Taking an idea and turning it into a Broadway showEveryone knows the important role of a director: helping actors in character development, largely controlling the day to day operations of a rehearsal space, and acting as a leader and mentor for everyone in the production. Choreographers are responsible for giving performers movements, and those performers are responsible for conveying the story. Even those who are not involved in the arts can understand the importance of these roles, but how do all of these artists and creators have the opportunity to produce a Broadway show? What steps need to be taken to create the finished production? Daniel Rakowski has worked on the production of several shows for the past ten years, including the revival of On the Town and Natasha and Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. His introduction into the world of theater is similar to many others: he saw a play when he was in kindergarten and though he didn’t know how, he knew he wanted to be a part of theater. After graduating college, he became a touring actor but quickly learned that the behind-the-scenes jobs were calling him instead. He has had a great deal of experience with producing shows and shared insight about the details the average person would not think about when producing a show. The Idea
A show first begins as an idea. The idea is presented to a producer and is either turned away or moved into the next stage called workshopping. Workshopping allows the creative team, meaning the director, choreographer, and others who help stage the production to see the skeleton of the show. It also allows potential investors to see the production. Some workshops may have props in a regional theater, while others may have only a few actors and props. Though the whole process sounds challenging and tedious, Daniel Rakowski says the most difficult part of his job is finding an idea that could translate well onstage. “Finding an idea for a show that is genuinely compelling. In hindsight, it's super easy to see what concept is amazing and what is a flop, but it's enormously tough to understand and envision that in the earliest stages.” Funding Assuming investors and other producers are interested from workshops and proposals, funds are then needed to make the score and dialogue come to life. Technology, paychecks, and the cost of union requirements are all covered by the money raised. These funds are collected through investors who each agree to contribute a certain amount of money. They can also be collected through gala events where other investors have an opportunity to support the project. Auditions and Rehearsals Once the creative team has the necessary funds to carry out the show, auditions are held to find the perfect performers to bring the show to life. Callbacks are held after to finalize the cast list and rehearsals will follow. Rehearsals begin with a table read of the script, discussion of the set and costumes, and listening to the score. The choreographer and director mold their performers to create their art within a few weeks of rehearsal. “Producing a show means to create the superstructure for artistic expression to happen. That includes the funding, the matchmaking of the creative team to the content, and finding the intersection of art and commerce. If a show is a ship, the producer is the builder and the director is the captain,” according to Rakowski. The production team has worked to build the show, and the creative team has the power to artistically guide everyone. Previews Soon after, previews of the show begin, meaning audiences and critics can view the show. Though this means the show is under scrutiny of critics, it allows the public to view the show for the first time, creating a buzz. Running and closing From previews, the show moves to opening night, which is exciting for everyone involved. But the work does not stop there. “Once a show is up and on its feet, producing shifts to supervision of the operations,” Rakowski says. The production team is now responsible for maintaining the show and possibly turning a profit. The typical run of a new musical is shorter in comparison to productions that received more funding and positive reviews. The whole process, from the original idea pitch to the opening night of the show span roughly from 3-5 years, then the show runs for a certain amount of time before it closes. The production team works with everyone to ensure the show succeeds. They truly build the ship and allow the creative team to sail it in the direction of their choice. Without the help of these people, hit Broadway shows would be nothing more than an idea.
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