Proposing a Show

Proposing a show can be scary - but it doesn't need to be! Here are a few tips from past directors on making an effective production proposal:

1. Do your research. Know your show well before proposing. Make sure it is something that you really believe in and will be ready to dive into quickly, as the production process begins immediately after the pitch meeting.

2. Talk to others about your ideas. Outside perspectives can be extremely valuable in identifying what your proposal does well and what needs improvement. Don’t be too protective of your pitch, even if it’s your baby. Many others will have to get their hands on it eventually, so get used to collaboration!

3. Have a solid power point presentation. This is your best chance to advocate for your ideas, and some club members will only be able to look at your presentation before they vote. Find graphics that represent your vision and put thought into the text that you include. Yet another thing that you should allow others to look over and critique!

4. Look at past proposals. These will give you an idea of what your proposal should include. They will also give you an idea of what scale SitD generally works on—not to say that this should limit your ideas or scope, just that it will prepare you for what is at your disposal and what is expected of you. Links to two recent, successful proposals are at the end of this page.

5. Reach out to executive board members and/or former directors for advice. It may seem a little awkward, but honestly, they’re probably looking for an excuse to talk about their experience anyway. You will need to ask exec for the scheduled performance dates, as those are set at the beginning of the academic year. This can also give you an idea of what challenges are to come, where things tend to veer off course, and how people have gotten back on. It may be useful to help you identify if directing is really for you as well: it is a big responsibility and a huge time commitment, but if it's for you, it's immensely rewarding. 

6. Rehearse your proposal before the meeting. You will have about 10 minutes to go through your presentation and another 10 minutes to answer questions. This isn’t very strictly observed when there are only one or two proposals, but will be if there are three or more. In either case, try to keep your pitch within the time limit! Also, try and think of questions that the club may have for you and come up with your answers in advance. Confidence and preparedness are key to direction and management—be sure to exemplify that in your presentation.

7. Be prepared to propose again! It may be difficult to accept; you’re really putting yourself out there by proposing a show, but you must be ready for the possibility that your show is not chosen. It is very common for shows to be proposed multiple times before they are selected. These pitches had the opportunity to be developed even further and thought out until they were ready. You may also find a different show that you would like to propose! Sometimes your first idea just isn’t a good fit, for you or for SitD, and that’s ok! Your worth is not determined by the outcome of a proposal meeting.

Elements like an estimated budget, directorial credentials, a list of characters, and an auditions/performance schedule are all expected in a proposal. Certain other elements, such as potential production staff, a synopsis, and details on if/how you are cutting down the script are optional, but are still questions you will want to be prepared to answer. The most important thing to convey is a clarity of vision and the ability to take on the task.