Note: This is the first in a three-part series this month in how to network, build and maintain important professional relationships in theater.
Your Inner Circle
Theater is an industry built heavily on relationships and reputation. And for a theatermaker, your reputation is everything.
But first you must develop your own “inner circle” of relationships – theater insiders who know you, like you and support your work. There’s no way around it – everyone in theater must know how to network effectively.
Networking is essential for playwrights, directors and producers to build connections, gain visibility, and create opportunities in the theater industry. Ditto for actors, designers, stage managers – basically everyone who works, or wants to work, in this industry. The good news is, now it’s easier than ever before to network from anywhere in the world and connect with theatremakers worldwide – and it’s almost as effective as being there in person.
Here are some of the best strategies that I use for effective networking:
1. Attend Theater Events
- Play Readings and Workshops: Attend readings of other playwrights’ works, as these often draw industry professionals. Engage with them after the event. Plus, these events are usually free.
- Premieres, Galas and Festivals: Attend regional premieres near you, and definitely support your local theaters by attending their galas. The people you meet at these functions are the people you need to know. Also attend the regional festivals like the Hollywood Fringe Festival. the South Carolina New Play Festival and the CreateTheater New Works Festival in NYC to network and meet other industry professionals.
- Talkbacks and Q&A Sessions: Participate in post-show discussions to meet directors, actors, and audience members interested in theater. Not only will you meet other local theatremakers, it’s a chance to be seen and heard in your community.
- Seek out events specifically for playwrights or theater professionals.
- Join networking mixers hosted by arts organizations like CreateTheater, or theater festivals.
2. Join Playwright Groups and Organizations
- Local or Professional Playwright Groups: These provide a supportive community and opportunities to exchange feedback. CreateTheater’s Experts Theater Company is a way to fast-track the development of your script or new musical.
- National Organizations: Join groups like the Dramatists Guild of America or Playwrights’ Center, or CreateTheater, which offer networking opportunities, grants, and workshops.
- Online Forums: Participate in platforms like New Play Exchange, where you can showcase your scripts and connect with industry professionals.
3. Network with Theaters Near You
- Volunteer at local community theaters, or offer to help with reading their scripts. Theaters will always appreciate their volunteers, and they will get to know you personally.
- Working behind the scenes at theater organizations can help you build connections and gain insight into the industry.
- Make a database of theaters near you, and whom you spoke with and when. Then – follow up! (It’s all in the follow up.)
- Seek out directors, actors, and dramaturgs in your area, in order to build collaborative relationships with them. Talk about their creative process, and ask what they like to work on. This will drive creative discussions that may lead to new opportunities that you may not be aware of.
4. Attend Writing Conferences and Residencies
- Apply for well-known residencies like Yaddo or MacDowell for a chance to network with other artists.
- Attend conferences like the Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) or regional theater conventions.
- Mindset is important. Not only will these frienships that you make open doors, they will help you see yourself and a theatre professional.
5. Leverage Social Media and Online Presence
- Use social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share updates about your work, engage with fellow artists, and to promote yourself and your work.
- Create a professional website or portfolio online to showcase your plays and achievements.
- Update your NXP account. Read others’ work so they will be inclined to read yours.
6. Collaborate with Other Creatives
- Partner with directors or actors to develop a new script, to participate in your readings or to participate in upcoming performances of your work.
- Form a collective of playwrights to share resources and produce works together.
- Gather together an email list to keep your network updated on your recent work. Try a free Email Service Provider like MailChimp or Constant Contact to start out with.
7. Submit Work Widely
- Submit Submit Submit! I tell my writers that this is the best way to create your own opportunities.
- Submit your scripts to playwriting contests, festivals, and development programs (e.g., O’Neill National Playwrights Conference or Sundance Theatre Lab).
- Sharing your work on platforms like the New Play Exchange (see above) will also give you wider visibility.
- Submit your work to local theaters, especially ones that focus on developing new work.
8. Stay in Touch
- Follow up with people you meet by sending thank-you notes, connecting on LinkedIn, or inviting them to your shows or readings.
- Build genuine relationships, not just transactional ones.
I founded CreateTheater in 2016 to develop new work and to connect writers from all over the world with NYC Industry people. Our community is free to join! Start networking at our monthly online Happy Hours, or attending some of our other events.
There is no better way to get your work onstage than by growing your personal network.