Package

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Self-Production Package
($35.00)

This package contains a comprehensive guide to putting on your own staged reading. If you have the time, the money, and the inclination to roll up your sleeves and go to work, this may be your best option.

Some things to keep in mind - you will need support, it's not a project for one person. Aside from the sheer volume of work, managing an audition is a complex process and typically requires a minimum of three people. AEA (Actors Equity) imposes strict limits of what you may ask of an actor. Not all actors are AEA, but many of the good one's are. Have one actor in AEA means your staged reading must conform to AEA's Staged Reading guidelines (a copy is included in the packet).

Actors will expect to be reimbursed for their travel expenses - keep this in mind when casting.

Plays are a collaborative effort, and the end result is unlikely to be the one you imagined. Occasionally, it is better. But more frequently, because of limited rehearsal time, artistic differences, and a host of other reasons, the finished work will fall short of some of your expectations. This is the nature of the game.

The package is geared toward an NYC performance, but much of it is applicable anywhere you can find actors and a stage. Expect to spend not less than $2,000. A cost breakdown by item is provided in the package. You may be able to avoid some expenses - e.g., if you have a place to rehearse you will avoid the expense of renting it. In our experience, everything winds up costing more than we anticipated.

The Self-Production package covers, in detail, the following subjects:

Overview of the process

Do I need a Director?

	What a Director can do for you
	Can I be my own Director?
	How to find a Director

How to find actors

	placing an ad
	what to list in an ad
	what to look for in an actor's resume
	Definition of common theatrical terms

How to conduct and audition

	Finding a space
	What to bring
	What to expect of the actors
	How to evaluate a reading
	AEA (Actors Equity) implications

How to conduct a rehearsal

	Finding a space
	What to bring
	Your relationship with the Director
	Your relationship with the actors
	General rehearsal notes

How to stage a reading

	Finding a space
	What to bring
	Publicizing a performance
	Performance notes

Wrap-up notes:

	Cost estimates by item
	When and how to pay actors
	Catering
	Lighting
	Sound

The package includes a list of resources, many of which are geared to an NYC production. Many are not. The following items are also included in the package:

	Sample timeline and project plan, pre-planning through production.
	AEA Staged reading contract
	AEA Showcase contract
	Audition scheduling form
	Actors audition form
	Sample ads
	Sample postcards with artwork
	How to find a lighting-person resource.
	How to find a sound-person resource.

	List of Agents and Producers
	List of audition spaces (NYC only)
	List of rehearsal spaces (NYC only)
	List of theater spaces (NYC only)
	List of Theater-relates websites
	Recommended reading list
	CD - containing the items listed above.

See Summary of Services for additional options