Sign In / Register

Resources

Whether you are a first-time performer or a veteran producer, there comes a point in every creative cycle where a project needs a little "something extra." This session explores how opening your process to others can elevate a show from a solo passion project to a professional, high-impact production.

Contents

Watch the Session


Filmed: 14/12/2022

Key Takeaways

  • Collaboration lightens the mental load: Working in a team prevents burnout and ensures the show runs smoothly, even when individual challenges arise.
  • Skill-sharing is essential: You don't need to be an expert in everything; bringing in specialists (like access coordinators or visual arts curators) elevates the final product.
  • Ego is the enemy of growth: Success often requires stepping back and acknowledging that your vision can be improved by outside perspectives.
  • Accessibility is a production priority: Dedicated funding for features like Auslan interpretation or audio description allows for a more inclusive and professional season.

The Power of Collective Expertise

Many independent artists are "hyper-independent" by necessity, handling everything from marketing to technical cues. However, as Diana Devine discovered through the Embrace Disability Arts Festival, bringing in collaborators like an artist liaison or a visual arts coordinator can transform a show. By delegating specific responsibilities to those with deeper industry knowledge, the lead producer is free to focus on the overarching vision while ensuring every technical detail—like setting up a gallery or managing artist needs—is handled with professional care.

This collective approach also provides a safety net. During the Backyard Picnic project at Carclew, a group of four producers found that if one person fell behind or became unwell, others were ready to pick up the slack. This redundancy allows for a lower-stress environment where the show feels like it "runs itself," a rare but achievable goal through effective teamwork.

Removing the Ego from Production

One of the hardest hurdles for an artist is letting go of total control. Jemah Finn notes that "eliminating ego" is a vital learning curve for any creative. When you are too close to a story—such as Jemah’s four-year documentary project—you can lose perspective and motivation. By inviting other producers and directors in, you allow fresh eyes to find solutions you might have missed.

Adelaide is a uniquely connected city; we are often only one or two degrees of separation from the expertise we need. Dropping the "I must do it all" mindset allows you to tap into this local network. If the project’s success is the ultimate goal, then seeking help isn't a sign of weakness—it’s a strategic production move.

Scaling with Funding and Support

Elevating work often requires financial backing to move beyond "hobby" status. Funding allows artists to pay their team fairly and invest in features that increase the show's professional standing. For example, Adelaide Fringe Artist Grants have enabled producers to include Auslan interpretation and captioning, which are often the first things cut from low-budget independent shows due to cost.

Funding also allows for longer seasons or larger venues. Instead of a one-person income-funded fringe run, grants allow for a sustainable production where 15+ cast and crew members can be compensated properly. This financial stability directly impacts the quality of the work on stage, as artists who are paid fairly can dedicate more energy to their performance.

Feedback as Collaboration

Seeking feedback is a form of collaboration that should happen long before the curtains open. Whether it is hiring a dramaturg to look at a script or an outside eye to watch a rehearsal, getting a second perspective is crucial. However, the key is knowing what kind of feedback you need at different stages of your creative process.

Early on, "blunt" feedback can be more useful for making major conceptual shifts. Closer to the show, you may need more detailed technical notes. It is also important to choose collaborators who communicate in a way you can process—don't hire a "yes man" if you want growth, but don't seek out a harsh critic if you are in a sensitive developmental phase. Clear communication about what you are looking for—narrative, dialogue, or pacing—ensures the feedback is actionable and constructive.

Actionable Tips

  • Hire an "Outside Eye": If you can’t afford a director or dramaturg, invite a trusted peer to a rehearsal specifically to provide feedback on pacing and clarity.
  • Audit Your Skills: Identify the one area of your show you feel least confident in (e.g., lighting design, accessibility, or social media) and reach out to one person in your network who excels there.
  • Apply for Access Grants: Don't wait until you have a huge budget to be inclusive. Look for specific Adelaide Fringe or Arts South Australia grants that fund Auslan or Audio Description services.
  • Join a Writers' or Producers' Roundtable: Find a small group of peers to meet with monthly to discuss roadblocks. Sometimes just saying "I'm out of motivation" to others who understand can reignite your drive.

Additional Resources