2. Is this show well-crafted? (I had the opportunity to successfully present my musical SSS…WITCH! ssswitch.net as part of the TRU series “How To Write a Musical” – the experience was quite helpful!)
3. Does this show have a selling point? Is it based on a popular property? If so, does the producer and/or writer own the rights? Does it have a celebrity star? Will that star sell tickets?
4. Who is on the production team? Is there a capable general manager? Does it have a realistic budget? (cast size? sets? etc.)
S.A.F.E. – An Acronym for Smart Choices
1. S – What will Sell this Show? A name-brand property? the concept? the celebrity star? the writing team?
2. A – Audience Who is your Target Audience (not “everyone” be specific – and spill over). Do these people go to the theatre?
3. F – Funds How are your investors going to recoup their money – and how long will it take? How many tickets do you have to sell – and how much will it cost to keep that show afloat? (You can make money beyond Broadway in stock and amateur rights. Musicals are more likely to tour than straight plays – and don’t forget licensing – shared by authors and sometimes producers!)
4. E – Environment What is happening in the world and current theater environment? Aim for relevance and avoid repetition.
Producers and Projects need to Match!
Producers choose shows for a several reasons – passion for the subject, love of the artistry, money-making potential, entertainment and fun, etc. Nobody does everything well – or wants to – talent and funding need to match!
The Journey
Most shows don’t open on Broadway. They start in regional theatres, off (and off-off Broadway), festivals (for example, fringe and New York Musical Festival) London’s West End, International Venues, and today’s trend – the movie-cal a slick move from Screen to Stage!
Dr. Sue Sings “You Can Be a Hero”
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.