Produce a Show

The following information is most useful for students who are applying to direct, but may be useful for producers and other members of the production team. Please contact the HRDC Board with any questions.

In order to apply to direct, you must have a clearly outlined concept and vision for a show
A director may apply with any production not performed in the past four years. While there are no restrictions on the type of production that can be put on at Harvard, directors are reminded to choose shows that are feasible with the resources (human and technical) available at the time of the production. It is also recommended that directors be able to demonstrate a clear vision for the proposed show. The second most common reason for an application to be rejected is the failure to demonstrate a clear and cohesive vision.

You must also have a substantial production staff committed to the show
The director (and producers or other executive staff members) must assemble a staff that includes, but is by no means limited to, producer(s), a music director (if a musical), a stage manager, a set designer, a technical director, a lighting designer, a sound designer, a costume designer, and a props designer. Depending upon the requirements of the show, it may also be necessary to have other staff positions filled, such as choreographer, video designer, projectionist, or orchestra manager. The most common reason for an application to be rejected is the lack of sufficient staff relative to the concept being proposed.

Application Season

The HRDC board will release applications for the following semester roughly a month before the end of each semester. Please subscribe to the newsletter for the most current application deadlines. Applications are available through the HRDC’s online portal.

Applications for the Loeb Proscenium, the Ex, and the Agassiz Theater are comprised of an online submission and an in-person interview with the show’s production staff.

Intent to Apply
In order to be considered, a show must submit their intent to apply by an additional deadline before the full submission is due. To submit intent to apply, you must start your application in the online portal and fill out a preliminary staff list and residency preferences. These can both be edited before you submit your full application.

Full Application
A full application consists of the following:

  • A full staff list (note that staff members must log in themselves to confirm their commitment to the show)
  • Residency date preferences
  • Preliminary budgets for the venue(s)
  • Answers to the questions contained in the application
  • Statements, applicable design plans, resumes, and potential conflicts for the semester from each member of the production team. (Note that these staff members must log in themselves to submit this information)

Additionally, if the work being proposed is either highly obscure or student-written, a script should be included in the full application. For unfinished student-written works, the Board suggests at least 10-20 draft pages and an outline. Such productions are encouraged to discuss the feasibility of mounting their work with the board.

Interview
Interviews will be scheduled after the “Intent to Apply” deadline.

Questions for Loeb interviews will be sent in advance of the interview to give your staff time to prepare answers.

Applying to Other Venues
Students wishing to put on productions in other campus locations must obtain permission from the administrator of that location before commencing any performances in the space.