Expert: Arlene Schulman - 7/5/2009

Question
My friend and I have developed a musical play and improved it over six one
night performances in Las Vegas     It has been sold out every time   Turning
people away.   We are at the stage where we would like financial and other
expertise to go for a lager venue and to roadshow the production to LA and SFR
Any suggestions    We have not done this ever

Answer
Hi Nigel,

Sounds like you've already had a great start.  Congratulations!

As for where to go from here, you need to either get your show to a producer who handles tours (or at least roadshows) or you need to finance and produce it yourself.  Neither is easy.  

The easiest way to find a producer is to get it seen.  So your best bet, especially with a show that was getting sold out performances, would have been to invite producers (and other theatre professionals such as critics, etc.) to your performances and let them see how good the show is.  Or to hold a separate "backer's audition" or backer's showcase especially for producers (usually a shortened version with the highlights) and invite them to that.  No guarantees that they will come, of course, if you invite them, but there is always the chance a few will show up.  No guarantee they'll be interested if they do show up (different producers look for different things - a good show is not always a guarantee of finding a producer), but again, if they don't know it's there then nothing will happen.

If those are not a possibility, then you can submit the show - usually a sample 10 pages - more or less - plus a demo recording of the show music, but it depends on the producer or company.  Some will not take unsolicited submissions at all.  Others have strict guidelines about what to send.  Others will take submissions of the full play.  But in either case, for a musical, a demo recording is necessary.

I suggest, if you are looking to send out submissions to theatres in the areas you want it to be performed - or to producers in those areas - that you take a look at the Dramtists Sourcebook put out by the Dramatists Guild.  It lists submission guidelines for companies, contests and more all over the country.  And, if you are not a member already, you should consider membership in the Dramatists Guild of America (www.dramaguild.com).  They are the union for playwrights, lyricists and composers and, even with an inexpensive associate membership, can give you excellent legal and financial advice, as well as point you in the right direction for how to move your show ahead.  

I wish you all the best with your show.  It sounds like it has wonderful potential.  Maybe I'll get the chance to see it (or even direct it) when it comes to the East Coast!

Best,
Arlene (MsDirector)