The Theater Business

How to find success in the theater business
By Nikki Davis Theater productions can be your life blood if you show dedication and perseverance towards the craft. Being a part of the theater industry, though, requires how to network not only to promote your show, but to find the necessary components as well.

Professional theater information can be easy to locate with the right tools. You can find sites dedicated to theater production on a general scale, or you can find sites dedicated to one component of what it takes to put together a successful live show.

To find what you need for the theater:

1. Determine what stage of production you are in, and compile a list based on your upcoming needs. Are you just starting, or do you have last minute items you are seeking.

2. Determine your budget for your theater project. Does what you are looking for fall into that budget? If not, consider renting or purchasing the item second-hand.

3. Ask yourself if you have allowed yourself enough time for transport of the item. Do you have to have it overnighted, or can you be more cost efficient and request the slower, cheaper shipping methods?

Use theater industry directories to help you with your search

Use theater industry directories to help you fine tune your theater topic search.
Try:  Use the theatre resources from Artslynx. Artslynx is a resource designed with the student, scholar, educator and researcher of the arts in mind. Check out the theater information from World Wide Arts Resources. Take a look at the wide variety of resources through the Theatre Library Association. Find funding and service organizations through the National Endowment for the Arts.

Be informed about Broadway theater

Find out the latest in Broadway buzz to keep your pulse on the industry.
Try:  Find out the latest Broadway happenings through Broadway.com, Inc. Check out the publication that has been serving the acting industry since 1884. Playbill, Inc. gives you the latest Broadway, off-Broadway, regional and touring show information. You can also find out the latest happenings from the Broadway World News Desk.

Find theater business tools for your next production

From lights to staging to curtains and more, locate what you need for your next theater productions.
Try:  Use the Theater Services Guide to find props. Sew What? Inc. is an amazing supplier of theater curtains. Check out their curtain description page. It's helpful in understanding the various layers of material that go into stage curtains. Try Altman Lighting Co. Inc. for your stage lighting needs. Visit The Costumer for all of your stage costume needs.

• Don't forget promotional items as well such as tickets and posters. The web is also a great place to build a buzz about your theater productions.