Directing at Footlite - 2012-2013 Season

Footlite Musicals is the only theatre in Indianapolis where members decide the main stage season. And we're looking for local directors, interested in producing on our stage, to offer suggestions for our next season!

How the process works

Each year, Footlite's Show Selection Committee compiles a slate of at least eight recommended productions. Typically we don't recommend a show without a director having expressed interest to the committee. At our general meeting in February, the membership selects four shows from this slate to make up our main stage season. Then, Footlite's Board of Directors accepts official proposals from any qualified director, and in March vote on who will direct each show. The director chosen is not necessarily the one who originally contacted the committee.

I'm interested in directing at Footlite!

If you are interested in directing next season, please email the committee at ShowSelection@footlite.org. You may contact any committee member listed below with questions, but be sure you contact the full group at this address. Please include the names of any specific shows you are interested in. Any committee member can provide you with our working list of possible shows we feel are a good fit for Footlite, and we welcome any other suggestions. A show does not make our final suggested slate without an interested director.

Important dates

The committee will make our final recommendations in January. The deadline to contact the committee is January 1st, 2012. Footlite's general meeting will take place Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 6:30pm. The membership's vote will be announced online that same evening. At least two weeks before this meeting, we will announce to our membership and directors the recommended slate of shows. Then, any qualified director must submit an official proposal (including your resume, complete staff and concept for the show) to the Board of Directors by Friday, March 9th, 2012.

Qualifications to direct at Footlite

In the past, Footlite has required new directors to have served as an assistant director at our theatre. Being the largest community theatre facility in the area, working with only volunteers and no permanent staff, we face unique challenges. Directors who have only worked in smaller venues sometimes underestimate all that's involved. But we are increasingly aware that restrictions like this can disqualify experienced, talented and interested directors.

It is our desire to bring in new faces to Footlite, but it's critical we make informed decisions. When the Board accepts official proposals in February, if you are new to Footlite please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Submit your proposal ASAP. You may be asked to come in for an interview (when we meet for our vote on Monday, March 19th), show samples of previous work if it is not well known by our Board, and/or provide references from staff members of previous productions.
• Your proposed staff must include at least one producer who has produced or directed a show at Footlite.
• Qualified lighting designers, master carpenters and stage managers are critical staff positions in a Footlite show. We encourage you to consider Footlite regulars. If you are bringing in new people, the Board will need to know these specific people have experience working in a venue of our size.

Summer Youth Productions and January Cabaret Production

Directors interested in submitting a show for our July Young Adult Production (with performers age 18-25) or August Young Artist Production (age 13-18) must submit a show and official proposal to Footlite's Board of Directors by January 1st, 2012. Because these productions take place in the summer and must be decided ASAP, the membership does not vote on them.

Footlite's Board also determines our annual January cabaret production. Submissions for this show will be accepted along with main stage proposals after the February meeting and are due Friday, March 9th, 2012.

The same requirements regarding new directors apply to these three shows. You may contact Footlite's Board of Directors by emailing board@footlite.org.

Thank you for your interest in Footlite Musicals!

Committee Members:

Zach Rosing (zach@zachrosing.com)
Committee Chair

Vince Accetturo, William Andrews, Laura Cones, Michael Davis, Darrin Gowan, Bill Hale, Bob Harbin, Susie Harloff, Stephen Hollenbeck, Kathleen Horrigan, Maria Matters, Bill Miller, Carrie Neal, Curt Pickard, Tristan Ross, Elizabeth Scoble, Willaine St. Pierre