ORGANIZERS FOR STUDENTS "Hey, Mr. Producer!": "I Want to Be a Producer" ANSWER KEY 1) What do the producer's responsibilities include? Deciding what the production will be, arrangings for financing of the production, and assemblings the creative team for the production. The producer controls the budget, makes sure the company works well together, and is the center of information for everyone involved in the production. 2) What is the producer's aim in commercial theater? The producer's aim in commercial theater is to make enough profit to finance the run of the show, pay the performers and the production staff, and make a profit to both satisfy the other investors and give themselves some income. 3) What are the producer's responsibilities if the show is going out on tour? The producer books the venues in advance and arranges for the show's transport and publicity. 1) What is the League of American Theatres and Producers? Who are its members? The League of American Theatres and Producers is the national trade organization for the commercial theater industry. Members are theater owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers. 2) How many people and cities are reached by league productions? Each year, league productions reach 25 million people and more than 150 cities. 3) What is the overall goal of the league? To foster an increased awareness of and interest in Broadway theater and support the creation of more profitable theatrical productions. 1) What are the minimum costs associated with producing a musical such as "Hairspray"? The minimum costs can run as high as $10 million. 2) To what does Broadway producer Margo Lion compare theatrical investing? She compares it to going to the race track or Las Vegas. (In other words, it's an enormous gamble.) 3) According to David Armstrong, what should you be able to do if you invest in theater? You should be able to lose it. You shouldn't invest in theater if you can't lose the money. 4) What is Ben Mordecai's advice to potential theater investors? Divide your money and invest in three or four shows. Don't put all of your money into one show.