Check to see if there is something like SCORE in your area.  I don't remember what the acronym stands for but it is retired business people who give free business advice.  Often they have classes for people wanting to start a business.  Here in the states often they opperate through the Chamber of Commerce.

 

I know art people just HATE having to deal with the business aspects --- "I just want to do theatre!!!  Arggg!!"  :) But it is a necessary evil.  You might want to get someone with an interest in business involved.  It might be fun for them.  Perhaps someone who also recently graduated from you university.

 

If you agree, you may find that the Canadian government has resources aimed a small businesses that you can tap into.  These will not just help you in the business plan but can help you figure out what sort of 'business' you form and what paperwork, licences you must fill out.

 

It would get a little walk-in traffic. The mall has bathrooms and restaurants. You might need an exit to the outside, because shows usually aren't over before malls close.

 

It is just a thought.

 

David

 

 

I wonder if it may be easier to find a group that has done almost exactly what you want to do--perhaps in a different province of Canada-- and then model your actions on their success.  Most organizations would share some of the information if they understand that you aren't a competitor.

 

This could answer quickly some basic questions.  Like: incorporate or not? Like: where does the money come from? How do I find space?  And also get you the most important lessons of what not to do.

 

If you are on the board of a different theatre and use that only to promote your theatre performances that can be inappropriate.  But of course you can be on more than one board--as long as you don't divulge what you shouldn't and as long as you really serve each well.

 

If in doubt in this area, look to other non-profits.  Many have board members that serve several different charities.

 

Now consider a discussion that I just had with a customer who heads a local community theatre.  He and other theatres in the area developed a co-marketing venture where if you show a ticket stub from any of them, you can use that as a buy one get one free coupon for any of the community theatres.  Even the professional theatres bought into this co-marketing venture (although you can't get the pro tickets for a discount, you can show your pro ticket for a discount at the others).  This is smart for several reasons,1.) it encourages attendance with people that already decided that they like the show--in the case of a person who shows the ticket to bring a date back the second night. 2.) it brings people from related geography. 3.) it makes people feel they get a bargain without diluting the normal purchase price.  4.) it opens doors to promote in new places. 5.)it also can get contributors.  If you were on the board of other theatres and served legitimately in helping them, you could propose comarketing ventures--as long as it was in both theatre's interests.

 

We got a buliding for our theatre about 20 years after we began our programming, and now we have a LOT more expenses than most theatres nearby.  Mostly because of our building.  Sound and lighting equipment, ac, heat, cleaning, salaries, sewer assessment, electric, plumbing, marketing.  The list goes on and on. 

 

I think just to become more stable, you should look at renting a space for a while.  Renovating is very expensive too.  Actually, we are getting a pit for the first time with our renovation--we've been doing several musicals a year without one for 50 years.