Producer Information
Producer FAQs
What are the requirements to participate in Fertile Ground?
Shows in the Fertile Ground Festival should have a local writer/creative team, with at least one of the writers/creators living in Portland, and the majority of the performers/designers based in the Portland area.
Producers are expected to handle all aspects of producing their show, including securing a venue, providing all artistic/production staff, and participating in the marketing/promotion of their show.
We welcome shows at any stage of development, from first draft readings, sing-throughs of all or a portion of a new musical, a workshop production, or fully produced world premieres.
How much does it cost to take part in Fertile Ground, and what does that cost cover?
Registration for a single event is $135 which includes:
- A single listing on the Fertile Ground website and Festival guide
- At least one social media post (FB & Instagram) highlighting your project
- Free use of Fertile Ground’s ticketing system
- Access to expert-led marketing, producing, and accessibility workshops
- Use of CoHo Production’s Resource Center for x amount of time
How does Fertile Ground support my show?
Fertile Ground’s primary function is to act as a marketing umbrella for all Festival projects. The Festival is broadly marketed in traditional digital, print, and social media throughout Portland. The Fertile Ground website and Festival guide provide centralized locations for patrons to explore the Festival offerings, and the Festival pass incentivises audiences to take a chance on unfamiliar work. As a program of the Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Fertile Ground aims to support producers by providing access to expertise and resources that may be exceptionally beneficial to newer producers.
Can I use my own ticketing system?
Yes – any company with an established ticketing system is welcome to use their ticketing system. We strongly encourage people who are not part of an existing theatre company or season to use the Fertile Ground ticketing system in order to create the smoothest possible experience for audiences.
What is expected of me, the producer?
For the most part, producers should regard participation in Fertile Ground as though they are independently producing a show, but with additional marketing support.
Producers are responsible for all costs associated with producing their show, including paying all artistic personnel, and for both rehearsal and performance space.
Producers are required to provide Fertile Ground with information and assets to promote their show, including promotional images and copy for use on the Festival website, in the Festival guide, and on social media.
Participants are highly encouraged to engage in their own additional marketing efforts and promote their show through their own channels and to their own audience base.
What does “new” mean?
Fertile Ground invites artists to present work at any stage of creation – the only requirement is that producers are sharing work that has either not been presented before, or is being presented with significant changes or new elements. This can include meaningful changes to the script/story, the addition of design/production elements, or a presentation of a brand new reading.
Is there a submission/application process to present work in Fertile Ground?
There is no submission/selection process to participate in Fertile Ground. Anyone with work that meets the requirements of new and local is welcome to present work by registering to participate, and paying the registration fee.
Can I submit more than one project under a single producer?
Yes – Producers can submit to produce as many projects under the same producing name as they want. There is an additional charge of $25 per project listing (on the website and in the Festival Guide) with a $300 cap.
Example 1: The company New Plays Productions has 6 different individual readings they would like listed in the guide, and needs to create 6 unique events on the ticketing website. That company would pay $135 for their base registration, plus $25 for each additional project they’re presenting for a total of $260.
Example 2: The company Brand New Productions has 10 different readings they would like listed in the guide, and needs to create 10 unique events on the ticketing website. That company would pay a total of $300
Do I keep all of my ticket sales?
Yes – 100% of ticket sales go to producers. Some caveats/things to note:
Audiences may purchase Festival passes that entitle them to ½ price tickets to any show.
Both Tix.pages (the ticketing platform) and Fertile Ground add a ticketing fee to every ticket purchase (excluding reservations for free performances).
How does the Festival Pass affect my ticket sales?
In previous years Festival Passes have entitled pass-holders to free tickets to any show in the Festival. This year, in order to direct a higher percentage of ticket revenue to producers, we are instead trying a system where a Festival Pass entitles pass-holders to 1/2 price tickets, which ensures that a portion of every ticket sale goes directly to the producer.
Producers will not be required to hold a certain number of seats for pass-holders, but there will also be no limit on the number of pass-holders who can attend any show.
We hope this change strikes a balance between the producer’s need to earn ticket revenue, and the pass-holder’s desire for their pass to ensure access to all of the shows they wish to attend.
Fertile Ground Festival
Please email Tamara Carroll at fertileground@portlandtheatre.com to get help navigating our website or ticketing system, if you have questions about the accessibility of performances and venues, or any other questions, concerns, or feedback.
Contact
fertileground@portlandtheatre.com