Getting Into Local Theatre - Part 3

When the children’s theatre decided to stage “The Hobbit” in the spring of 1999, my pal K.C. Bragg expressed interest in directing the show. Since K.C. had lots of stage experience, the board decided to name him the director - but according to the group’s bylaws, a board member would have to serve as the producer. Since I was responsible for bringing him on board, it only seemed right for me to take on the job of producer - even though I’d never done it before.

The easiest way to sum up the producer’s job is that he (or she) does just about everything the director doesn’t do. To be more precise, the producer handles most of the behind-the-scenes effort: arranging for a venue; finding a rehearsal hall; organizing work parties to build sets, find props and make costumes; overseeing the design of posters and the printing of programs; setting up ticket sales; arranging for promotional ads and media coverage; helping with crowd control at rehearsals; meeting with parents and making sure everyone is on the same page; and lots of other details. Basically, you’re a support element. I should add that the director has a hand in each part of this process, as well - the producer mostly organizes the effort.

The secret to success, of course, is to have lots of help - and thankfully, the children’s theatre has always been blessed with hardworking parents who are willing to pitch in and make a difference.

And “The Hobbit” was a major challenge, with a large cast, lots of costumes for Hobbits, Dwarves, Goblins, Villagers and a Wizard, loads of make-up, weapons (swords and axes) and a giant dragon. The costume team did amazing work, and two of the moms built the head of the giant dragon Smaug using chicken wire and papier-mache, with huge lights for the eyes. It was really impressive, and I had a ringside seat for the construction, which took place in my garage.

K.C. did a great job guiding the young actors, building the stage and handling the thousands of details the director manages (more on that in a later post), and the final show was really impressive. The obstacle that we had trouble overcoming was the fact that most people didn’t know what a Hobbit was (this being before the “Lord of the Rings” movies came out).

Still, it was a fun show, and it gave me a lot of appreciation for all the hard work a producer has to put into each show.

Next: The most frightening step yet, as I attempt to play the part of an actor.