How To Produce Your Solo Show (Part 1… Are You Sure You Want To Do This?)

So, you’re thinking about producing a solo show.

First, congratulations!

And also, take a deep breath.

Creating and performing a solo show is one of the most rewarding artistic journeys you can take, but it’s also one of the most challenging. It asks a lot of you – your creativity, your stamina, your organizational skills, and yes, sometimes even your credit card. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in going solo. At The Whitefire Theatre, especially during our annual Solofest, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this process can be when you have the right mindset and tools.

We’ve decided to start this blog series to support our solo artists, and the theatre community in general. We will have tips and pointers on self-producing, touring, and maybe even some general commentary on the independent theatre world along the way.

We’re kicking off here with an overview. A glimpse into what’s ahead of you on this journey. In the immortal words of Douglas Adams – DON’T PANIC. This first glimpse might be overwhelming, but we’ll be filling in the blanks and providing more detail on each topic over time. 

Stick with us, learn, and go out into the stages of the world armed with knowledge gained from years our team has spent producing and creating

1. What’s Your Story?

Every great solo show begins with the material.

Some performers come to the stage with a story burning inside them—something they have to tell. Others might have a concept, a character, or even just a theme they’re passionate about exploring. Both paths are valid. But whether you're adapting existing material or creating something entirely original, the first step is figuring out what you want to say, and why.

Ask yourself:

• Is this story uniquely mine to tell?

• Does it resonate beyond just me—will others see themselves in it?

• Am I prepared to live with (and perform) this story night after night?

• Can I grow with this and adapt it over time?

  
  

If you're creating your own material, think about moments in your life or imagination that won’t leave you alone. Those are often the seeds of the best solo work. And remember, a solo show doesn’t have to be autobiographical—but it should always be personal.

A note on licensing existing solo shows…don’t think you can get away without licensing! No responsible theatre will let you perform in their space without proof of license. Why? Because the licensor will come after the theatre and fine them. It’s also just plain disrespectful from one creator to another. So, don’t be that guy.

2. The Solo Show Starter Checklist

Once you’ve found your story—or at least the spark—it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Producing a solo show is more than writing and rehearsing, it’s a full-scale production, and guess who’s wearing most of the hats? (Hint – they’re looking back at you in the mirror.)

Here’s a roadmap to get you started:

1. Write (or Shape) Your Material

   • Draft your script or outline your structure.

   • Decide: Is this a narrative? A series of characters? A mix of storytelling and performance art?

   • Remember, solo shows thrive on authenticity and connection—don’t overwrite. Keep it honest.

     
     

2. Workshop It

   • Share early versions with trusted peers or a director experienced in solo work.

   • Be open to feedback—it’s your show, but outside eyes are invaluable. (Take. The. Note.)

   • Consider performing short excerpts at open mics.

     
     

3. Budgeting. Stop right here. This topic may be a 3 part series all on it’s own. For now, we’ll just make sure you understand that budgets are necessary. You can’t truly budget until you know what your first big step will be. More anon…

   • Venue rental, sound and projection design, marketing—it all adds up.

   • Create a realistic budget, and always include a little buffer for surprises. Theatre loves surprises.

     
     

4. Funding Your Vision

   • Look into grants, crowdfunding, sponsorships, or partnerships.

   • Some performers self-fund, others get creative with community support.

   • Remember, investing in your show is investing in yourself—but be smart about it.

     
     

5. Marketing: Telling People You’re Telling a Story

   • Build your audience early—social media, email lists, press releases.

   • Design eye-catching visuals and a compelling show description.

   • Don’t be shy—people want to discover new work. Make it easy for them.

     
     

6. Touring (If You Catch the Bug)

   • After your debut, you might want to take your show on the road.

   • Research festivals, theatres, and alternative venues that support solo performances.

   • Each city is a new audience—and a new opportunity to grow as an artist.

     
     

Final Introductory Thoughts

If this list feels like a lot—that’s because it is. Producing a solo show asks you to be both artist and entrepreneur. But the good news is that year after year we see amazing artists take on the challenge and triumph. They step onto the stage not just as actors or storytellers, but as creators who dared to say, “Yes, I am sure I want to do this.”

And if you’re still reading? You probably are too.

Stay tuned for more topics and details. We’re hoping to get a topic out weekly. And for those out there that have been doing this a long time or who just did your first outing…talk to us! Send us comments, ideas for topics, or even just questions about anything we’ve written.

Until then, keep dreaming, keep writing, and remember, every great solo show starts with one brave decision.

Hey Friends! We're happy to start this project, but as we all know, theatre doesn't exactly pay a lot. We're all here for the love! Please show some love to your support team by offering a tip that will go towards keeping them in caffeine and snacks!