Theatrical producer facts for kids

A theatrical producer is a very important person who helps make a theatre show happen. They are like the project manager for a play or musical. The producer works closely with everyone involved to make sure the show is a success. They make many final decisions for the production.

What Does a Theatrical Producer Do?

The producer is in charge of the money and overall management of a show. They find ways to get money for the production. They also hire the creative people who make the show. This includes the writer, director, designers, and sometimes the actors.

Starting a New Play

An independent producer often starts a new show from the very beginning. They might find a great script they want to bring to life. Then, they find a director for the play. They also get the rights to use the play from the writer.

Producers help organize auditions for actors. They also find other staff members for the show. This includes finding a theatre for performances. They also find a place for rehearsals.

Managing the Money

The producer creates and manages the show's budget. This means they decide how much money can be spent on different things. They also set the ticket prices for the show. They choose the best dates and times for performances.

A big part of their job is marketing the show. They create plans to tell people about the play. They often hire a team to help with advertising. This team helps get the word out before the show even starts.

Producers also make sure all bills are paid on time. They pay the people who work on the show. They also make sure taxes are handled correctly. They keep a close eye on the budget.

Working with a Team

The producer hires many people for the production team. This includes the general manager and production manager. They also hire the house manager and stage manager.

Producers work with the director and all staff. They plan a timeline for the show. This timeline includes deadlines for different parts of the production. This helps make sure the show opens on time. They check this timeline often and make changes if needed.

Different Kinds of Producers

Not all producers start their own shows. Some producers work for other people's projects. These are sometimes called "line producers." They help make sure the project runs smoothly.

In some theatre groups, like non-profit ones, a managing director handles business. The artistic director makes creative decisions. If a theatre does not have a managing director, the artistic director might also be called a "producing artistic director." This means they have more responsibilities.

In big commercial theatre, like on Broadway in New York City, producers are very active. Their names are usually shown above the show's title. Sometimes, people listed as "producers" are actually investors. They put money into the show but might not be involved in daily tasks.