At Kerikeri Theatre Company, we are dedicated to inspiring Northland through the performing arts. Our mission is to help any person with a dream and the willingness to put in hard work to produce, direct, or create a production. We provide mentoring, financial support, help in gathering a team, and assistance in every aspect of putting on a play. All we ask is that you are willing to do the work. We can help offer the structure and help develop the plan and team with you. In theory, we are here to support any show that meets basic criteria, provided it does not seem like a significant financial risk, someone is willing to produce/manage the production, and a team can be put together.
It's important to know that there are an infinite number of ways to put on a play. Some productions are huge undertakings with more than 50 people involved, staged in large venues like the Turner Centre, and costing in the high 5 figures. Others are small cast or even one-person shows in smaller venues such as our Black Box Theatre, and may cost just a few thousand dollars to stage.
Roles in a Theatre Production
Sometimes one person takes on multiple or even all of the behind-the-scenes roles, while in other cases, one person is dedicated to each role. Sometimes certain roles are omitted, and other times we double up on a role due to the scope. The point is that there is no one way; everything is relative to scale, experience, and the creative goals of the core team. Further down on this page you will find some common roles to consider.
Choosing a Venue
One of the first things to consider is the venue. We occasionally stage plays at the Turner Center, but this drives our budget and ticket sale requirements up dramatically. A Turner Centre production can easily cost between $50k - $90k, whereas a Black Box Production typically falls in the $4k - $9k range. There are also alternative venues available, and it's something for the core creative team to decide. If you are new to directing or producing, want to try something experimental, or simply want a lower stress experience, we suggest staging your play in the Black Box Theatre.
Getting Started
If you are new to this and don't know where to start, the first step is to contact any of our committee members for advice. You can contact our General Manager and Secretary, Teresa Wakelin at info@kerikeritheatrecompany.com, or our President, John Oszajca at oszajca@gmail.com. The next step might be to request to attend a committee meeting so you can explain your plan and get more advice. Ask about the committee's thoughts and what they want to see. Then formulate your plan. Work up your rough goals, team, budget, marketing plan, ticket sales goals, etc. This doesn't need to be perfect. We just need to see that you have thought the process through. If you are already familiar with what is required to stage a play, you can skip directly to a pitch meeting.
Pitching Your Idea
Schedule a time to come to a committee meeting and pitch your idea. We have put together a helpful pitch document example to help you prepare. Remember, this is not meant to be a strict or intimidating process. You don't need to be perfect, and there is plenty of room to refine and try again. The committee is here to help make your play happen, not shoot down your idea. In the worst-case scenario, the committee is likely to suggest further development or more refinement of the idea so you can come back and pitch again. Generally, the committee tends to be very supportive. We are here to help make plays happen, not shoot them down. :-)
Here is a list of common roles in a theatre production, along with brief summaries:
Producer
- Responsible for the overall management and financial aspects of the production
- Secures rights, hires key personnel, and oversees budgeting and scheduling
Director
- Provides the artistic vision and interpretation of the script
- Guides the cast and creative team to bring the story to life on stage
Stage Manager
- Serves as the liaison between the director and the cast/crew
- Manages rehearsals, calls cues, and oversees the smooth running of the show
Set Designer
- Creates the physical environment of the play
- Designs and oversees the construction of sets, furniture, and props
Lighting Designer
- Designs the lighting plan to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and visual impact of the production
- Works closely with the director and set designer to create a cohesive look
Sound Designer
- Creates the aural landscape of the production, including sound effects and music
- Ensures the balance and quality of sound throughout the performance
Costume Designer
- Designs and creates the costumes worn by the actors
- Researches the time period and style of the play to ensure authenticity
Props Master
- Sources, creates, and manages all props used in the production
- Works closely with the set designer and director to ensure props are appropriate and functional
Marketing Manager
- Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote the production
- Manages advertising, public relations, and social media presence to attract audiences
Graphic Designer
- Creates visual content for marketing materials, such as posters, flyers, and social media graphics
- Ensures a consistent and appealing visual brand for the production
Box Office Manager
- Manages ticket sales, reservations, and customer service
- Provides reports on ticket sales and revenue to the producer and other key personnel
Front of House Manager
- Oversees the audience experience, including ushers, concessions, and customer service
- Ensures the safety and comfort of patrons during the performance
Choreographer (if applicable)
- Creates and teaches dance movements and routines for musicals or plays with dance elements
- Works closely with the director to integrate choreography into the overall vision of the production
Music Director (if applicable)
- Teaches and rehearses vocal parts and musical with the cast
- Conducts the orchestra or band during musical performances
Remember that these roles may vary depending on the size and scope of the production, and some individuals may take on multiple roles in smaller productions. The list above is not exhaustive, but it also not meant to be intimidating. We have staged productions where just one or two people covered all of the roles, and we have staged productions where dozens of people have been brought in to help cover these roles.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are excited to help bring your theatrical vision to life!