How to Start Your Own Theater Company »

Reginald Nelson is the founding board president and former managing director of Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. As an actor, he has worked with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Milwaukee Repertory, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. David Schwimmer is an actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV series—including 30 Rock, Band of Brothers, Friends, Madagascar, and Six Days Seven Nights—and the director of Run Fatboy Run. He is a cofounder and an ensemble member of Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago.

With advice and instruction from an experienced actor and theater director, this pragmatic, authoritative guide imparts backstage know-how for wouldbe playhouse practitioners on everything from fundraising and finding a space to selecting plays and navigating legal issues. Chronicling three seasons at Chicago’s award-winning Congo Square Theatre, this journey behind the curtain reveals the nitty-gritty details—such as managing rent, parking, and safety issues; determining tax status and calculating budgets; and finding flexible day jobs—that are often overlooked amid the zeal of artistic pursuit. Inspired by Congo Square’s own unique inception, the valuable how-to also speaks directly to the many underserved audiences who want to create their own companies, including African American, Asian American, Latino, physically challenged, and GLBT communities. With lists of Equity offices, legal advisers, and important organizations, this complete resource is sure to help ambitious theater lovers establish and maintain their own successful companies.

Foreword David Schwimmer ix

Introduction xi

1 Survival: Employment, Benefits, and Supporting Yourself 1

2 Urgency: Passion, Community, and Location 11

3 Purpose: Name, Logo, and Mission Statement 25

4 Guidance: Board of Directors and Legal Assistance Organizations 37

5 Capital: Investors, Grants, and Your Company Budget 53

6 Comfort: Rental Space, Safety, Transportation, and Food 69

7 Teafwork: Artistic and Administrative Positions 79

8 Buzz: Publicity and Marketing 91

9 Community: Education, Outreach, and Discount Programs 101

10 FeedBack: Previews, Critics, and Audience Assessments 109

11 Leadership: Ensuring Responsibility and Recognition 117

12 Identity: Congo Square's First Season 125

13 Consistency: Congo Square's Second Season 141

14 Hubris: Congo Square's Third Season 153

15 The Last Voice 169

Appendix: Important Organizations for Assistance 177

Index 181