Pitching guide 2014

MacMS Pitching Guide 2014 !Kate Finnis, AD 2014 !!!!!!!!!

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MACMS PITCHING GUIDE 2014

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AD NOTE:Hello prospective pitchers! !As you may be aware, 2014 is set to be a very different year in terms of the pitching process and how our shows will be arranged and organised. My job this year will be to ensure that this process is as clear and easy to follow as possible.

!The following document will outline the pitching process and answer any questions you may have concerning production teams, schedules and requirements for MacMS shows and show pitches for the 2014 season.

!If you have any further questions, please feel free to submit them to [email protected] and I will be more than happy to answer them!

!I look forward to reading your pitch!

!!Kate Finnis

SCHEDULE SUMMARY !Initial Pitches Due The initial pitches for all spots (First Spot, MacFest and Second Spot) will be due by midnight on the 1st of January 2014 (i.e. when the fireworks start). To see Initial Pitch minimum requirements, please see page 4.

Pitches chosen All pitches submitted will be reviewed by the Artistic Director, who will contact the production teams of each pitch to offer an interview or alternative means of communication by the 7th of January 2014. After the interview and review process, the winning production teams will be notified of their success and asked to be discreet with the spread of this information. The AD will take into account the preference for spot indicated on each pitch and will discuss further with each production team the possibility of producing their show in a different spot if the show is deemed more suitable for another spot, or if it is necessary to swap shows around.

Secondary Pitching processes If production teams are incomplete through the initial pitching process, or if the AD was unsuccessful in obtaining rights for the required period, a secondary pitching process will be necessary. In the case of choosing production teams, the vacant places will be identified and the society notified that they will be able to apply for the vacant roles. Applications will be sent to [email protected] to be then forwarded to the relevant production teams. For minimum requirements for filled roles in production teams before auditions, please see page 5. In the case of not being able to obtain rights, a notification will be sent to the society immediately with a two-week deadline to submit pitches for the relevant spot. If the previously successful production team would like to pitch a new show for the same spot, they are welcome to, but they are not guaranteed the spot based solely on their past success. In the event a show cannot be chosen, there are no pitches presented, or rights cannot be obtained at 12 weeks prior to the first official week of production, the AD will select a show and production team, handing the role of AD to another applicable member of the 2014 executive from auditions for that show until midnight on the night immediately following Bump Out of the relevant spot.

Rehearsal and Auditions schedule Auditions for each spot will be required to be held in the range of 8 - 12 weeks prior to the first official week of production. For minimum requirements for rehearsal schedules, please see page 5.

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INITIAL PITCHING PROCESS !Minimum Requirements Each pitch submitted for any 2014 spot must have a minimum of:

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• A named show with indication of rights suppliers

• An indication for which spot/s (maximum 2) they are applying, numbered in preference order e.g.:

• 1. First Spot

• 2. Second Spot

• A contactable, named director and producer

• A summary of the plot, song list and listed characters (with indication of assigned gender)

• The Director’s vision, showing their intentions for the staging of the indicated musical and how they are adhering to the Pitching Guide specifications for the spot/s for which they are pitching

• A budget outlining the costs of rights, costuming, set and lighting with projections for seats filled and ticket costs to cover these

• A basic schedule outlining how many rehearsals will be required per week and the director’s expectations for being off-script, sits-probe and full run-throughs

• Basic production design such as ideas for lighting and set design specific to the Lighthouse Theatre and how these will compliment the director’s vision

!When in doubt - if you think you should include something - INCLUDE IT! Give me reasons to pick your show!

SUCCESSFUL SHOW REQUIREMENTS !Production Team Each successful production for any 2014 spot should, before auditions commence, have a minimum of:

Additional positions such as Choreographer, Lighting Director etc. should be identified where needed at the discretion of the Director and Producer. Positions may be replaced after auditions start, but you should be able to demonstrate that you have a functioning production team ready to go. !Scheduling Successful productions should be able to demonstrate that they have a thorough rehearsal schedule worked out in conjunction with the availabilities of all cast members by week 2 of rehearsals. !The rehearsal schedule should be maintained by the producer of each production. !Working with the AD The AD may request to sit in on your audition processes and any rehearsals run by a member of the production team. !The AD will be present at the first read-through of each show and will run through general housekeeping with the cast before rehearsals commence. !If you have any internal disputes between members of the production team, it is encouraged that you let the AD know so that they can be dealt with in an efficient manner. !

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• Producer

• Director

• Musical Director (who may or may not fill the role of Vocal Director)

• Technical Director

• Stage Manager


!PITCHING GUIDE !As 2014 marks MacMS’ 10th anniversary, we’re going with a theme of CELEBRATION! I don’t mean that your show is not allowed to be dark and scary or mellow and depressing - I’m simply saying that I want you to find elements of MacMS that you can celebrate through your show! Whether it be our unique theatre, our pool of talent or our audience base. Find something you aim to celebrate and tell me about it!

!First Spot The nature of the First Spot Show is to introduce and welcome new members to the society. Thus the show chosen for this spot should be an accessible and highly collaborative show that includes elements from a wide range of musical theatre components, such as singing, acting, dancing etc. !It is encouraged that this spot also allows for the inclusion of novices (those who have not previously held a position in a production team) into its production team either as a full-member, or as an apprentice. !I want the director’s twist on a well-known spectacular for this spot. !Directors are asked to demonstrate how they would wow their audiences in the Lighthouse Theatre as well as include new members as much as possible. !!!!!!!!!!!

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MacFest Show The first show in Semester 2 is a brilliant opportunity to bring an unknown or fringe musical to the Lighthouse Theatre stage. With a smaller cast size and lesser-known show, it is expected that this show should require a smaller budget. Cast sizes should range from 2-10 and an understanding of the minimal score requirements should be demonstrated. !Directors should indicate how they are going to showcase MacMS’ unique assets while still ensuring we see sold-out audiences and maintain a high standard of production. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Second Spot Another opportunity for a large show and large cast size. We can afford to do something a little less well-known than our First Spot show with this production without compromising on the cast size. That is not to say that big-name shows will not be considered, but if this is what you want to pitch, make sure you have good reason. Have a clear vision of how your production is going to be different to every other production of this show out there. !Directors should demonstrate they know the constraints and assets of the Lighthouse Theatre and be able to use these to their advantage to pull off something unique.

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Thanks for your interest and I can’t wait to get reading!

525,600 regards, !Kate

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Pitching guide 2014

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