Theater Resources Unlimited Announces 2013-14 Producer Development & Mentorship Program

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) is accepting applications for the Producer Mentorship and Development Program for 2013-14, a program designed to guide anyone producing a project through the steps of putting together an effective business plan, as well as help you to set and achieve attainable goals. Led by industry veterans and insiders, this year-long program encompasses the full scope of both the commercial and not-for-profit theatrical producer's process, using a hands-on approach, on-site training, and a focus on practical application. In order to be eligible for the program you must join TRU as a member; to apply send an email inquiry to TRUMentor@gmail.com and TRU will send you detailed information and an application. If accepted into the program, the cost for the year is $100 (plus a $75 TRU membership fee). For more detailed information on the program visit www.truonline.org/PDMP2.htm.

The Producer Development and Mentorship Program is comprised of two interactive divisions: Career Producers led by producer Michael Alden (The King's Speech, Grey Gardens, Bridge & Tunnel, Bat Boy the Musical), and Self-Producing Artists led by producer-writer Patrick Blake (Play Dead, The Exonerated, In the Continuum). Traversing both groups are members whose focus is working in the not-for-profit realm; their program director is producer Patricia R. Klausner (Pippin, The Trip to Bountiful, Stick Fly, The Scottsboro Boys). The three program directors will guide participants through the year-long program meeting once a month, and will include a networking component along with seminar presentations led by industry veterans at site specific locations in Manhattan.

Whether in the Early Stages of development, working toward a staged reading or looking to produce a full commercial production, participants will leave the course with a ready-to-use, project-specific business plan. Participants will begin the program with a production goal in mind and will be guided through the many facets and phases of production and development including:

- The Elements of a Successful Production - a top NY critic, a dramaturg and a producer will offer a unique and often neglected perspective on the definition of a successful production.
- Production Development - a lineup of notable development executives and artistic directors will cover the various development paths from page to stage.
- General Management and Budgets - a seminar with theatrical General Managers and staff, outlining the invaluable role and function of the General Manager including unions, talent and crew negotiations, bonds and budgets.
- The Legal Aspects of Production, an evening with experienced entertainment attorneys, offering an overview of the trials, tribulations and contracts a Producer must navigate.
- Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations - members of an A-level marketing and advertising firm will discuss conventional as well as out-of-the-box marketing, advertising and the vital role of social media.
- Asking For Money with a lineup of theater investors and producers, sharing the who, when, where and how of asking for money.
- Creating Your Business Plan, with a panel of industry experts, helping you build your blueprint for a successful production.