinkers, Dori Berinstein, Sally Horchow and Matt Ross, proposed a solution.

Using “bunk-bed” theory, these first-into-the-Broadway-battle-post-covid Producers are bringing TWO shows to Broadway . . . at the same time . . . to the same theater.

The plays, Dana H and Is This A Room, are transfers from The Vineyard, and they begin performances in late September at Broadway’s Lyceum.

As this article describes, these two shows are being done for the price of a touch-more-than one.

And most importantly, to quote Dori Berinstein (The Prom) . . .

 “It gives us an opportunity to bring great theater that might not otherwise make it to Broadway to Broadway.”

What could be better than that!?!?!

No one wanted this crisis. But one of the blessings (it’s hard to find them, but they are there), is that NOW is the time for artpreneurial Producers, Writers and all TheaterMakers to challenge our precedents and come up with new ways to make theater..

Because the theater is too important to NOT give everything a go.  

Oh, and when you’re looking for ideas? Sometimes, big businesses like Broadway should look to smaller businesses like Off-Broadway, to see what worked for them.

 

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July 15, 2021 Plays, Producing, Off Broadway 1 comment

Remembering Paul Huntley

I had the pleasure of working with Paul Huntley, the legendary Tony-winning wig designer (who has like 1,000 Broadway credits) on Thoroughly Modern Millie – my first Broadway show as a Company Manager. 

Before that show, I never understood why wig design was so important (and so expensive). Watching him work, listening to how and why he crafted each wig the way he did . . . it was like watching a master sculptor or painter . . . just with a different medium. 

He created some of the most recognized hair designs in the industry, including Sweeney Todd, Evita, and the 2008 revival of Gypsy (just to name a few of the 1,000).

His work will continue to live on however . . . he did the design for Diana, which opens (finally!) on Broadway this fall. 

RIP, my friend.  I have a feeling everyone up there is going to look a heck of a lot better with you around looking after their locks.

July 13, 2021 Producing 1 comment

Podcast Episode #241: “The Hardest Part of Creating a New Show”

ESTIMATED LISTENING TIME OF THIS EPISODE:  7 Minutes

LISTEN WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS:

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

I’m sharing what I believe to be the hardest part of creating a new musical or play . . . and how I’ve overcome that. And how you can apply this to YOUR process. 

 

AFTER YOU LISTEN:

  • FOLLOW The Producer’s Perspective on Apple Podcast (it’s FREE!)
  • REVIEW the Podcast on Apple Podcast (it’s the biggest compliment you can give)
  • SHARE this episode with your friends!
  • JOIN the TheaterMakers Facebook Group

 

My mission is to get more people talking about the theater.  The more people talking about it, the more people who want to make it, perform it, support it, etc.  And that’s how theater not only survives, but thrives.

The biggest compliment you can give me is by sharing this podcast.

I thank you and the theater thanks you!

 

RECENT EPISODES:

July 12, 2021 Producing No comments yet

July 9, 2021: What TheaterMakers Are Talking About This Week

Here’s what TheaterMakers were talking about this week . . .

1 – Actors’ Equity Lifts Mask Restrictions

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer! Actors’ Equity announced this week that it will be lifting mask requirements for fully vaccinated companies around the country. New safety standards for Broadway and regional theaters include COVID Safety Officers and ventilation tests. Full details on the current protocols can be found below.

Read more: www.broadwaynews.com 

2 – Remembering Nick Cordero

A year after the loss of actor Nick Cordero, Amanda Kloots released a heartfelt tribute to her late husband. Read her full statement below.

Read more: www.deadline.com

3 – Waitress Returning to Broadway

We’re OPENIN’ UP! Waitress will return to Broadway this September with its composer Sara Bareilles reprising her role as Jenna. The limited engagement will run at the Barrymore Theater until January. Who else are you hoping to see back at the diner?!

