Producing events, just like sandwiches, come in different shapes and sizes but the ingredients are (mostly) the same. Here at Fringe HQ, we believe that good producing and project management skills are the secret sauce in the proverbial independent art sanga. We’ve got a step-by-step Producing 101 for you to send you on your way. We are always available for bespoke questions, and during our registration and festival lead up, you can book in chats with our artist services team to discuss your event and make your plans. Just head to the chat with page to say hello!

So you wanna be a producer, kid?

At Melbourne Fringe, we offer support, but the event producer is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, coordinating all the various elements including:

Planning: collating a list of key contacts, creating workflows and ways of working, creating a rehearsal schedule, a production schedule, and being responsible and timely to communications with marketing deadlines and venue liasion.

Stakeholder liaison: that means communicating with us, your venue, your graphic design and marketing people, your key creatives and cast, and any other VIPs) any updates, changes, challenges or problems that arise. Learning who to talk to about what, early is a great place to land.

Delegation: ensuring clear role definition - if you want, a good Mates MOU (Memorium of Understanding) so that you are all clear on what you do and what they do. Even amongst friends, this is the way you save a friendship or a professional working relationship.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends…(that’s a shakespeare quote theatre thing, btw, yeah we know it…)

Stage One: Find out what it is you’re making

This is the stage where you should be dreaming and thinking about all the BIG picture stuff. It’s the time to talk about key goals, key milestones and key activities.

If you’re reading this, and you’re the event’s producer, welcome. Are you trying to figure out what it is you’re needing to do? Great! Let’s unpack that!

• Goals – Defining the different goals and aspirations you have for your project will place you one step closer to achieving them. Ask yourself: what are your project's aims? What do you want to achieve?
• Skills and Experience Audit – What roles is everyone taking on? Do you have the right team to supplement your own skills/experience? Are you going to plan to engage more people at some point?
• Money – This is where you calculate your income and expenditure and work out what the goal is financially. Will the event be free? Ticketed? How much will the tickets cost? Have you planned a date when you need to have your budget finalised?
• Venue - Where are you going to hold your event? Is it at an established venue? A pop-up space? Your own lounge room? Working in non-traditional or public spaces can be very fun but often requires a lot more work. Think about how big you want your venue to be – there’s no point in hiring a 150 seat theatre if you think you'll only get 20 people per night
• Partnerships - You could also be seeking partnerships at this stage - whether they're financial, artistic, or just your friend's parents letting you use their shed for rehearsals
• Mentorships – If you’re producing your first event, it can often be worth approaching a mentor to guide you along the way. Is there someone you admire who would be happy to mentor you on your project? There’s no harm in asking!

Stage Two: Project Planning & Execution

This is the stage where you really get into the nitty gritty and begin planning for everything you need to execute the project successfully.