Running Your Theater: Remote producing???

Print Page | Close Window

Remote producing???

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=2812
Printed Date: 11/21/24 at 11:10pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Remote producing???

Posted By: PTACT
Subject: Remote producing???
Date Posted: 11/15/07 at 1:51pm

I have a small but stable community theatre with one assistant. We are 99% volunteer. I took a position in New York working with a Broadway producer to broaden my experience. My assistant is physicially in the office and I am doing conference calls. Unfortunately, I will not be back in town as soon as I thought, but the shows must continue as we have received grants for the season. I have many of the connections and the relationship within the community to get "things" done. My question is, does anyone have any suggestions on how to produce theatre remotely? Until I find someone or teach my assistant the "tricks of the trade", I will have to continue in this position.

It's a struggle, so looking for any advice on how to produce from afar. Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: biggertigger
Date Posted: 11/15/07 at 4:28pm

Communication is going to be your friend.

Like many business that have satelite offices and managers that are traveling or telecommuting you need to communicate fully on both sides.

First off, all those details that you have taken care of in the past needs to be handed off to someone local to take care of them. i.e. ordering tickets - assign this to someone you trust to get the job done. Let them know that in the past you have ordered them at ABC Printing and they can find the number in the phone book, etc. They can use an example of past tickets. If they order from someone else, don't stress over this, you can't control everything and you need to start letting tasks go to others.

Set up a weekly phone meeting with everyone, make sure they are communicating back with you on what is happening, but they must know they need to handle problems quickly and efficiently. If there is a major problem, then work out a way to let them contact you (between the hours of 3 and 5 on cell phone, etc.)

The more you plan ahead, the easier things will go for you. Realize you are going to get a call at the last second, "You didn't tell me about....." The'll need to be efficient to solve the problem and hopefully you can assist them in that manner.

Good luck.

-------------
The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes.