The Moveable Theatre Company

THE MOVEABLE THEATRE COMPANY FAQs

FAQ #1 – What is The Moveable Theatre Company?

The Moveable Theatre Company is a group of like-minded actors, directors, producers and writers who share a love of theatre and a desire to share enriching theatrical experiences with audiences throughout the Los Angeles area.  Since most theatre companies that fail, do so due to high costs of renting and maintaining a “home” facility, TMTC operates differently: rather than attempting to lure the audience to us, we take the theatre to where the audiences are.  The result is a creative, innovative experience in which we perform in spaces not normally thought to be “stages”:  libraries, private homes, churches, museums, senior centers, even cemeteries – wherever there is a space where a story can be told – we perform and create theatrical magic!  Because we are not limited by the physical constraints of a small stage, our audiences can be as large or as small as the space allows and because of the varied spaces in which we perform, we incorporate the physical surroundings into our staging.

FAQ #2 – How does it work?

Most small non profit organizations or clubs face the constant challenge of needing to raise funds for their worthy projects or programs.  Usually operating with a limited staff or a small team of dedicated volunteers – there are only so many car washes, bake sales or raffles that can be done – and still the need for more operating funds remains. If you are looking for a creative alternative – consider hosting a play by The Moveable Theatre Company.  We will provide the play – you provide the venue and the audience.  What better way to raise money for your group than to sell tickets to a play?  Your group benefits; The Moveable Theatre Company benefits; and the community benefits!  Everybody wins! Your group, club or non-profit organization secures the venue and sells tickets; The Moveable Theatre Company provides the show.  It’s a simple as that.  The host organization gets to keep all proceeds, less TMTC’s expenses (normally no more than $500). 

Since you control the venue and size of your event – you control how much money you can make.  A good place to start is to assume the sale of 50 tickets.  At a median price of $20 each, this would gross $1,000.  After meeting TMTC’s previously agreed upon expenses of approximately $500 (this will vary according to the production), you would gross $500 for your group – in about two hours!  (Venue costs – if any – would also come out of this amount).  While your audience is attending the performance, you have the opportunity to talk with them about your group, provide them with flyers and information and develop contacts for future supporters, participants and donors!  By selling a block of tickets to another group, you can instantly increase your audience size and your gross profit.  By booking a larger venue, or holding the show over several performances – you have the potential to make even more money!

FAQ #3 – Who can be a member of The Moveable Theatre Company?

The requirements are enthusiasm, professionalism and a deep love of theatre.  TMTC is a hands-on theatrical experience.  Since we don’t have a home, we must move all of our sound equipment, props and other materials to where our next performance is taking place.  We often have to set up chairs, move furniture or set lights in preparation for each performance.  If you are at a point in your career where you feel you are beyond these types of activities, then TMTC is probably not a good fit for you. 

FAQ #4 – My organization would like to use a TMTC show or staged reading as a fundraising event – what do I do?

Contact TMTC via our website: info@moveabletheatrecompany.org or at (626) 303-4222.  We can work with your group to find a show that is relevant for your group’s focus, or just hold an entertaining evening.  You provide the space and the audience – we provide the show.  Think of the possibilities: match the play with the atmosphere and have a theme evening, control the size of your event by securing the venue yourself and selling tickets, offer free admission to your volunteers or clients as a “thank you” incentive.  The only limit is your imagination!

FAQ#5 – What does a show normally cost?

A production can run anywhere from $500-$1,500.  Costs that are incurred include royalties, printing of flyers, lobby displays and programs, food for actors, gas stipends and occasional props or lighting supplies.  Since we are a non-profit organization, we seek to recover these costs so that our net cost is zero. The talent is provided free of charge in exchange for being able to do a show before a live audience. 

FAQ #6 – I’m not an actor, but I want to help.  What can I do?

There are many ways to become involved.  We always need help with costumes, props and sound.  We need ticket takers, refreshment sellers, ushers, graphic designers and advertising coordinators.  We need writers, directors and technical experts, as well as audience members.  And we are always looking for new locations in which to hold performances. Your school, church or temple, civic club, local government auditorium, restaurant or coffee house, home or yard, museum lecture hall – are all potential locations for a show.  Think outside the box!

FAQ #7 – I have an original play that I’d like to see produced.  What do I do?

Contact us via our website at www.moveabletheatrecompany.org.  We hold readings to explore new materials on a regular basis and as such, are constantly looking for fresh material.

FAQ #8 – What types of shows does TMTC do?

It varies!  We do comedies and dramas – some are original works and some are by well-known playwrights such as George Bernard Shaw or A.R. Gurney.  Specific shows may be requested – but require obtaining the rights and as such, may take longer to produce.  Since we are self-contained, we generally choose shows that have simple sets, have smaller casts and do not require special effects or elaborate staging.  The shows we choose are appropriate for the general public, but are not necessarily children’s theatre.