Found yourself organising a show that you didn’t mean to?
Or frustrated that no one else is producing your show and just want to do it yourself? You’re not alone.

Let’s be honest, there are few dedicated producers in the theatre industry. Most are actors, directors, writers, or anyone else, just trying to get their work on stage. 

The Accidental Producer is a complete guide to making your show a success. From how to choose the right project and raise the money, to managing every stage of the production process and how to approach press, marketing and sales. As well as a dedicated section on producing at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Acknowledging that most people aren’t working in the West End or on Broadway, this is the essential handbook for producing at the smaller scale, whether you consider yourself a producer or not.

This much-needed book’s liberating message is that anyone can produce a successful show once equipped with the advice of those that have gone before.

GET YOUR COPY

THE AUTHOR

Tim Johanson founded
Tim Johanson Productions in 2011.

He has produced and general-managed productions from 50-seat studio theatres to London’s West End.

He has produced in both commercial and subsidised models, worked in co-productions, general managed for major producers and first time producers and worked in London, New York, Edinburgh and around the UK. His production of Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) transfers from Kiln Theatre to The Criterion Theatre on 4th April 2024.

ADVICE FOR ACCIDENTAL PRODUCERS

Found yourself accidentally producing?
Need some advice?

I really struggled to find people to ask when I was starting out. And I enjoy paying forward what I’ve learnt. So I’m happy to help with a 45 minute chat, either on zoom or over a coffee in central London. 

I won’t be able to answer questions / pre-read anything in advance, but I’m happy to use some of your booked time to skim read something before we start chatting. 

There’s just one caveat: no pitches please. These sessions are for people who genuinely need some guidance on how to make their show a success. 

CONTRIBUTORS

The book brings together diverse voices of the people the new producer might encounter on their journey. These industry specialists give invaluable insight into working on the small scale, applying for funding, approaching venues, working with star actors, tackling the Edinburgh Fringe and more.

Rachel Daniels
Literary Agent
Berlin Associates

Jez Bond
Artistic Director
Park Theatre 

Justin Audibert
Artistic Director
Chichester Festival Theatre 

Chloé Nelkin
PR Consultant & Founder
Chloé Nelkin Consulting 

Heather Doole
Production Manager

Steve Tate
Founder
Tate Theatrics

Alex Segal
Managing Director & Talent Agent
InterTalent Group

Paula Varjack
Relationship Manager
Arts Council England 

Francesca Moody
Producer & Founder
Francesca Moody Productions

Mark Peachey
Senior Director of Partnerships & Ticketing
TodayTix

Kevin Shen
Actor, writer and former
‘accidental producer’