Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Producer in your life. [UPDATED]
We’ve updated this blog with the best of Broadway gifts on the market in 2018. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays PPers!
If you’re still shopping for the Producer or Theater Pro in your life, here are 10 suggestions of things that I love that I’m sure that special someone in your life will love too.
Or if you’re that Producer or Theater Pro, here are 10 toys (in no specific order) that I’d be asking for. 🙂
1. Be A Broadway Star Board Game
Yep, I created and developed this game. But even if I didn’t, it would be on this list. I think it’s one of the best gifts for all Broadway lovers out there. If you want some objective advice, go check out the 55 FIVE star reviews on Amazon.
Playbills are probably the one thing on the planet that is given away free, yet is priceless to a Broadway fan (especially a NEW Broadway fan). Protect them in this binder that includes free sheet protectors!
3. A Broadway Puzzle of your favorite Broadway Stars!
If you’re like me, then holiday times at the parents’ house includes puzzles. So forget about the ones with windmills and skylines, how about one featuring Broadway stars!
Need a stocking stuffer or a Broadway Secret Santa gift? This is it because it’ll come in under ANY budget.
5. A Course from The Commercial Theater Institute
Not too many places teach commercial theater producing. CTI is one of the few. In addition to their intensive weekend and 14-week programs, CTI also has terrific half-day and full day seminars.
6. Gift Cards
One thing everyone can agree on: theater tickets are pricey. Another thing we can all agree on: there is so much a Producer can learn from seeing shows. So get a Telecharge or Ticketmaster gift card and let your Producer pick what they want to see.
7. A Joe Allen’s Gift Certificate
You want be a Producer? You gotta be ready to have a lot of lunches. So, when eating mid-day, you might as well sit at a table amongst tables of other theater pros while they wine and dine . . . and wine and dine. Joe Allen’s is one of the originals and one of my favs. And, while you eat, you can pray that one of your show posters never ends up on the wall.
9. A Starter Website
Every show, production office, actor, etc. needs a website. They are the business card of the 21st century. Get your loved one started with a domain name (read this blog as to why they need one now), simple website and more so they can make themselves look as professional as they are.
10. The Abominable Showman: The Biography of David Merrick
This book is a textbook of what to do, and what not to do in your career as a Producer. If you love the theater and the backstage stories of how it all happens, then this book is a must.
BONUS ITEM!
A “Contract Signing” PenI got my first “fine pen” as a gift a few years back, and I pull it out whenever I sign something I deem important. It’s my lucky pen. And it just feels cool to write with. What’s great about this gift, is that a nice pen is usually not something anyone will buy for themselves. This one is my favorite. Get it engraved and it is that much cooler. And here’s to it bringing you and yours lots of good luck.
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Podcasting
Ken created one of the first Broadway podcasts, recording over 250 episodes over 7 years. It features interviews with A-listers in the theater about how they “made it”, including 2 Pulitzer Prize Winners, 7 Academy Award Winners and 76 Tony Award winners. Notable guests include Pasek & Paul, Kenny Leon, Lynn Ahrens and more.
