What does it take to put on a show?
Ever wondered what goes into bringing a spectacular community theater musical to life? Here's a glimpse behind the scenes at the costs involved in staging a standard, high-quality production:
Rights and Royalties: Securing the rights to perform a musical involves paying royalties to the licensing company or rights holder. This fee is just to get the script in our hands and secure the dates for the show. This fee can vary depending on the popularity and demand for the show. Last year we paid nearly $10,000 just for rights for three shows.
Venue Expenses: We are fortunate to own our own space, however, there are ongoing costs to run a building of this size and to maintain it. Our monthly expenses cut into our performance budget and it makes it very hard to maintain these shows without your support. We estimate our monthly building costs to be over $2,000 this year.
Production Team and Crew: A dedicated team of professionals and volunteers is essential to bring the production to fruition. This includes directors, choreographers, musical directors, stage managers, and technical crew members, all of whom contribute their expertise to create a seamless performance. We have been fortunate enough to have volunteers for these support roles, however, the changing landscape of this non-profit industry is causing us to struggle to find these experts that will donate their time entirely, free of charge, especially in the sound design industry.
Set Design and Construction: Creating captivating sets that transport audiences to different worlds requires skilled designers, builders, and materials. From building platforms and backdrops to painting and decorating, the set design is a crucial aspect of the production. Set design and construction costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. Rented sets range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Costume and Prop Rentals or Purchases: The costumes and props used in a musical play a crucial role in bringing characters to life and enhancing the storytelling. Costs can include renting or purchasing costumes and props, as well as alterations and repairs. Some shows are more affordable than others. The costumes for Sweeney Todd cost nearly $3500.
Musical Accompaniment: Live music can elevate a production, but hiring musicians or renting musical instruments can be costly. Alternatively, some productions opt for pre-recorded music tracks or rely on electronic keyboards for accompaniment. Musical accompaniment costs can range from $500 to $3,000 or more.
Marketing and Promotion: Promoting the show to attract audiences requires advertising materials, such as posters, flyers, and digital marketing campaigns. This costs anywhere from $500-$1500 and more.
Miscellaneous Expenses: From lighting and sound equipment to cleaning supplies and concessions, there are numerous miscellaneous expenses that contribute to the overall cost of putting on a show, averaging between $1000 to $2,000 or more.
Taking all of these expenses into consideration, we estimate that we spend nearly $15,000 dollars on a show run, from first rehearsal to the very last performance.
Despite the financial challenges, the magic of community theater thrives thanks to the dedication and passion of all involved. Your support as an audience member, volunteer, or donor helps ensure that the arts continue to flourish in our community. Please consider giving as generously as you are able.
Thank you for your support, and enjoy the show!
-Alfresco Board of Directors
