- A winning show begins with finding the right play or musical for your company. Narrow the field with our Show Selection Worksheet, one of the many how to produce a play or musical worksheets in the Theatre Production Handbook. Remember to keep completed worksheets for future reference. The handbook comes in a three-ring binder with pockets for worksheets and notes for each stage of your play or musical production process. If you are the play or musical producer for a limited term, your well-maintained handbook will be the complete training resource for your successor.
- Next, browse publisher catalogs to find shows that meet your requirements. Some of the major publishing houses are:
- Anchorage Press
- Baker's Plays
- Dramatic Publishing Company
- Dramatist's Play Service, Inc.
- Music Theatre International
- Rodgers & Hammerstein Theatre Library
- Samuel French, Inc.
- Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
- Order and read the script for each show under consideration. Don't shortcut this step. Producing a great play or musical comes down to understanding the small details that bring a script and score to life.
- Obtain legal rights to perform the play or musical you choose - unless the show is royalty free (Shakespeare, Gilbert & Sullivan, Oscar Wilde, for instance).
- Before you make your final selection, find out what other plays and musicals are scheduled to be performed in your area at the same time. A competing show can result in fewer costumes/props available to buy or rent locally and - most importantly - smaller audiences. If your play or musical needs a critical prop (like Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors) be extra careful.
Tip: Sound effects can be copyrighted. Paying for the rights to a show may not include rights to a song – if in doubt, ask.
Play and Musical Show Summaries
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