Productions on a Tight Budget

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Productions on a Tight Budget

Every play has a budget, but small schools and youth groups desiring to put on a production are faced with a bigger decision.
1.) Should we not do a production because of a lack of funds?
2.) Should we do a production, but one that is less than what we want?--I call these "Sunday-School plays."
3.) Can we do a full-length production with all the costumes and pageantry? If the latter is chosen, soon, questions strike up a noisy chorus--How will we afford a play? How can we afford costumes and scenery?

First, every director is going to face questions and obstacles at varying levels. For this article's sake, I'm going to work from the perspective of the small school.

To leaders everywhere, I would ask, what is in your heart to do? Are you filled with a passion to put on a great production? Then go for it! A small school or group is often constrained by a limited budget and usually, a lower amount of students, but this doesn't have to stop you from putting on a fabulous production.

Tap into ALL your resources.

1.) Choose a play based resources.

Can you afford to purchase a play? This will get a play into your hands quickly.
Do you have someone who could write a play for you? This will be less expensive, but do you have time to wait?

2.) Your actors are your greatest resources.

I have gone to plays where the directors put huge amounts of money and time into sets and costumes, but the acting was mediocre. Know your actors' strengths--and build on them. Actors joyfully sharing their gift will make your production successful and will keep audiences wanting more!

(See the article Know your Strengths.)

3.) Tap into all available financial resources.

Plan on charging admission. In our area, most school plays have a ticket price of $5.00. Even a low-priced ticket will provide for costumes and backdrops. (Example: $3.00 adults/$2.00 students)
Sell food before the play and during intermission--hot dogs, candy, pop, homemade goodies brought in by parents, etc.
Send out a letter to parents and friends asking for donations of fabric, paint, money, and lumber.
A fee could be charged for each actor. Or have each actor pay for his/her own playbook.
Get your church or group excited and involved.

4.) Involve Parent volunteers:

Costumes, backdrops, and advertising are three things you will need help with. Tell parents you need their help. Get them involved. Write the production's needs in the Audition Packet so parents know what to expect.
When someone asks--Do you need help?--ALWAYS answer, "YES!" And quickly think of something for them to do.
Every single thing someone else does is a chore the director won't have to do.

5.) Limit your staging costs. (See the article Building a Cheap Set.)

6.) Keep costume costs down. (See the article Costumes Anyone.)

Have a hunter--someone who will shop the thrift stores on discount days.
Send out a list to parents.
Sew with sheets from thrift stores and donated fabric.

Putting on a Two-Act production or a musical is a huge deal for the small school, but it is a project well-worth your time and effort, having a long-range positive effect on the actors, your school, and the community. Have big expectations, always striving for growing your program, but also realize your resources and build them up year by year--and you will be amazingly blessed by the outcome.

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For clean, fun plays, visit...

www.4thofjulyproductions.com

Blessings on your journey...