Starting a Theatre Company
By Teresa Robbins, N2Arts Correspondent
How to do it on the cheap
 

ave you ever seen a professional stage production and wondered how much a gig like that would cost to produce?  If you guessed more than your yearly allowance, you were right!  Big productions like “The Phantom of the Opera” have huge budgets and millions of dollars in expenses for salaries, costumes, props, and special effects.  But don’t despair. You can start your own theatre company and do it for very little money. 

How do you get started? First, think volunteers.  You can use people in your community or your school for your cast and crew (this is common practice in community theatre).  There are people who will work for free for the opportunity to showcase their talents on the stage or behind the scenes. 

Next you have to think resources.  When I stated my own theatre company, we had very few resources. Now, walking into my drama troupe’s fully stocked closet, I see that we actually need more space because of all of the stuff we have collected.  Large plastic storage tubs are bulging with stage items.  One is slammed full of stage and character make-up, scripts, and hair accessories.  Another is overflowing with fabric for costumes.  The tubs hem in a garment rack with clothes slung over the top because there’s no room to hang them.  Filling that closet has been our greatest expense but we found ways to collect our supplies for either cheap or free.  With teamwork and patience we have armed ourselves with everything we need. 

If you don’t have resources yet that’s o.k. You can begin by figuring out what style of theatre, music, or dance you want to perform. Make a list of needed items and make copies so everyone can keep their eyes peeled for these things.

For plays, focus on costumes, props, stage make-up, and set design.  Even a basic set of theatre make-up can get pricey.  A set can include foundation, powder, eye/cheek color, lipstick, concealer, and liners.  Be watching because I’ve found name brand tube foundation that works great onstage at a store where all items are a buck.  If you’re affiliated with a non-profit group find out their tax i.d. number and use it!  It will save you some serious pennies.  Also, hit the after Halloween sales for items on your list.  Wal-mart generally discounts leftover costume make-up from ten and fifteen cents a tube.  So, stock up!  We’ve used fabric from their dollar table for backdrops.

If dance is on the agenda then ask members if they have their own dance shoes and leotards.  Trained dancers will have these items and some to spare.  If not, then put costumes together that have a common theme.  If the piece is hip-hop then everyone could throw on their favorite jeans, a muscle shirt, and a pair of tennies.  Get creative!

For mime, actors can put together black and white outfits from their own closets.  Clown white make-up can be purchased at a theatre shop.  If used sparingly, one palette will last for months.  Get some baby powder, black liners, lipstick, and white gloves (female members may have make-up to share).  For gloves, go to a hair supply store and buy cotton gloves in bulk.  Introduce yourself to the manager and tell them what you are doing. They may drop you a discount. 

Most items can be found at little or no cost by doing one of three things.  First, ask everyone you know for donations.  We’ve received tons of unused make-up, wigs and clothes by letting folks know what we need.  Second, get permission to raid some closets and garages.  You won’t believe the great costumes and props you can find hiding in your parents and grandparents secret stash.  I was digging through some old clothes a family member was giving away and found a blue fringe vest from the 70’s.  Our troupe had the coolest hippie costume in town. Or, have a fundraiser.  A car wash in a high traffic location can bring some cool cash for just pocket change.  Where there’s a will there’s a way. 

Explore some other creative ways to build your troupe’s resources.  You’ll be surprised at what you can pull together in just days. And remember to have fun. Some of the best artists and performers started out in community theatre.

Teresa has training in mime, dance, and theatre and has used her experience to teach others how to reach their highest potential in these areas as well.