This book clearly lays out the case for running an open book theater, and pairs that with clear and effective guidance on how to do so. The theater company I was a member of did not practice open book management, and though I didn’t consider it at the time, I now wish it had. It could have been very reassuring (or not), when production budgets were hazy, profit sharing was glossed over, etc. For example, we knew we needed to drive attendance, but we never knew the break-even point.
While I don’t have any plans to run my own theater, I found that much of the advice here could be applicable to a variety of collaborative creative projects – independent films, publications, art shows, etc. Rafe Beckley offers sound advice for building long-term relationships through an ethical, responsible approach to theater budgeting, negotiating, contracts, and production.