Getting Perspective with Gary Mitchell

1. Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born in Detroit and served in Viet Nam shortly after graduating from high school. I was just a kid and very naïve while in the service, and it was a difficult time to be a teenager. I always tell people that I grew up hard and fast. I had no choice. Eventually, I moved to East Lansing and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Communications. Throughout my professional life, I’ve worked in various communication mediums.

2. People know what a director does, and a stage manager – but what does a producer do?

A good producer will do almost everything that is not directly related to what’s taking place on stage. A producer should be in charge of marketing and promotion, arranging publicity photos, media interviews, the programming of the production and just doing all that you can to make life easier for the director. Of course, it’s the producer’s responsibility to try and make sure the show is profitable (that’s means keeping a close eye on expenditures).

3. Do you enjoy producing? What makes a producer sweat bullets and conversely make a producer smile to see?

I enjoy producing, especially if you personally know the director and have confidence in the director’s ability to put together a good production. A good producer should be well organized, pay close attention to details and be very time consensus, and always know what your deadlines are. Having produced a number of shows, I almost immediately know whether or not the show is going to be well received

4. What are you currently working on?

I’m currently producing and appearing in The Sunshine Boys. In May, I’ll produce Fiddler On The Roof.

5. You do a little acting too – when did you first get the “acting bug?” What was your first show?

My very first acting experience was in high school (it was a show about the Salem witch hunts, called The Lottery). But it took a very long time for me to get back on stage.

6. How do you think shows could better market themselves to the community?

I think shows can be better marketed by working closely and cultivating relationships with reporters and writers who cover theatre in print, radio and websites. I’m also a big believer in getting writers theatre information well before the production dates. It’s important to always get a good photographer to take publicity photos, and get someone who can write a good press release. A poor photo and release makes the entire theatre group look bad. It’s also best not to be too cheap with the comp tickets to those who can help promote your show.

7. What do you prefer to produce – comedy, drama, musical and why? Same question, but to be a part of?

I’m a renaissance man in a rock-n-roll age. I absolutely love good drama and the classic scripts. If given my choice, those are my favorite shows (both producing and acting). The trouble is drama is a tough sell on stage. It does very well on film and television and in more intimate surroundings, but theater groups seem to be putting most of their resources into comedies.

8. What do you consider, from a producer’s perspective, a successful show?

There’s nothing more gratifying than having produced a show that makes a profit and receives favorable reviews. That’s a combination that tends to put a smile on the face of the producer, director and the entire cast.

9. Why is theatre important to you?

There really is no business like show business. There’s an incredibly bonding that takes place among theatre people when you work together on a project…it’s like family.

10. Why is theatre important to the community?

Theatre is important to me because it gives you a venue to express your artistic talents. It also exposes you to a group of talented and creative people

Quick Questions:

1. Favorite role you’ve played?

Chief Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your Gun.

2. Favorite line from any show?

“I think I know what to do. Now the question is, who to do it to” (from How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying).

3. Favorite experience on stage with any actors/actresses?

Taking a curtain call with the cast of Annie Get Your Gun (it’s a special feeling when you see that audience on their feet. It doesn’t happen often and when it does, you cherish the moment).

4. What are you most proud of in your theatre experience?

I’m proud of my work ethic. I’m a quick study and always know my lines. I’m always ready and come prepared to work hard in every show.

5. If you could be in any a show, what would it be?

A powerful drama (maybe something like 12 Angry Men). As long as there’s a role for a middle age character actor in the show, I’m happy.