Managing our Theatres for Economic and Cultural Sustenance: Ihiala Resident Theatre in Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this presentation is to examine the benefits derivable when a suitable theatre management is applied by our institutional or commercial theatre organizations for their economic and cultural sustenance. The essence is to adopt an effective means through which the potentials of the artists will be harnessed for maximum benefits and for the enrichment of the theatre. It is worthy to observe that the attainment of an optimal production is dependent on proper application of the basic principles of theatre management such as planning, organizing, directing, controlling and staffing which contribute to greater production as well as impact positively on the overall performance of the theatre. This paper highlights the fact that many artists are under productive and overstressed due to non-application of the above principles with the guidance of a competent manager in their theatre organizations for maximum production. It is also revealed that many theatre organizations do not employ or even make use of the services of a specialized manager in the conceptualization and execution of their programmes which will enhance the sustenance of the organization. Based on the experience from Ihiala Resident Theatre, it is recommended that theatre organizations should employ or at least consult a trained manager to assist them in the planning of their productions in order to maximize the gains accruing to the artists and improve performance.