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So, You Wanna' Be A Producer?! 

A reference guide designed to provide new producers with an introduction to the basic skills and information they will need to produce a play on a commercial basis. The Guide outlines the key points to be considered when setting up commercial productions, although, due to the nature of the business of producing plays, each of which is unique, it cannot be comprehensive.

The contributors to the Guide are all leading professionals in their fields and have very kindly contributed their input because they are keen to help newcomers start in the Industry. It was compiled with the assistance of the Society of London Theatre and the Theatrical Management Association.

So, You Wanna Be A Producer?! can be downloaded in sections for reference by clicking on the pages listed below.

So, You Wanna' Be A Producer?! 

INTRODUCTION

• Contents Page
• Starting out and using the Guide by Nick Salmon, Stage One Chief Executive
• An introduction to commercial producing by Paul Elliott, Stage One Vice Chair

GENERAL NOTES ON SETTING UP A PRODUCTION - by D. Michael Rose of Tarlo Lyons

• A theatre producer's glossary
• Setting up a production: the role of the producer
• Key points to consider when commissioning or optioning a new play or a new musical
• Key points to consider in creative team contracts

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT UNIONS - by The Society of London Theatre and the Theatrical Management Association

• The Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
• The Theatrical Management Association (TMA)
• The London Theatre Council (LTC)
• The Theatre Council (TTC)
• Equity - standard agreements
• The Musicians' Union - standard agreements
• Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph & Theatre Union (BECTU) - standard agreements
• The Writers Guild - agreements
• Schedule of SOLT and TMA agreements
• Current SOLT/Union rates
• Current TMA/Union rates

THEATRE AGREEMENTS - by the Theatre Investment Fund

• Key points to consider when contracting a west end theatre
• Theatre bookings
• Key points to consider when contracting with a No.1 touring theatre
• Key points to consider when contracting a co-production with a producing theatre
• Co-production and joint venture deals

BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS - by Andrew Treagus of Andrew Treagus Associates

• Budgeting for the commercial theatre
• Outline budget
• Notes on the outline budget
• Capitalisation, profit & loss and recoupment
• Royalty pools
• Royalty reductions, deferments and caps

MISCELLANEOUS

• Key points to consider in raising finance - FSA registration or debenture route
• Cover yourself: insurance hints
• Marketing and advertising publicity and press representatives
• Some professional Advisers