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Tips, please on choosing shows

Mon, 5 May 2003, 06:06 pm
Lisa Skryp4 posts in thread
Hi all -

I was wondering if anyone can advise resources - online, in print, whatever - that would be useful to a production committee choosing shows for upcoming seasons (in Perth, in case it matters).

Any additional tips from those who have been involved in the decision-making process would be really helpful.

Many thanks -

Lisa Skryp

Re: Tips, please on choosing shows

Tue, 6 May 2003, 01:05 pm
It's a minefield! anyone who goes onto a production committe is either very tough or has rocks in their head! whatever you pick SOMEONE will critizise the choice, its too bland/boring/predictable/tired or else its too way-out/ pornographic/controversial etc etc.

Seriously, you have to consider 1. your target audience. 2 your available resources and 3. bums on seats. because without the latter community theatres don't last too long. the secret is to try for an eclectic mix.
On-line resources include Samuel French, Currency Press, Warner Chappell, Hal Leonard, Dramatists Play service (HL are Aus. agents)
Curtis Brown, and others, THe ITA site has a number of them listed. THe Education Dept can usually tell you what plays are on next years school lists. The London Theatre Guide will show you what's popular currently. Ask around, your regular audiences will sometimes surprise you in suggesting plays they'd like to see put on.
Good luck

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