Sample Proposal:

Indiana Players - Director's Proposal

Director: Robert L. Stoerkel

Comics@yourinter.net

724 - xxx - xxxx

Proposal Date: February 7, 2007 

I.) Proposed Show:

      Daughters by Maya Levy

    Publisher: Baker's Plays

      No Restrictions

Daughters is a series of nine honest, up-front monologues for teen actresses. Each deals with loneliness and searching. Some are funny, some serious, all are brimming with compassion, rich language and theatricality. In her introduction, Ms. Levy states "Each character stands alone, because that is what she is. Alone! Her life is what she had made it. It belongs to her. Do nothing to diminish her moment".  These monologues are stunning "moments" and thus, strong statements of and by today's' young women. 

II.) Casting requirements: 

1. Up TO 9 teenage to early twenties females.  There are 9 monologues, but could be done with any number.

Production will be cast through open auditions and I will be calling actresses specifically to audition for the role(s). I wish to reserve the right to pre-cast at the most 50% of the parts. 

III.)Technical Requirements

1. Scenic Design

The scenic design will be what is currently built, unless I feel artistic and insane.

2. Props

Props for the show are simple and easily accessible items.

3. Costumes

Costumes for the show are simple basic costumes and props signifying the character "speaking".  If I choose, I will change the costumes to better fit my and the actresses' idea of the character. The actress should be able to provide the costume pieces from their own collection. If not, I believe I can secure them.

4. Sound/Music

There are no songs or music required by the script. Depending on my thoughts as we progress, background noises or music may be played through our sound system.

5. Lights

Lights will be required to light small areas of the stage more often than lighting the entire stage for most of the show.

6. Special Effects

There are no special effects other than what may come to my mind during the rehearsals and as we progress.

7. Make-up

Make up would be very basic for all characters. 

IV.) Production Calender

1. Audition Dates
2. Audition dates would be set for Sunday February 18 & Monday February 19; 6:00 PM - 8:00 P.M.  (Call-Backs at my discretion)

      B.) Rehearsal Schedule

1. Rehearsal schedule is subject to change based on schedules of cast
2. Rehearsal DESIRE is to have the cast ready to go and only rehearse the show 3 days prior to opening of the show for pacing, and tech, etc.
3. Proposed rehearsal schedules are as follows: (unless needed).
   1. Rehearsal and Tech will be on March 14 and 15 from 7:00 PM to?
   2. "Touch-up" rehearsal will be on March 12 (my Birthday) from 6:00 - 10:00 PM depending on need of actress and my instincts.
   3. I will instruct the Actress that they MUST meet with me prior to the March "touch-up" to go over their monologue(s). They must meet at least three (3) times, but I will be available at any time for "brush-up" if THEY desire. A schedule will be formulated for this.
4. Theatre building would be needed for all rehearsals/auditions.

C.) Performance Dates

      Fri, March 16 at 8pm, Sat, March 17 at 8pm, Sun, March18 at 2pm

      Fri, March 23 at 8pm, Sat, March 24 at 8pm, Sun, March 25 at 2pm 

V.) Proposed Production Staff

1. Stage Manager -  Sarah Taylor
2. Tech Director - RLS
3. Set Builder - RLS
4. Costumer -  Actresses and IPI
5. Music Director - N/A
6. Props Master -  Actresses and RLS
7. Light Technician -  Will obtain one or RLS
8. Sound Technician -  Will obtain one or RLS
9. Light Designer -  RLS
10. Sound Designer -  RLS
11. Publicity Chair -  Sarah Taylor & Laura  Jeffrey
12. Production Manager -  Sarah Taylor
13. Poster and Program Design - Bruce Dries
14. Assistant Director -  ?

 

VI.) Production Budget

1. Books, music, & Royalties
   1. Scripts are $5.25 each. We will need to purchase 10 scripts. Total cost is $52.50 plus s/h
   2. Royalties are $40 per performance so cost is $240.00 for 6 performances
   3. No Music rental necessary

2. Set Construction
   1. There should be no costs.  BUT, we STILL need to re-design the auditorium, which means I want to build NEW secure risers for the audience and the current seating.
   2. Lumber costs - $500.00
   3. Paint costs - $75.00
   4. Screws, bolts, etc - $50.00
   5. Total estimated set cost - $625.00
3. Costumes
   1. No anticipated need to purchase or rent any costumes.
4. Lighting/Sound
   1. Should need no equipment beyond what theatre owns
5. Make-up
   1. No anticipated make-up costs other than what is present.
   2. All other make up should be in actors personal collections
6. Publicity
   1. "Business Cards" - 1,000
   2. Fliers - 1,000
   3. Big Posters (2) - $35
   4. Bill Otto - more than once
   5. Whatever I can get away with
   6. Total Publicity - $120.00
7. Pit Band - NOT NECESSARY
8. Total estimated budget
   1. Royalties & Scripts - $300.00 +/- and S/H
   2. Technical supplies - $625.00
   3. Publicity - $120.00
   4. Total Costs - $1075.00 at most WITH new risers. ( $420.00 W/O RISERS)

VII.) Promotional Ideas

1. Flyers posted around town
2. Instigation of a 50/25/25 raffle. Sell tickets and draw 2 winners. First winner gets 25% of the proceeds (the other 50% goes into the building fund and the other 25% goes to a charity of their choice with "name' recognition). The second winner gets a single complimentary ticket to a future show. By giving them one ticket they are likely to bring a second patron who will pay with them when they return.
3. T-shirts. The cast/crew will on their own purchase show T-shirts to be worn around town to spread word of mouth.
4. After- Play Q&A "Discussion".  Pay a quarter, ask a question. ANY question.

VIII.) Reasons to do this show

      IPI (again) needs a show to fill the space between the previous production of "Women On Fire" and prior to "The Philadelphia Story".  The intent is to give Directors a chance to propose shows that will follow the later.  However, if this does not occur, I will CONTINUE to propose shows that take a minimum of rehearsal time to get a "show" on the stage for the audience. This production can be produced with a minimal of rehearsals, set construction, sound, lights, etc.  IPI needs continual attendance at the Playhouse and this will fill that need with a minimal of time involved in its' production.  IN conjunction with this production (which is only about a forty-five (45) minute production), may be the following:

1. A full-stage discussion following the show WITH the audience concerning the characters and the actresses.
2. A totally separate "event" that will be either the "warm-up" for the show or a "performance" that is totally different from the shows' content.  Due to the quickness of the production, any "Pre-show" or "Post-show" will be at the discretion of the Director.