Mantra Theatre

If you love theatres, and you decide that you want to produce a play, the following tips will definitely ease some of the production pains.

First, choose the type of play you want its format. You can choose a family drama, a musical, or any type you like. Should you wish to enact another author’s product, remember to obtain permission from the creator or the publisher, else you will risk of a copyright infringement suit. Choose a play which is simple and has limited number of persons for the first theatre production.

Second, calculate your budget. Then decide whether you want an executive producer to fund the play or you will use your own money to finance the play. If you are an upstart, don’t expect grants to be given.

Third, find yourself a place for the play. This will depend on your budget and what play you choose. Choose space which have good lighting, and let your imagination do the rest. You can also use public parks for outdoor productions. Some community centres can also be used for staging the plays. Although you can choose to use commercial theatres, they are pricier and sometimes are booked one or even two years ahead.

Fourth, decide who will be your key team members. This is the part where you leave your one-man show as writer, director, producer, designer for set and costume and promotions, and start to find other people who may be specialized in these areas to help you out. If you can find a good stage manager who has very good organizational skills, you be helped out immensely in the production.

Fifth, read and reread the script over and over again. Then check what characters and set are needed for you to produce the play. After which, you should cast your play. You can then hold auditions or use people which you already know for it. You may need to approach actors personally if you have are an unknown director.

Finally, you now have your play, place, cast and crew and budget. It is time to start work. Do rehearsals again and again. It is never enough to do your rehearsals. Sometimes the place you rent for the play do not allow for rehearsals, so you need to rent your own space. In such event, you need to identify and locate all equipments and costumes needed for your play. Be careful and don’t use to many props for your play, as they can complicate the actions done during the play.