Projects, just like sandwiches, come in different shapes and sizes but the ingredients are (mostly) the same. Here at Fringe HQ, we believe that good project management skills are the secret sauce in the proverbial independent art sanga.

Want to learn how to plan better, be more organized, and move projects along without burning out along the way? Here’s our 4-stage-process for delivering a tasty event.

Stage One: Creative Concept, Funding & Partnerships

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.

At Fringe all our projects have a project team and a project manager – and this is the very first thing we decide when we embark on a project. The project manager is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, coordinating all the various elements including planning, delegation of tasks, stakeholder liaison, implementation and problem solving.

Once you’ve decided who will be the project manager, here’s a few ideas about where to start:

• 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? WHY does this work need to be made, and why now?
• 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.

At Fringe, we recommend drafting a project worksheet and sharing it with your team so you can see what needs to be done (and importantly, by who!)

Here’s a few ideas from Fringe HQ about where to start:

• Timelines for rehearsals – When are you rehearsing and where? What needs to be achieved creatively before opening night?
• Risk Management – Are you going to plan in advance for if something goes wrong? Is your event physically safe as well as culturally safe?
• Insurance, licensing and permits - Do you have public liability insurance? Other licences or permits may be necessary – for example, if you're using music during your show, selling drinks, or if your show is outdoors or in a council-owned space