IPI Backstage

DIRECTOR’S PROPOSAL OUTLINE

INDIANA PLAYERS, INC.
P.O. BOX 333
INDIANA, PA 15701

Preparing to direct a production for the Indiana Players starts with a written proposal sent to the Board of Directors, preferably before the April Board Meeting (usually the first Monday of the month). The purpose of this proposal is two-fold: 

1) It gives the Board sufficient information to decide whether or not the production is well thought out, not too expensive to produce, and suitable for our audience and membership; 

2) The proposal ensures that the director has planned the production in detail before a penny is spent or before too much energy is exerted. Please provide as much information as you can when you prepare your proposal. Ask any board member or a past director for help if needed. 

Please place your name and the date at the top of Page One of your proposal and use this outline to organize your proposal, addressing the following subjects.

1. Show Information. Name of Show, author, publishing house, and availability of the script. (Shows currently running on Broadway or in Pittsburgh, for example, are often not available for use by community theaters.) A short recap of the show could be helpful.

2.  Casting Requirements. List the number of needed males, females, children, animals, etc. Do the Players have the needed cast members in the organization, or must we recruit from outside? If so, how will the recruiting be accomplished?

3.  Technical Requirements. Describe what you plan to build, construct, sew, use from existing stock, and/or purchase.

1. The set (sketches are helpful)
   
    

2. Props
   
    

3. Costumes
   
    

4. Sound/Music
   
    

5. Lighting
   
    

6. Special Effects (fog, flash pots, lightning, etc.)
   
    

7. Makeup

4.  Director’s Timetable. Please list the projected audition dates, rehearsal schedule, and production dates. If you plan special mailings or activities to promote the production, please list and explain, if necessary.

5.  Proposed Production Staff. Secure a commitment from each person before submitting this proposal. It is your duty to make certain that each member of your staff knows and understands his/her responsibilities. A copy of Responsibilities of Production Staff is available in the theater office for your convenience. The Board must know who will be in charge of the following areas: Stage Manager, Set Construction, Costumes, Music Director, Properties, Lighting and Sound, Publicity, and Production Manager.

6.  Production Budget. Every effort should be made to create a detailed and accurate budget before production begins, and this budget should be strictly adhered to once it has been approved. The Board can make no promises that cost overruns will be paid, so the Director must accept full responsibility for any over-budget expenses. In order to keep expenses at a minimum, please check with the Board’s Publicity, Hard-Tech, and Soft-Tech Directors, as well as the Theater Manager, to determine what items we may already have on hand. Please include:

1. Cost of books, music, and royalties
   
    

2. Set construction
   
    

3. Costumes
   
    

4. Lighting/Sound
   
    

5. Make-up (for specialty characters)
   
    

6. Publicity
   
    

7. Pit Band (if a musical)

7.  Promotional Ideas.  The promotion of ticket sales is one of our most important concerns. Explain how you and your staff plan to “sell” your show to the community.

8.  Conclusion.  Explain why you feel that this particular production should be included in the Player’s next season.