Thornhill Heavy Industries presents
Theatre Producing
Jon’s experience in creating theatre is extensive, having worked his way up from freelancing as a stage technician to managing and producing commercial productions Off West End and Off-Broadway, as well as experience in managing touring and festival logistics.
He has a specific focus on new writing and new musicals, as well as productions that centre neurodiverse and queer performers and experiences, and productions with complex technical elements.
Current projects include Dumbledore is So Gay, and two in-development musicals.
Jon holds a Diploma in Creative Producing, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and holds certification with the British Pyrotechnists Association and Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians.
Our Services
General Management and Event Consultancy
We offer bespoke general management and event consultancy services across a wide breadth of shows and live events, from corporate conferences to comedy. Whether it’s light-touch advice on business planning and advice, or full service events management, we’re here to provide you with swift, effective results.
Production Management
We offer full production management services, from touring logistics to making complex get-ins a breeze, our goal is to simplify the production process from start to end.
Production Accounting
We offer full production accounting services across budgeting, cashflow and payroll management.
Shows
Dumbledore Is So Gay
The Little - Southwark Playhouse, Borough
14th August - 22nd September 2023
“Joyous and refreshingly quirky”
“Sizzles with wit and humour.”
“An infectious display of optimism… I couldn’t stop beaming.”
“A punchy ode to teenage angst, this gloriously camp coming of age tale is catnip for Potterheads.”
It ain’t easy being Jack. He got sorted into Hufflepuff using the official online quiz, hates studying French, and is in love with his best friend Ollie.
Dodging bullies, keeping secrets and trying to get the guy is too much for him to take.
So, he changes his story one spellbinding moment at a time in pursuit of making the world a little more magical. Maybe this time he’ll get into Gryffindor.
Movement Director
Rachel Nanyonjo
Stage Manager
Tamasin Cook
Director
Tom Wright
Lighting Designer
Rory Beaton
Nominated for 4 Offies
Best Lead Performance in a Play: Alex Britt
Best Supporting Performance in a Play: Martin Sarreal
Best Supporting Performance in a Play: Charlotte Dowding
Best Lighting Design: Rory Beaton
FAQs
Why would I invest in theatre?
Investing in live entertainment is incredibly rewarding, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a serial investor, or if you simply want to be part of bringing an idea to life.
While most theatre producers have a list of regular investors they work with, they are often introduced to new investors through their social circles, or by networking. People who are interested in investing in theatre should reach out to producers whose work they are passionate about. You can often find the names of a specific show’s producers in the show's programme or on the show's website.
It is important you put your money into something that you love; so if it does disappoint you and doesn’t recoup, you will still be proud to have helped make it happen. It is also important to invest through a producer that you know, trust and has a good track record for producing quality shows and communicating with their investors.
How do shows make money?
The primary income source for all shows is ticket revenue, but there can be a number of different sources of revenue for a show.
If the show has a strong brand design, then programme sales and merchandise can form a significant revenue stream. In the case of contemporary plays, many productions may choose to sell copies of playtext as part of their merchandise offerings. If a production is touring, in some cases venues may offer the production an upfront fee to perform at their venue (though in this instance it usually also results in the venue retaining a larger percentage of the ticket revenue). Performances can sometimes be released digitally or livestreamed, which can allow performance revenue from audiences who may not otherwise have the chance to see the show.
How much money do I need to invest in theatre?
The amount of money needed to invest in a show varies from production to production.
There is often a misconception that you need around £100k to £200k to invest in a show. The lowest unit of investment in a West End show is generally around £10,000 but half units are sometimes made available too. At their discretion, producers might offer new investors lower entry amounts and more favourable terms.
Investment unit sizes for investors are small but, provided the show is not oversubscribed, you always have the option to invest more. Sometimes multiple individuals will partner together in order to reach the investment threshold, this is sometimes referred to as a syndicate. You can also spread your risk by investing in two or three shows, either with the same producer, or with different producers.
What’s the difference between an investor and a producer?
The core difference is that a producer has a higher financial responsibility in the show and manages the day-to-day oversight and operations of the production.
Lead producers on a show make all management decisions while co-producers contribute to advertising and marketing discussions as well as special events and award campaigns. Investors can be invited to become co-producers and have their name listed above the title if they agree to raise a higher level of capital either of their own money or in partnership with other investors.
What are the benefits to investing in theatre?
Once the capital raised to put the show on has been recouped and repaid; investors will share in 60% of the production’s profits, with the producers retaining the remaining profits of 40%.
Investment in a show also allows you to participate in "subsidiary rights" or financial involvement in ongoing exploitation of the property including national tours, international productions, cast album sales, licensing, movie adaptations, etc.
Some of the benefits of investing in a show include:
Red Carpet Events & Opening night parties with the cast and creatives
Backstage tours
Invitations to workshop performances and open dress rehearsals
Exclusive merchandise and gifts
Advance notice of future investment opportunities and the right to invest in future productions
A rare view of the inner workings of putting a show together.
Fundraising Events and Private Performances
Access to House Seats
Ultimately, you are gaining the opportunity to join the club of adventurous and exciting individuals who enjoy the world of creating and supporting theatre.
What are the downsides to investing in theatre?
The risk level of investing in a Broadway or West End show is akin to that of a start-up or small business.
A possible risk is that a show will return investors' original investment but not make a profit. Another possible risk is that a show closes without recouping but on the other hand, many shows succeed and bring financial returns for many years even after the show's original production closes.
Whatever amount you invest in a theatre show is typically the most you can lose. This is different than some business venture investments or real estate investments where there could be significant costs to maintain the asset. Investing in theatre is like a loan, that has a chance of being paid back with interest.
Contact us.
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For all investment enquiries, please contact producing (at) kings (dot) ly
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For general press, please contact:
producing (at) kings (dot) ly
For Dumbledore Is So Gay press, please contact:
hannah (at) chloenelkinconsulting (dot) com
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For collaboration, or to suggest material, please contact producing (at) kings (dot) ly