[Musicalluver]

Hi, I have recently started a community theatre in my county. The biggest problem I am having is finding a venue to perform shows. The county makes all organizations (even non-profits) pay to use the community centers and schools. I have looked at virtually every other place that has a stage in our county (eagles, moose, american legion lodges) and can't find a single place. Has anyone had simliar trouble? Any suggestions?

Thanks!
-Musicalluver

[Melindaisy]

We perform in our local schools.... right now our Middle School mostly (since there is now no backstage storage/dressing areas at the high school).
We do pay rent for rehearsal time and performances..... although we have had a 30 + year relationship with the school district and pay a reduced rate from what they charge other groups. We also have to pay for the custodians on the nights of performances.
I don't think you will be able to find a rent-free spce that is worth anything. Everyone wants their piece of the pie these days.
Perhaps you could approach the school and try to get a good rate.... you are providing public education, and educational opportunities for students after all.
Good luck to you!

[Set_Buildin_Dad]

I agree that ther Jr. High and middle schools are your best bet. One of the local theater groups that I work with has had a long term symbiotic relationship with a local Jr. HS.

Part of the deal is that the director helps out with the Jr. High productions during the school year. This also gives the director access to the good talent at the school, who then often appear in our group's productions. We also usually do one benefit show where the gate reciepts are dontated to the Jr. High theater program.

Think outside of the box and work with the principal. I'm sure that you can work out an arrangement that is mutually beneficial. Welcome to the world of start-ups! It's never as easy as it looks.

[Salome]

rule one..never start a group unless you own or have exclusive rental of a building.

[Brigantine]

Well, how much to they charge, and when do they require the fee? Flat rate, % of profits...? I don't know if you could find a place that wouldn't charge you to use their space. Churches that have halls or rec rooms/classrooms might let you use them for free for rehearsing, but for performance you're probably going to have to pay up.
If it's a small show, maybe see if you can get together with a local restuarant and make it dinner theater?

[Salome]

the trouble with trying to start a theatre without a building is that the shows look liek crap..you cant build full sets you usually cant afford to make or rent proper costumes and you cant have access to the stage untill 1-2 weeks before the show opens. all this adds up to a show looking amatuer.

[opheliarose]

Salome, in this city at least, most of the professional theatres in town do not have their own performance space- and even the tiny hole-in-the-wall-seats-60-people type theatres charge $1000 a week. There are approximately 180-200 performing companies, including pro, semi-pro and community theatres in the city. And you can have some incredible sets go up two weeks before openning. You just have to have a TD who really knows what they're doing.

Actually, other than the equity houses, community theatres are about the only ones with permanent spaces round here.

[gulliver]

You may also want to look into hotels, night clubs, and consider parks and other outdoor areas.

[Musicalluver]

I wasn't trying to imply that we were trying to find a space for free( although some other local county governments have given buildings to their community theatres). I think that working out a reduced-rate deal with our county's parks and recreation is the best bet. Right now, while we want to put on good shows, I think that if we start out simply we will be able to work up enough of a community backing to get our own place one day. I just hope our county government is lenient enough to work out something with us for now. I've seen great theatre even in the most unlikely places.

-Musicalluver

[Musicalluver]

[Celeste_SM]

Check out your local Jewish Community Center. Our has very reasonable rates ($100 for 4 hours) and excellent spaces for rehearsal (including rooms with pianos and mirrors).