Customer Reviews

From Option to Opening : aguide to Producing Plays Off Broadway - Revised and Updated

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4 star:		(1)
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I run a small (very small) Not-For-Profit (intentionally) Theater Group. It was with great interest that I discovered this little book on how the big boys do it in New York. It confirmed (beyond any doubt) that I don't want to go compete in the New York market.

Other than that, it was a fascinating look behind the scenes at what a producer has to go through to get a play on stage Off Broadway. I had assumed that it was just a bit bigger operation than what we go through. WRONG!

First surprise - Off Broadway is not just a theater that isn't on Broadway, there's a fairly complex definition of even what that means. Then there's the legal aspects. If you want to raise front money to investigate putting on a show, the law says that you can only ask four people. You can accept money from more than four, but you can only ask four.

I don't ever plan to go do a show in New York, but this book made fascinating reading.

For the people with practical goal of producing a show, especially the legality of it this is a very helpful book.

This book has everything you need to know to begin producing off-Broadway or even further off! Topics range from how to find a script, work with the author, raise the money, rent the venue, hire a company, and how to celebrate the opening. Far easier reading than Farber's Producing for the Theatre which is aimed at Broadway productions. A lot of knowledge packed into 224 pages.

Guided me in new developments and documents in the World of Off Broadway. I produced numerous shows in the 1960ties and the new contracts and rates were of great help.

As good as it gets for tyro producers especially those outside the pipeline. As I recall, a lot that the books offers -- was done for me by accountants, company managers, and lawyers.

Now all my theater contacts are dead and gone.

The fifth revised, updated edition of what is becoming a true industry classic, From Option To Opening: A Guide To Producing Plays Off-broadway, is a 'must' for anyone involved in Broadway productions: the process of producing an off-Broadway play from start to finish is related in easy, clear language which assumes no prior familiarity to prove accessible. From obtaining a theatre and hiring actors to forming partnerships and co-production agreements, making decisions on how long the show will run and working with cast and crew, From Option To Opening is packed with tips and appendices of invaluable, updated resources.

The fifth revised, updated edition of what is becoming a true industry classic, From Option To Opening: A Guide To Producing Plays Off-broadway, is a 'must' for anyone involved in Broadway productions: the process of producing an off-Broadway play from start to finish is related in easy, clear language which assumes no prior familiarity to prove accessible. From obtaining a theatre and hiring actors to forming partnerships and co-production agreements, making decisions on how long the show will run and working with cast and crew, From Option To Opening is packed with tips and appendices of invaluable, updated resources.

The fifth revised, updated edition of what is becoming a true industry classic, From Option To Opening: A Guide To Producing Plays Off-broadway, is a 'must' for anyone involved in Broadway productions: the process of producing an off-Broadway play from start to finish is related in easy, clear language which assumes no prior familiarity to prove accessible. From obtaining a theatre and hiring actors to forming partnerships and co-production agreements, making decisions on how long the show will run and working with cast and crew, From Option To Opening is packed with tips and appendices of invaluable, updated resources.