Beginnings

This blog has a very simple purpose: to track the successes and, inevitably, failures on my way to becoming a theatre producer.

I imagine writing it shouldn’t be too difficult; doing it on the other hand, might be.

These suspicions were confirmed recently while trying to make contact with a small theatre where I thought I might put something on. While casually talking to the manager (it’s of course essential to keep all details confidential) I mentioned that I was interested in producing shows professionally. A concerned look spread across her face. I’m still not sure whether she was concerned for the reputation of her theatre or my sanity. Either way, it wasn’t a good start.

I steered the conversation toward what level of experience she thought was required of potential producers at her venue. I’m not sure what I hoped for, but it was probably along the lines of “Well, almost exactly the level you have. Do you want to come and produce here?” Having had it rather easy at university, with the chance of producing at a major regional theatre and the internationally renowned Rustaveli Theatre (it is renowned, it says so on Wikipedia), I think I assumed that such fringe venues are the way to start out in London.

It quickly became apparent that this is not the case. My question was parried with the predictable response of “experience, and lots of it”. Yet its implication was clear. I would need a lot more experience before I should even think about applying to her theatre.

Point taken. Vaulting ambition dully brought back to earth. I’m going to have to start much smaller and work slowly upwards before getting to that stage. And given the size of that particular stage, I’m currently looking for places smaller than 4m².

So if anyone wants me to produce a play in their kitchen, let me know.