TRU Presents A Workshop About Raising Money For Theater

As a disheartening number of shows are closing, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) opens up possibilities for tomorrow's productions with an all-day intensive workshop about crucial aspects of raising money for theater on Saturday, January 24 from 10am-6pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC.

It's a tough economy, no doubt about it. All the more reason why people need support and the skills to go about the business of producing. Attendees will acquire basic tools and information that will help them to function effectively in these times and the better days that are surely ahead. From networking techniques to legal requirements and effective business planning, plus a wealth of first-hand experience from more than a half dozen producers who are currently active in the Broadway and off-Broadway worlds, TRU promises an informative, empowering and inspiring day.

Admission is $175 ($150 for early registration before 1/19); $25 off for members of TRU. Payment by check may be mailed to Theater Resources Unlimited, 309 W. 104th Street 1D, NYC NY 10025. On-line payment by Paypal or by credit card is available at www.truonline.org/store.html. Pre-registration is available by emailing trunltd@aol.com. Applications are available at www.truonline.org/BootCampApp.htm.

SCHEDULE - Saturday January 24th
9:00am- Registration and check-in

9:30-10:00am- Coffee and cake/bagels

10:00-11:15am- "Networking Your Way to Money: Turning Resistance into Results" with
life coach Penelope Brackett of the Creative Seed. We will look at the nature of effective networking, how our beliefs affect our ability to present ourselves well, techniques for engaging others in our ideas, more.

11:15am-12:15pm- "Commercial and Not-for-Profit Asks: Defining the Differences" with attorney Cheryl Davis. We will define terms then focus on the not-for-profit side: the legal paperwork and structure that is necessary in order to ask for donations, and the responsibilities to your donors, plus the ways in which not-for-profits and commercial companies can work together.

12:15-1:00pm- "Commercial Financing: Formalizing Your Ask" with attorney Mark Beigelman. The required paperwork and structures at every level of development, from front money agreements to private placement to Federal filings. And the limitations placed on asking.

1:00-1:45pm- Lunch

1:45-2:45pm- "Putting it in Writing: Business Plans and Grant Proposals" with
producer RK Greene (Room Service, Cougar!) and business consultant Sheila Speller. How to effectively organize your presentation to potential donors or investors; writing a persuasive narrative and building a compelling case for support, whether for a not-for-profit or commercial venture.

2:45-3:30pm- "The Care and Feeding of Investors: Identifying, Cultivating, Maintaining Them" with Richard Frankel, president of Frankel Green Theatrical Management and of Richard Frankel Productions (Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, The Producers). How Richard Frankel Productions built their investor group from the 12 originals to a current group of 1000 or so investors; how they solicit new participants and maintain good relationships with them; and their specific method of raising money.

3:30-4:00pm- "Looking Beyond Family & Friends" with producer Tom Smedes (Naked Boys Singing, Ace the Musical). The importance of creative thinking in identifying investors for your project.

4:00-4:30pm- "Producing as a Career Choice" with producer Sharon Carr (Glimpses of the Moon, Menopause, American Buffalo, I Love You Because, Dirty Dancing, Idaho!). Approaching producing as a career, gaining experience to back up your ask, building credibility as well as your resume.

4:30-5:45pm- Taking the Leap: Doing What You Didn't Know You Could Do" moderated by producer Cheryl Wiesenfeld (Legally Blonde, Caroline or Change, The Exonerated, Elaine Stritch: At Liberty), with producers Sharon Carr, R.K. Greene, Tom Smedes, other to be confirmed.

5:45-7:00pm- RECEPTION

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) is a not-for-profit service organization that provides educational and support services for the performing arts with a focus on the business side of the arts. In particular, TRU helps producers, theater companies and self-producing artists navigate the business of making theater in the New York area and beyond, as well as providing networking opportunities. Programs include monthly educational panels, a play and musical developmental reading series, producer mentorships, business workshops, an annual combined audition event, free workshops for actor members and a community newsletter of services, good, opportunities, ticket discounts and more. TRU also maintains a referral database of over 5000 arts professionals.

Programs of Theater Resources Unlimited are supported in part by public funds awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as generous support from the Friar's National Foundation Association.

For more information about TRU membership, visit www.truonline.org or call 212-714-7628.