Read more: www.playbill.com

4 – Hot Vax Summer at the Delacorte

You know New York is back when the Delacorte is open again! The Public’s ‘Merry Wives’ is officially open for this summer’s Free Shakespeare in the Park with the incredible help from playwright Jocelyn Bioh and the director Saheem Ali. And I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to get myself back to the Delacorte.

Read more: www.nytimes.org/

5 – Hamilton Actor Publishes Memoir

Straight from the room(s) where it happens! West End’s Giles Terera has just released his new book, ‘Hamilton and Me: an Actor’s Journal’, documenting his journey from auditions to curtains up as London’s Aaron Burr. Read about Terera’s process below and then grab your copy here.

Read more: www.theguardian.com

 

Fun on a Friday:

Watch the first trailer for the new movie Encanto, featuring brand new music from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

 

Watch the video here:

 

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Want to be part of an online community of theatermakers? Join 1.2k+ producers, writers, actors, directors, and more here. Best part? It’s completely free.

July 9, 2021 Fun on a Friday, Broadway, On The Blog, Broadway Shutdown No comments yet

ALERT: There’s a serious shortage of THIS in the theater industry (and why that’s a good thing).

Lumber isn’t the only thing in short supply these days.

As the world has come out of its pandemic hibernation, there has been a shortage of a variety of products. From 2x4s to computer chips for cars, there’s some serious scarcity going on.

And there’s something scarce on Broadway too that has Producers scrambling right now . . .

Rehearsal space.

It’s the lumber of the theater right now.

Our pipeline had a big ol’ hairy covid clog for the past 15 months. And now that the clog has been plunged, there’s a steady stream of shows looking to open on Broadway, Off Broadway, do readings, workshops and more.

Which is why rehearsal space is super hard to find.

I mean, big shows (including one of my own) are going to Queens to rehearse!

Why do I tell you this?

#1 . . .  If you’re a TheaterMaker and want to do a reading, workshop or ANYTHING in the next 12 months, book your rehearsal space now. Here are a few of my favorite spots.

#2 . . . and this is the exciting one. You know what all this rehearsing means? It means lots of theater. You know what lots of theater means? It means . . . well . . . awesome-sauce.

Ok, nonsense phrases aside . . . it means that the roaring 20s, the theatrical renaissance that Chris Jackson predicted at our TheaterMakersSummit last year . . . is about to begin.

Start your engines. (AND BOOK YOUR SPACE!)

July 8, 2021 Producing No comments yet

Podcast Episode #240: “How NOT to Fundraise for Your Project”

ESTIMATED LISTENING TIME OF THIS EPISODE:  12 Minutes

 

LISTEN WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS:

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

After watching one of the most recent NYC Mayoral debates this year, I realized one profession who has to raise more money than a Broadway Producer is a Politician.

And after reading through many MANY emails from Politicians asking for donations, I studied their techniques and marketing strategies . . . they’re doing something wrong.

 

AFTER YOU LISTEN:

  • FOLLOW The Producer’s Perspective on Apple Podcast (it’s FREE!)
  • REVIEW the Podcast on Apple Podcast (it’s the biggest compliment you can give)
  • SHARE this episode with your friends!
  • JOIN the TheaterMakers Facebook Group

 

My mission is to get more people talking about the theater.  The more people talking about it, the more people who want to make it, perform it, support it, etc.  And that’s how theater not only survives, but thrives.

 

The biggest compliment you can give me is by sharing this podcast.

 

I thank you and the theater thanks you!

 

RECENT EPISODES:

July 5, 2021 Broadway, Podcasts, Politics No comments yet

July 2, 2021: What TheaterMakers Are Talking About This Week

Here’s what TheaterMakers were talking about this week . . .

 

1 – Broadway is Officially Back! 

If you haven’t heard, Broadway is officially . . . finally . . . BACK! Springsteen on Broadway reopened at the St. James theater last weekend, welcoming fans back into live theater. Find more details and insider pictures from opening night below.

