What is the best way to stay in a budget while renting costumes, scenery, and getting the music and scripts?

[fms_drama_club]

We are getting Disney's Beauty and the Beast we are now just strating and we're concerned w/ the money and how it will be possible to afford.

[tonalc1]

Getting the music and scripts is a non-negotiable item, as you need to pay for the rights.

However, you can ask for donations of costumes and scenery; perhaps some other theatre groups might work out a trade with you.

Look on costume sites to see what you can put together/build yourself without having to rent.

[flybird0693]

u can go to thrift stores to buy clothes, borrow clothes, props, and what ever else u need from ppl. u know. or u can fun have fundraisers that ppl. would definatly put some money in for.

[Emi]

Before you do anything, get the rights to preform the play or you could get sued. Also if you get the rights, they may offer you a package with the scripts and music

[blueowlboy]

That is a very ambitious first project.

Do you really have to rent the costumes and scenery? Those can make for huge expenses, especially if you rent from a big company.

If you can, get volunteers to sew, build, and paint, or even donate items. Some businesses will give you a discount or donation of items for an ad or mention in the program, try to negotiate that. Donations are easier to get if you are a not-for-profit or school.

Some of the more specific costumes you may have to rent, but if you have a university with a strong theatre department or a professional company nearby, you might see if you can get a cheaper rate. Some will rent period costumes they have in stock. You will be expected to take care of and clean them, of course. It's worth checking if it can save some money. Some will also rent scenery items.

Don't rent any more than you have to, certainly. Hold any fundraising possiblity you can -- and find places to promote the show for free because marketing also sucks up a lot of money. There may be open air events, social organizations, clubs, street festivals, or any place that would like a little entertainment. Have a couple of songs prepped and be able to do them under the worst possible circumstances... ask beforehand if you can also "pass the hat" to help raise money.

See if you can find a printer who will donate some posters. Go for more flyers that can be distributed by hand. It helps connect the potential audience to the actors, creating a bond before they even see the show.

Break a leg!

[rossini]

There are two ways one can approach that kind of question in any situation regardless whether it is theater or general business. The first is to cost out what you need and raise the capital, the second is to use the capital one has and stay in budget by slashing or changing items. You must decide the approach if you wish to fundraise and determine how to best go about it for your personal situation. There are many ways but that particular show requires period costumes that are far easier rented if you do not have your own costume shop which I presume you do not. Also it is a multi-set and drop show and is none too cheap to produce. Music and scripts are set costs as others have pointed out. I do not know the staging abilities of your theater nor and of the backstage abilities of your crew or whom you can tap into locally that can volunteer their services but try to find people to help you there. Also ask local businesses, chambers of commerce, arts groups and foundations for assistance. If you need further help e-mail me and good luck.

[Bonnie]

When I did my first opera, The Magic Flute, (in english) we had about $500 to do the show. Luckily we had a stage to perform on for free, but everything else was going to cost. So, we jazzed it up a bit. Everyone wore black pants and turtlenecks, we used our own furniture and such from our homes for the sets, and gave it a modern look. It turned out really well, and no one knew we were a dirt poor company and the ticket sales paid for the next opera and gave us money in the kitty for costumes!

[Theatregal]

If at all possible, find someone to build the costumes and sets. It will save a tremendous amount of money. It doesn't have to be complicated. Some of the pattern companies offer sewing patterns for costumes. (Simplicity, McCalls) Get as many people involved as you can. Have the cast contribute pieces that are not so specific to the period, such as blouses, slacks, full skirts, etc. Make them provide their own character shoes. Find an art student who is willing to paint a backdrop - or several, if you have the fly-space. Canvas is relatively inexpensive,and so is paint.

The music and scripts, however, are non-negotiable. Talented professionals wrote the work and deserve to be compensated.

Just keep taking deep breaths and telling yourself; "I can do this, I can do this." You can!