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Putting together a musical production is not an easy thing to do. There are several roles on Broadway, but one of the main ones you want is a producer. This is because it gives you more say in how productions and live shows are produced.
Producers put on stage plays, including Broadway shows and major productions. The producer plays a huge role in these productions — as a producer, you’ll be the one giving input about what plays you want to put on and how they’re performed. Jeffrey Richards, Performing Arts Industry Essentials contributor and Broadway whose notable productions include Spring Awakening, August: Osage County, and Will Ferrell’s You’re Welcome America, walks through the role of the Broadway producer.
Watch the full video to learn about:
- The impact of the Broadway producer
- A breakdown of roles a Broadway production needs
- What can you expect when putting together a production
What does a Broadway producer do?
The producer’s job is to make sure all of the non-creative aspects of the show are taken care of, and to protect the investment of the investors by making sure that all of those non-creative aspects are done as economically as possible (so that more money can go into making a good show), and to make sure that each member of the creative team does their job well.
What roles support the Broadway producer?
In many cases, the producer will take a show from the beginning idea and then develop it into something ready for Broadway. They do this by securing rights to a particular play or musical, finding investors, and casting and rehearsing the players who will perform on stage. In addition, the producer often has a hand in marketing and determining when opening night will be.
Then you have a casting director that helps cast the play, though you have ideas of who the leading roles might be appropriate for and who you might wish to secure.
Once you’ve got your talented actors/actresses together, it’s time to begin rehearsals. Depending on how long your play or musical will run (most plays run for about 12 weeks), this could last anywhere from several weeks to several months.
In general, you can expect the following people to be in your production: playwright, director, casting director, finance manager, entertainment lawyer, cast, investors, marketing team, etc. These people will be integral to the production’s success. This is why some producers go above and beyond putting their names on the line. Producing on Broadway is not just about finding the money to mount a production. Many different players are involved, some of whom may never be seen by the public. The more you know about these people and their roles, the better equipped you’ll be for your next job as a producer.
Check out this career guide if you’re interested in all the career opportunities in the performing arts industry. Ready for your next steps? Learn about all the pre-production elements by checking out the Performing Arts Industry Essentials online course. You can also check out all Yellowbrick’s courses and find the one that’s best for you! Take a look at all of our offerings and start pursuing your career goals today.
