Organizing Events: Things to Consider when organizing a Theatre Performance Show

Hi, steemians trust we are all doing great. The past couple of weeks have been very amazing which even caused me to stay away for some time. All these especially because I was organizing Bamenda's biggest theatre event of the Year titled "The Memorial dubbed Performing4Change" A Theatre and community engagement project to tackle food insecurity and climate change in the Northwest Region of Cameroon currently affected by the ongoing anglophone crisis.

The theatre culture in the Northwest in particular is still very basic and over the years we have tried to give it a facelift. This is because we understand the power of theatre and its impact. However, there are several things you need to consider when organizing a theatre event if you wish to get the kind of results we got among which include;
Idea and theme: To be able to get and organize a great theatre event you must pick a great theme and idea. Over the years we have gone with several ideas like "Since 1972, HER, and this year the Memorial". This helps us in selecting appropriate scripts, casting actors, and designing the overall production.
Venue Selection: To organize a successful theatre event, you must choose a good venue. A good venue is one which is centrally located, accessible and since it is theatre, gives room and the opportunity for the audience to see clearly. Furthermore, you need to take into consideration a venue that can accommodate the performance requirements, including stage size, seating capacity, lighting, and sound systems.
Budget: Like with most events, or should I say successful events, to succeed you need a detailed budget. Create a detailed budget that includes all the necessary expenses such as venue rental, production costs, marketing, costumes, props, and technical equipment. Consider seeking sponsorships or grants to help cover the expenses.
"Casting:" Because you want to do a theatre event, you must consider casting not just any kind of person but those who are available and passionate. Therefore, Conduct auditions to select talented actors who can bring the characters to life. Consider their acting skills, stage presence, and ability to work well with others. Ensure diversity and inclusivity in the casting process.

Production Team: Those often neglected in Cameroon and across Africa, getting a production team is very important. Personally, with the various theatre shows I have done, I have had a crew that makes it easy to achieve the vision of the project hence it is important to assemble a competent production team consisting of a director, stage manager, set designer, costume designer, lighting designer, and sound engineer. Each team member should have relevant experience and expertise in their respective roles
Rehearsals: Plan a rehearsal schedule that allows sufficient time for actors to learn their lines, practice blocking, and develop their characters. Regular rehearsals are essential for the smooth execution of the performance.

Safety and Security: When you live in the Northwest with the crisis one cannot over-emphasize the importance of security. As an event organizer, you must prioritize the safety and security of both performers and audience members. Conduct regular safety inspections, have emergency protocols in place, and ensure proper crowd management. This will help you avoid issues like what happened at BIG G mile 3.
Ticketing: To be able to track all tickets sold and money you should Set up an efficient ticketing system that allows for online ticket sales, as well as on-site sales. Ensure that the ticket prices are reasonable and reflect the production value. This will help you reduce the risk of going bankrupt after a successful event.
Marketing and Promotion: Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract an audience. Utilize various channels such as social media, print media, online platforms, and community outreach. Consider offering discounted tickets or group packages to increase attendance. Like with us we organized a workshop and gave free tickets to all those who attended the workshop.

Set Design and Construction: Collaborate with the set designer to create an appropriate and visually appealing set that complements the theme of the performance. Ensure that the set is safe and functional for the actors.

Costumes and Props: Work closely with the costume designer to select or create costumes that accurately represent the characters and time period of the performance. Acquire or create props that enhance the storytelling.

Evaluation and Feedback: After the event, gather feedback from the production team, performers, and audience members. This will help identify areas of improvement for future events and provide valuable insights for the overall success of the performance.
In conclusion, organizing a theatre performance event requires meticulous planning, effective communication, and attention to detail. By considering these key aspects, you can create a memorable and successful theatre experience for all involved.