Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the WRITER-PRODUCER SPEED DATE (The Art of the Pitch) on Sunday, June 14 at 5:30pm and 6:30pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC.
Writers often meet a producer at a party, and have two minutes to interest him in their work. TRU now offers them a chance to practice their pitching with real producers who are open to and looking for new work. "The producers probably won't offer options on the spot, but it's an opportunity to start developing relationships. And that's what this business is all about," said TRU president Bob Ost. Eleven producers have signed on, from both the commercial and not-for-profit worlds, all with an interest in new projects, as well as eleven aspiring producers from TRU's mentorship program. And writers also receive invaluable coaching from experts.
ABOUT SPEED DATING. How does it work?
Eleven writers will arrive at 5:30 and meet two professional coaches who will guide the writers with their presentations. An hour later, the writers go into the Pitch Room to meet the producers - one per station. A bell is rung a bell and writers have two minutes to pitch. A second bell is rung, producers have two minutes to respond and ask questions, or give feedback. Writers are asked to bring a packet with a synopsis, bio, cast breakdown and production requirements to leave with each of the producers. If the project interests the producer, he may request a full script. Meanwhile, group two is in the Coaching Room getting coached for an hour starting at 6:30, and the second group goes into the Pitch Room at 7:30. Pitches and turnaround should take about 50 minutes total for all eleven. Afterwards, there is wine and cheese and a chance for the writers to network with the producers and each other.
Eleven writers pitching to eleven producers at one time? A little chaotic perhaps, but true to life. "Think of it as the 'cocktail party pitch' where you have to hold someone's interest with dozens of conversations going on around you," Ost said.
Participating producers include Jean Cheever/Tom Polum, Broadway producer team (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Toxic Avenger musical); Pam Koslow, Broadway producer (Jelly's Last Jam, Jane Eyre, Captain Louie); Cheryl Wiesenfeld, Broadway producer (Legally Blonde, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Exonerated, Elaine Stritch: At Liberty); Robert R. Blume, commercial producer (the Drama Desk Awards, Busker Alley); Jane Dubin, Broadway producer (The Norman Conquests, Beebo Brinker Chronicles); Mike Roderick, off-Broadway and showcase producer; Richmond Shepard, theater owner/off-Broadway producer; Sheila Speller, developing new works; and Cynthia Stillwell, new play development.
Applications are available at www.truonline.org/WriterSpeedDateApp.pdf, or download application as a Word document from www.truonline.org/WriterSpeedDate.htm. Admission is $50 for members of TRU; $75 for non-members. To apply or to become a member of TRU, please call 212-714-7628 or e-mail TRUnltd@aol.com. This is a competitive application process, limited to 22 writers. Applications must be postmarked by May 14. Email reservations are preferred.
TRU is a not-for-profit service organization that provides educational and support services for the performing arts with a focus on the business side of the arts. In particular, TRU helps producers, theater companies and self-producing artists navigate the business of making theater in the New York area and beyond, as well as providing networking opportunities. Programs include monthly educational panels, a play and musical developmental reading series, producer mentorships, Producer Boot Camp business workshops, an annual combined audition event, free workshops for actor members and a community newsletter of services, good, opportunities, ticket discounts and more. TRU also maintains a referral database of over 5000 arts professionals.
Programs of Theater Resources Unlimited are supported in part by public funds awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as generous support from the Friar's National Foundation Association.
For more information about TRU membership, visit www.truonline.org or call 212-714-7628.
