How to Start a Theatre Company

Last Updated: December 23, 2021 References

If you want to produce plays, you may want to start a theatre company. When you own a theatre, you'll need to think of what audiences in your area might want to see, as well. You should know how your theatre will fill any performance voids before you open for business. When you start a theatre company, you'll need to see to both the artistic side and the business side of things.

Steps

1
Develop the mission statement for your theatre business.^{[1]
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- Think about what sets your business apart from other theatres in your area and incorporate this into your mission statement. Consider what you want to accomplish when you start a theatre company. You may want to produce plays by local writers, put on classic American plays or produce plays from European and other international writers.
- The theatre mission statement lets potential audience members know at a glance what they can expect from your theatre business.
- If you plan on registering as a non-profit in the United States, you'll need a mission statement.
2
Choose a name for your theatre company.^{[2]
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- Connect the name to the theatre's mission statement.
- Don't pick a name that is similar to another theatre business in your area.
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3
Decide how you will run your theatre.^{[3]
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- Some companies are run as collaborative, ensemble efforts. Other companies have 1 person who is in charge of the artistic direction of the theater. When you own a theatre, you need to find the management style that fits your business goals.
4
Register your company as a business based on the rules of your area.
- Apply for non-profit status if you are in the United States and want to be able to accept tax-deductible donations. Your theatre company will need to be a corporation, trust or association before you can register for 501c3 status.
- If you plan to operate as a non-profit theatre business, you may need to set up a board to oversee the business.
5
Open a bank account when you start a theatre company.
6
Develop a budget for the theatre.^{[4]
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- Make a list of expenses, as well as potential income.
- If you own a theatre, you may need to pay for the upkeep of the space. Some businesses need money to keep the theatre clean and in good condition.
- You may have to pay rent and insurance for a rehearsal and performance space.
- Some theater businesses may need to purchase or rent lighting and sound equipment, sets and properties. If you produce a published play, you may need to pay royalties to the publisher.
7
Raise money for the theatre company.^{[5]
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- Ask other people for money, if this fits into your business goals. Your funders could be friends or family who want to see your theatre business succeed.
- Set ticket prices high enough that you can recoup expenses when you produce plays. You may need to sell concessions during performances to raise extra money.
- Apply for grants when possible. Government organizations and private funders may offer grants for theatre companies.
8
Bring other people on board when you start a theatre company. You may want to find people who agree with the mission statement and who have similar artistic goals as you do.^{[6]
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- Hiring people you have worked with in the past is one option. You know their work ethic and have experience with them.
- Put out an open call for actors, designers and others in the theater business if you cannot find enough people to work with you from those you already know.
9
Choose plays to produce that fit your mission statement and theatrical interests.^{[7]
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- Read publisher's catalogs to find plays that appeal to you, then contact the publisher to purchase the rights for a set number of performances.
- If you want to produce unpublished plays by up-and-coming writers, put out a call for scripts through a theater magazine or listserv or contact agents. Specify what you are looking for in a play and include terms of length, subject matter and cast size. Read through the scripts and contact playwrights or agents whose work you'd like to produce.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I start a theatre company when I am a kid?

Ukjm2357

Community Answer

Yes, you can. I am 12 and I have my own theatre company and we made $108.48 after one play.
Question

How can I start a theatre group?

Community Answer

I started teaching music on an independent level in 2003 from home. Eventually, I got into the school systems and local community centers and as my clientele grew, I brought in acting to my program and instead of recitals, I started putting on productions from there my theater company was born. Try starting as an after school program if your target is children. If not, try looking into local recreation centers for rehearsal space, do a casting call or open auditions and start building up from there with skits at a small venue. As your productions build so does your company.
Question

Do I need qualifications to start a theater?

Community Answer

No, anyone can start a company or business including a theatre company. You might need to register in your state for a business license.