Read more: www.playbill.com 

 

2 – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Will Return to Broadway as One Show

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which was originally staged as a two part production, will return to Broadway this November as one singular performance. The restaged production will reopen at the Lyric Theater this November. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to have to take another trip to Hogwarts to see what the creative team has come up with for the show’s return! 

Read more: www.nytimes.com 

3 – Black Theatre United Plans to Present its Reforms to Broadway

Following the Commercial Theatre Summit this spring, Black Theatre United plans to offer its New Deal to Broadway. The deal, which will present both short and long term reforms to the industry, will further the program’s goals of ensuring an equitable future for Black individuals in theatre. Read more about the Summit and BTU below. 

Read more: www.playbill.com  

 

4 – A Welcome Return to Midtown

I know, I know, Times Square gets a bad rep. But, maybe surprisingly, it’s been one of the places many New Yorkers are so anxious to get back to. Read one NYC-er’s growing admiration for Midtown as the city begins to open back up.

Read more: www.nytimes.org/  

 

5 – Wicked Will Film in Atlanta, Thanks to Some Encouragement

It looks like the Wicked movie adaptation, directed by In The Heights’s Jon M. Chu, will be spending more than ‘one short day’ in Atlanta when production begins later this year. After considering pulling production out of Georgia due to new voting restrictions, composer Stephen Schwartz received a compelling call from Stacey Abrams asking the project to continue in the state. Read more below about how Wicked plans to continue production and support Georgians at the same time.

Read more: www.forbes.com  

 

Fun on a Friday: 

Watch the first peak at the new Cinderella movie, starring Camilla Cabello, Idina Mendzel, and Billy Porter as Cinderella’s Fab G! 

 

Watch the video here: 

 

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Want to be part of an online community of theatermakers? Join 1.2k+ producers, writers, actors, directors, and more here. Best part? It’s completely free.

July 2, 2021 Producing No comments yet

Join 1,000+ in our TheaterMaker Facebook Group!

A producer’s job is to get people in a room.

Even if that room is a Facebook group!

In case you missed the news, we started a free Facebook group for TheaterMakers!  Writers, directors, actors, designers, and more . . . if you want to make theater, on Broadway, Off Broadway, in your hometown or at your high school, this Facebook group is for you.

You can meet future collaborators, get best practices on marketing your shows, and lots more.

And over 1,000 TheaterMakers have already joined!

WARNING: If you don’t want to be inspired to make more theater and better theater . . . then do NOT join.  🙂  Because the energy in this group is infectious.

(And in case you didn’t realize it – that was our goal when we made it – I believe the world is a better place if there’s more theater in it – so whatever we can create to help make that happen, we do!)

Join today. Say hello to a fellow theatermaker. Post about what you’re working on. Or what you need help with.

This group takes care of its own.

Join our TheaterMakers Facebook group today.

July 1, 2021 Producing, Social Media, TheaterMakers No comments yet

Podcast Episode #239: “What Do I Do Now As a Theater Graduate?”

ESTIMATED LISTENING TIME OF THIS EPISODE:  7 Minutes

 

LISTEN WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS:

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Thousands of theater students have graduated this year. 

I can’t imagine being a student right now, nevermind a theater student.

I recently had one of those students Facebook me asking “what the @#$% do I do now?”

And in this podcast episode, I answer that question. 

 

AFTER YOU LISTEN:

  • FOLLOW The Producer’s Perspective on Apple Podcast (it’s FREE!)
  • REVIEW the Podcast on Apple Podcast (it’s the biggest compliment you can give)
  • SHARE this episode with your friends!
  • JOIN the TheaterMakers Facebook Group

 

My mission is to get more people talking about the theater.  The more people talking about it, the more people who want to make it, perform it, support it, etc.  And that’s how theater not only survives, but thrives.

The biggest compliment you can give me is by sharing this podcast.

I thank you and the theater thanks you!

RECENT EPISODES:

June 28, 2021 Producing No comments yet
Ken Davenport
Ken Davenport

Tony Award-Winning Broadway Producer

I'm on a mission to help 5000 shows get produced by 2025.

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