A Backers Audition

[EdEval]

Posted: 1/31/19 at 11:28am

I am at the point where I am ready to seek financial backing for my play.  Has anyone information or know of a good book I can use on how I could go about organizing a backer's audition?  Thanks.

[zainmax]

Posted: 1/31/19 at 1:46pm

It's not that complicated. Some of Donald Farber's books might touch on it. Any specific questions about it?

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/31/19 at 3:47pm

OP if I were you I really wouldn't rely on anyone here for "legal" advice on how to mount a show.  If you're actually at the stage where you are ready to raise money, you need a GM (or at least a theatrical attorney).  Yes, you can read up on the business side with the Don Farber book, as well as John Breglio's I Wanna Be A Producer and CTI's Guide to Producing Plays and Musicals.  But there are very specific rules and regulations you need to follow in order to raise funds for a commercial production, so consult a theatrical attorney. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 1/31/19 at 4:24pm

@EdEval, I agree that at this stage it is not complicated, and you don't really need to concern yourself with the lawyer-y issues nor do you need a GM. I gather (correct me if I am wrong) that what you are looking for at this stage is a producer. If you succeed in finding one, they will take care of the lawyers and GMs and everyone else with their hand out. Too many people waste a great deal of money at this stage for nothing. 

That is not to say that you do not need to be aware over the general environment in which you are functioning, and the resources mentioned here are very good ones for that. Backers auditions are events at which one hopes to collect checks (and hopefully big ones). At that stage you need your ducks in a row. Never take money without a lawyer. But as I say I don't think that's the point you are at.

Back to why it is not complicated (and why a lot of folks get ahead of themselves. Basically, what you want is to get potential backers in a room in the hope that one bites. That's simple in theory. What's complicated is something many people make the mistake of thinking will fall into place once there are lawyers, GMs and documents in place: figuring out who to invite and how to entice them into the room. That's not lawyering, it's selling, and it is your starting point. Do you have people in mind? Have you made an exhaustive list of them? Have you networked with them? Not many people of means go to readings (and that's what I'd call this) because they get an unsolicited invite from someone they don't know. Let us know a bit more of where you are at presently, beyond having written a play you believe in.

One other thought: most plays originate in non-profits. Have you tried to network yourself in that environment? That's the best way to proceed, and a part of that networking I highlighted above.

Updated On: 1/31/19 at 04:24 PM

[zainmax]

Posted: 1/31/19 at 5:13pm

Great advice, Hogan! You know your stuff...