Actor, Writer, Director... or just interested in making theatre?

The Maverick Theatre Company, as a not-for-profit company, was established in 1994 and launched by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, to increase access to the performing arts. And now we are proud to announce the ultimate in access to theatre - create your own!

            'An Introduction to Creative Theatre Producing'

CREATIVE PRODUCING WORKSHOP. ABOUT THE COURSE...

Saturday 20 March 2010, RADA, London.

AFTER THE SUCCESS of our first workshop at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, we have arranged another. 

Many arts funders and organisations are now encouraging artists to 'have a go' at mounting their own work and in effect become their own producers.  But what is a Producer - what do they do and how do you become one?  And over the last few years a new title has come about - the Creative Producer. But what is really involved?  This unique seminar was born of a need for Producer training in the UK. It will take an overview of everything needed to put on a show or start a production or theatre company, from the local pub, to a national tour, to the West End of London. It will also touch on film and TV opportunities.

Where do you start?  What is the difference between a Creative Producer and a 'normal' Producer?  Where do Artistic Directors fit in?  What about Finance, the law, choice of plays or musicals? Then there's employing actors, working with creatives, commissioning new works, copyright, contracts, fundraising, investing in theatre, parties and pitfalls!


WHO IS RUNNING IT?
The course is led by Nick Hennegan, Maverick's Artistic Director and the Creative Producer of Nicholas Hennegan Limited.  Nick is a vastly experienced producer who started as a writer and director.  Having set up Maverick in 1994, he was selected to attend the S.O.L.T.  (Society Of London Theatre) Commercial Producers Workshop and the T.M.A. (Theatrical Management Association) 'Taking Steps' National Touring Seminar.  He has attended numerous producing and touring courses with the I.T.C. (Independent Theatre Council) and has just completed a Master of Arts in Creative Producing and Live Performance at Birkbeck College, University of London.

He has produced over 65 productions and live events for a number of blue chip and theatrical clients throughout the UK, the USA and Europe and worked with some of the top theatre industry figures and Birmingham Arts Marketing. He has also run theatre and events at many financial levels, from 'subsistence' to multi-national budgets!

WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone who has ever felt a desire to create theatre and promote it.  Writers, investors, actors or directors or just those who are curious.  The introduction looks at the pros and cons of commercial production, setting up a small scale theatre company and local/national touring.  It covers legal issues, contracts, working with creatives, and securing rights. It will also be useful to anyone who has considered investing in theatre or is just curious about what a Creative Producer does! No previous knowledge is assumed.

WHERE WILL IT BE AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
In keeping with the Maverick not-for-profit, accessible ethos, the courses are at the lowest possible price. The first workshop was on Saturday 26th September, at the beautiful Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. The next INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE PRODUCING workshop is at RADA in London on Saturday 20th March 2010.

The cost for the workshop is £120 - including documentation and tea and coffee.  The workshop will run from 11 am - 6pm with an hour break for lunch, 2pm - 3pm.

Further information will be provided on booking.

Places are limited.  Secure, on-line booking HERE.

For travel details to The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), see here.

“Producers may be just the people to help build a British theatre culture that won't just survive but thrive in the 21st century.”
Lynne Gardener, The Guardian.