Business of Theatre

Catalog description

Is there a riskier career choice than theater? Is there a field more likely to elicit parental worry? Does some masochism prod us forward as artists, even as the world urges us to bone up on alternative skills on which to rely? Is there a way to up the odds? In a generally discouraging environment where performers are inundated with reminders of the unlikelihood of success by any measure, this course takes a hopeful look at determining factors, especially those over which one has control. Business of Theater will explore performing arts career management. We will learn to see ourselves, our ensembles, or the artists we represent, as integral parts of a dynamic, complex entertainment market. We will analyze our product, our stakeholders, and our buyers to determine efficient market penetration strategies. We will study real performance contracts, agreements between artists and agencies, exclusivity, touring, negotiation, minimizing costs, and engendering shared values. Restriction: no freshman.