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Post by easilypleased on Mar 27, 2016 15:04:23 GMT
I have started this thread because I am interested in members' experiences, good and not so good, of being Theatre Angels. I am thinking of becoming one, I haven't put a toe in the water yet but I am going to contact SOLT as a first step and take it from there. I know it's very risky but it sounds like fun. Does anyone have any insights, or maybe you are an Angel or know one? Is it something you would do or should I forget it? All contributions gratefully received. Many thanks!
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Post by trapdoor on Mar 29, 2016 9:32:30 GMT
If you have the financial availability, why not. Just don't expect a ROI. Sadly long-gone seem to be the days of a smash hit long runner where Angels have lucked out and got their investment back in spades, but it's worth a gamble, and you'll be treated well by a grateful producer (one hopes).
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2016 12:50:40 GMT
Don't know anything about theatre investing specifically but have worked for an organisation that ran workshops for potential business angel investors and the advice for them would seem to be replicable: take a portfolio approach to spread your risks, consider joining a syndicate led by an expert in the field, look carefully at the management of the business and their background and track record, and only invest out of your normal financial needs as the capital will be tied up for several years. And don't forget you get decent tax breaks!
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Post by Phantom of London on Mar 29, 2016 14:40:16 GMT
I would do well being an angel, as I seem to have a knack of guessing what will work and what won't. For instance I would've invested in Book of Mormon, but would a show like that have theatre angels, after it was a smash hit in America? on the downside I would've invested into Memphis, think that one might of backfired.
But do the big shows coming over from America still seek investors?
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Post by showgirl on Mar 30, 2016 3:41:50 GMT
Not what the OP had in mind, but for those with smaller incomes + less ability to risk, an affordable alternative might be crowdfunding, which theatres are increasingly using for specific productions or projects. For instance, the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster recently ran a crowdfunding promotion to mount a particular play. I hope theatres won't have to rely too much on this in future, but it's certainly a way for far more people, and those who actually attend the theatre in question, to support it.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2016 7:54:03 GMT
I have a friend who has done it, over the course of I think 10 years or so he's made a bit of money back (not great sums but bits here and there) what he has done is had a great experience having had a great time at various opening nights, special events etc and getting to know people in the industry. For him, someone who loves the arts but not working in it he's found it a great way to get more out of his hobby.
So I'd say if you have the means there are far worse things to do with it in life and there are some nice perks if not profit along the way.
I'd also say that getting involved with smaller companies might be a nice starting point and/or might be a more 'involved' way to start as well.
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51 posts
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Post by easilypleased on Mar 31, 2016 10:18:47 GMT
I have a friend who has done it, over the course of I think 10 years or so he's made a bit of money back (not great sums but bits here and there) what he has done is had a great experience having had a great time at various opening nights, special events etc and getting to know people in the industry. For him, someone who loves the arts but not working in it he's found it a great way to get more out of his hobby. So I'd say if you have the means there are far worse things to do with it in life and there are some nice perks if not profit along the way. I'd also say that getting involved with smaller companies might be a nice starting point and/or might be a more 'involved' way to start as well. Many thanks for all the posts - this last one is exactly what I was hoping someone would say. I'm coming up for retirement, I have some funds available (not huge numbers, but hopefully interesting enough) and I would love to get involved. Breaking even would be nice, I wouldn't be doing it with any expectation of making money.
I've now got some literature from SOLT and I'll take it from there. If anything interesting transpires, I'll report back. Many thanks again.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2016 10:50:07 GMT
Glad it was useful! Good luck-and do update us with any experiences you have!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2017 14:04:51 GMT
Digging this thread up. I recently put a little bit of money into an Off-West End production that turned out to be rather profitable.
I didn't have ay input into the show - not that I expected any - but it was great to get involved and I'd gladly do the same. Anyone else have any stories?
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 25, 2017 14:29:47 GMT
Drinks are ongou then?!
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