Think of a producer as the CEO of a start-up. While the director and actors focus on the art on stage, the producer focuses on the viability of the entire enterprise. As a producer, I see my role as the bridge between the creative vision and the business reality. We are the ones who secure the rights to a script, hire the general manager, and ensure there is enough money in the bank to get through rehearsals to opening night.
The Business of the Show
The producer’s primary responsibility is capitalization—raising the funds required to mount the production. This involves pitching to investors, managing budgets, and overseeing the legal structures that protect the production. Once the money is raised, my job shifts to high-level management. This means hiring the creative team (like the director, designers, and choreographer) and finding the right Broadway house for the show to live in.
Beyond the finances, a producer navigates the complex web of industry relationships. We work with press agents to build buzz, marketing teams to sell tickets, and labor unions to ensure every contract is fair and compliant. When things go wrong—and in live theater, they often do—the producer is the final decision-maker responsible for finding a solution.
Lead Producer vs. Co-Producer
In the Broadway world, there is a distinction between the Lead Producer and a Co-Producer. The Lead Producer is the 'first among equals,' the person who initiated the project and holds the ultimate authority. Co-producers typically join the team to assist with capitalization or provide specific expertise. Both play a vital role in ensuring a production has the resources it needs to thrive.
According to the Broadway League, the official trade association for the industry, producers are the engine of the commercial theater, responsible for the employment of thousands of artists and technicians.
A Producer's Checklist
- Optioning and securing the rights to a script or underlying property.
- Hiring the General Manager and the creative team.
- Overseeing the budget and raising the necessary capital.
- Selecting and securing a theater venue.
- Managing marketing, advertising, and ticket sales strategies.
- Collaborating with the creative team to ensure the production meets its artistic potential while staying on budget.
Read more notes from the wings → /notes