Young Directors and / or Producers

[LapineTree]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 9:50pm

hi :) This is my first time to post on this board. I've been performing in shows for about 10 years now, and I find that I really want to start getting involved with directing and producing shows. specifically musicals. I was wondering, though, how young to people start work like that? I honestly just don't know. Who are the youngest directors and producers out there in the world? Maybe I could read up on them. Thanks!!

[LapineTree]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 12:45am

So, you'll all respond when someone continues to ask, "What show should I see?" "What song should I audition with?" or "What musical should my high school do?" but no one wants to answer this?

[Jovie24]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:19am

I totally would love to answer as well as find more information on this topic. I like the topic a lot. I am 27 and I have produced for non-profit and for theatre as well, in CA.

There are some young producers out there (usually the sons or daughters) who I have read most about who have parents that are already producers. I believe that Darryl Roth is one name that comes to mind. I am going to do some more reasearch on this as well and look up people. I also do beleive that there is a workshop in NYC soon that is being held for youg and inspiring producers. In the mean time LAPINETREE we should keep in touch!


Drtheatre

[zelda]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 2:10am

I will as well. It is a major pain in the butt hole. Yes it is. Mainly because the money involved in coming from people who generally dont know what good theatre is and equity continues to get in the way of development. Being a producer or director is a nightmare. 9 out of 10 times you get producers who dont understand the basics of theatre, and instead of listening to a director who has significant experience they chose to listen to themselves. or you get a great producer open to anything and a director who should have been shot just for gettin up in the morning..
seems to me most people think theatre is about fame. i personally still believe in quality not quantitiy. and to keep from getting screwed i am raising money so i can produce and direct I HATE sucking up to people. that is the safest way to do it right.

[pair-o-dice]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 8:52am

I think Tom D'Angora and Michael Duling are possibly the youngest out there (doing work of a certain size). I think Michael is like 23 or close to it. I think Tom's a bit older (25 maybe?)

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 11:06am

Hey there,

There's actually a course (as someone mentioned) for up-and-coming producers and I highly recommend it. It's called CTI (Commercial Theatre Institute). THey have a 3-day intensive workshop where a great deal gets covered. And that usually happens in April.

They also have a longer course that you must get in via recommendation and application, but here's a link that may help you out.
Some Helpful Info

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:35pm

I know Sam Mendes was 22 when we directed Judy Dench for the first time, so that was very young. Jamie, you're pretty young for a producer, how old are you?

Tony Georges I think is the youngest person I've ever heard of doing anything on the scale he was, 20, in Texas though.

This is a hard question.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 3:36pm

What about directing? What kind of training should a director have or how can someone get started as a director?

[chasing_rainbows43]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 3:38pm

FYI, the CTI links on the TDF page have - at least for me - not been working for the past few days.
Does anyone know if they've selected a new program director?

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 4:39pm

As a director myself, I can sympathize. It's really hard breaking into a directing scene anywhere. I'm still pretty young, (19) but I've only just started directing for non-profit and community groups, which breaking into has been rough enough in itself.

I'ts just a matter of making a lot of friends and sucking up a lot. It sucks, but that's all I can say about it.

[HawkM]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 5:20pm

bwayboi_yes, Tony Georges was 20 when his shows got all that negative publicity, but he had been directing and producing there since he was 14, so yes, I think he in the youngest.

my husband is 29 and is just now getting people seriously interested in him to direct shows in California. It's really hard for young ones.

Posted: 1/7/06 at 8:56pm

That's awesome! I, for one, am an aspiring producer in my mid-twenties too...even though I've already got a pretty good day job. LOL! I would love to attend the CTI seminar one day, but I always tend to be in NYC when the courses aren't being held. Sigh. Oh well, I guess I'll get around to it when my life is a little less hectic. :)

~Rosalynn

P.S. - If anyone else knows good tips/opportunities for me to get a jump start in producing...feel free to PM me!

[zelda]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:25pm

all directors should work as actors in their early development as directors. learn both sides of the coin. you need to be empathetic to the process.
and no offense..19 is a bit young. get a very strong mentor and you should do great.

[MaxOChez]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:39pm

If 19 is young, then what was a 14 year old director doing running around in the first place?

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:41pm

I am 18 and have directed 2 shows(Little Shop of Horrors and H2$). I also produced both of these shows.
I might be young but I have worked with many wonderful and talented directors and by watching them, and of course throwing in my own 'stuff' I feel that I have become a very good director.

If you have any questions PM me.