The Producers
The project
Sheffield University Performing Arts Society's production of Broadway Tony-award winner The Producers sold out Sheffield's Drama Studio for its full run in April 2017. This musical theatre cult favourite featured a large cast, multiple lead actors and complex staging requirements including a multi-level set and effective live sound mixing.
The brief
Mel Brooks' tongue-in-cheek, near-the-knuckle Broadway hit was reimagined by Sheffield University Performing Arts Society for the university's Drama Studio stage. As Production Manager I was asked to support a dance-heavy ensemble piece with full orchestra and significant set pieces, with a creative vision relying on jaw-dropping suspended set, multi-level staging and complex lighting. The show's famous use of theatrical in-jokes meant that there was a significant focus on recreating the 'world' of a Broadway stage, on smaller scale.
The solution
I worked with designers and technicians to ensure the smooth sourcing, management and use of radio mics, a large moving set, a complex lighting design, full band and suspension of set pieces from the Drama Studio's grid. I was able to use my experience of the venue in previous roles to support both new and established technicians achieve their vision, safely and on a short timescale of less than 12 weeks. Facilitating constant communication between designers and their teams, whilst working the production team to manage expectations and deliver key elements of their vision, were all central to the runaway success of this show.
Production Management
