About

Introduction To Producing
This course offers a practical introduction to producing theatre, designed for early-career producers, artists, and theatre-makers who want to better understand how shows are developed, managed, and delivered. Focusing on the producer's central role in bringing creative ideas to life, the course explores the core areas of producing: financial management, people management, and production delivery. Participants will gain both strategic insight and practical tools to support sustainable, well-managed theatre projects.

Across three structured days, the course combines taught sessions, real-world case studies, peer learning, and individual mentoring. Participants will develop a clearer understanding of producing responsibilities, build confidence in decision-making, and leave with practical knowledge they can apply to their own projects or future producing roles.

SESSION 1: Introduction to Producing – the three main areas of work: Financial, People and Production (Saturday 23rd May - Full Day)

SESSION 2: Case studies, peer assessment, pitching (Saturday 30th May - Full Day)

SESSION 3: One to one mentorship and feedback (Saturday 6th June - Full Day)

Who This Course Is For:

This course is suitable for artists, emerging producers, and theatre-makers who want a clear, supportive introduction to producing theatre shows, with a balance of theory, practice, and personalised mentoring.

DETAILS
SESSION ONE – Introduction to Producing
This foundational day introduces the role of the theatre producer and the three main areas of work: Financial, People, and Production. Participants will explore budgeting and fundraising basics, contracts and scheduling, team building, communication, and managing timelines from development to delivery. The session also considers the producer's relationship to artists, venues, audiences, and funders, grounding learning in real-world practice.

Key outcomes:

What a producer does and when

Budgeting, funding, and financial oversight

Working with artists, freelancers, and partners

Planning, scheduling, and risk management

SESSION TWO – Practical Training: Case studies, peer assessment, pitching
Day two focuses on applying knowledge through analysis and discussion. Participants will examine real-world case studies of theatre productions at different scales, exploring challenges, decision-making, and outcomes. Through peer assessment and group exercises, participants will share ideas, test assumptions, and learn from each other's experiences. The day culminates in pitching sessions, where participants present a project idea and receive structured feedback from peers and facilitators.

Key outcomes:

Learning from real producing case studies

Giving and receiving constructive peer feedback

Developing and pitching a theatre project

Understanding artistic, financial, and logistical balance

SESSION THREE – Review, Reflection, and Critique
The final day provides dedicated one-to-one mentorship tailored to each participant's interests and goals. Participants will receive focused feedback on their project ideas, producing approach, or career development questions. This session supports reflection, confidence-building, and next-step planning, ensuring learning is personalised and practical.

Key outcomes:

Individual feedback and guidance

Refining project ideas and producing strategies

Identifying next steps and professional development pathways