Produce! to Take Place at CUNY Grad Center on 11/8

PRODUCE!, a one-day workshop for non-conformist performers determined to take their vision from the page to the stage, will be presented by TeatroStageFest (teatrostagefest.org) , HOLA (hellohola.org) and CUNY Grad Center in association with CUNY and Instituto Cervantes The workshop will feature a panel discussion with notable actors and writers who have seen their work produced On or Off-Broadway, and break-out groups that will provide instrumental tools to seeing one´s work produced: development, budgeting, fundraising, marketing, and more.

The event will take place Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center at the CUNY Graduate Center (365 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street(

FREE ADMISSION

Prior Reservation Required and can be made by contacting info@teatrostagefest.org/Subject: Produce! or 212.695.4010 You must choose an afternoon discussion group when registering.

Event Outline:

10:00 am -12:00 noon:  Produce-Yourself, Introduction to Artist Driven Projects

A revealing discussion panel featuring groundbreaking performers who defied taking conventional industry paths and refused to remain passive while waiting for a dream role or a phone call from a casting director.  Hear the journey of individuals who courageously developed their own work, and saw that is was successfully produced on stage.  How did they do it?  Don’t miss this unique chance to learn what propelled these restless and visionary performers to drive their own projects into history-making hits.

Featuring:  Moisés Kaufman (Gross Indecency, The Laramie Project), Lloyd Suh, Artistic Director of the Second Generation Theater Company, Nilaja Sun, star and writer of the hit Off Broadway show “No Child,” and more…

 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm:  Networking Lunch.

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm:  Discussion Groups.
Group discussions led by 3 to 4 leading industry professionals will focus on key areas of development and successful theater producing. Group workshops will run simultaneously in separate rooms within the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center.  Participants may not enroll in more than one.  Indicate the workshop of your preference when registering.

Discussion Topics:
(Leaders TBA)

Development
Do you have an idea for a show, or have you already started to develop a concept for a great production and are unsure of what to do next?  Then pay close attention to what diverse theater companies with a strong interest in development recommend regarding how to take your idea or show to the next level in order to ensure that your project is ready to go into production.

Identifying Producers and Partners
The old phrase “Hey, Mr. Producer!” takes a new connotation in this discussion group geared to providing participants with the necessary skills and strategies to engage potential producers and partners that will help you take your work to the stage.  How can you get your work seen by potential backers? Should you aim for commercial or non-profit associates?  Would a Festival showcase or regional production help get to a New York stage? These are some of the questions to be answered.

Budgeting and Fundraising:
It is no secret that a large sector of the funding world does not prioritize individual artists.  This is a harsh reality that often leads performers seeking to produce their own work to many dead-ends.  This discussion will address issues and provide concrete tools on budgeting a production, getting around fundraising obstacles, foundation, corporate and individual fundraising, and identifying the strategies, key people and resources, that will empower performers to self-produce their own show. 

Public Relations & Marketing
Marketing experts, public relations reps, and advertising executives working in today’s commercial and non-profit theater, will reveal the most unique strategies to get an audience.  From E-marketing to innovative events and promotions, to messaging, pod-casting, YouTube, imaging and branding of your show, among other important topics, this team of “spin and sales geniuses” will send you en route to getting the most visibility and largest turn-out for your great production.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Closing Remarks and Discussion Groups Summary Reports
A representative from each discussion group reports back to all workshop participants on their respective findings and discussions.