With hands-on advice and instruction from an experienced actor and theater director; this pragmatic; authoritative guide to starting a theater company imparts essential backstage know-how for would-be playhouse practitioners on everything from fundraising and finding a space to selecting plays and successfully navigating tricky legal issues. Chronicling three seasons at Chicagos award-winning Congo Square Theatre Company; this journey behind the curtain reveals the nitty-gritty details of practical issues that are often overlooked amidst the zeal of artistic pursuit; such as how to manage rent; parking; and safety issues; determine tax status and calculate budgets; and find flexible day jobs to help foster artists creative passion. The guide also provides in-depth analysis of undertaking lofty projectsmdash;such as managing a coproduction with a large; established theater; as Congo Square did with Tony Awardndash;winning Steppenwolf Theatre Companymdash;and addresses potential drawbacks; such as handling common weaknesses of the "artistic temperament" that can often lead to a business ventures undoing. Inspired by Congo Squares own unique inception; the valuable how-to also speaks directly to the many underserved niche audiences who decide to create their own companies; including African American; Asian American; Latino; physically challenged; and GLBT communities. Concluding with lists of Equity offices; legal advisers; and important organizations for assistance; this complete resource is sure to help ambitious theater lovers establish and maintain their own successful companies.
#2483672 in eBooks 2009-01-02 2009-01-02File Name: B0052XUFMS
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The interviews made this book for me personal and enjoyableBy KarodaThis book was more exploratory and subjective versus definitive and scientific based. the latter being what I expected. Being exploratory made it easier for me to dialogue and reflect on the ideas presented in the essays and interviews with visual artists/musicians. Having the website for extended reference. I think. is a unique feature that expanded the visual presentations. My interests in the topic comes from being a visual artists wanting to make a jazz quilt. Michael E. Cummings was one of the artist interviewed which was sweet surprise since I also work in textiles. I enjoyed the interviews more than the essays which didnt come across as substantial to me.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Really insightful !By KCNWould definitely recommend. really informative and composed book and it helped greatly on a research project as this is a topic that hasnt been touched on enough!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Clear associations between the artsBy E. GraceWonderful foray into the realm of visual art and its influence on music - and vice-versa
