A Fun Way to Raise Money

Are you a member of a group looking for ways to raise money? Most of us have situations arise with church groups, soccer leagues, softball teams, etc. where money is needed for special events. One of the easiest and most lucrative fund raisers we have used are Melodramas. There are many reasons why they have proven to be successful in the past. They are inexpensive to produce, can be performed almost anywhere and are very popular family entertainment.

There are some modest up-front costs involved once the decision to produce a Melodrama has been taken:

1.     Script and royalties. Scripts can be obtained from play publishers at a modest cost and royalties are usually inexpensive for melodramas. For instance, we offer royalties for $35.00, which include one reproducible script and unlimited performances for 90 days.  There are currently 40 plays available and they can be seen at our website at:

 http://www.melodrama.net/plays.htm

2.     Location. Church basements are ideal for these productions. Most churches have stages or platforms available, but they can be performed practically anywhere. For instance, we have produced melodramas at country clubs, taverns, wineries, railroad trains and steam boats, to name a few locations.

3.     Setting. Sets are usually very simple, with 4’x8’ material readily available at reasonable cost for backdrops and borrowed furniture can be used for low or no cost. Many locations do not require any backdrop at all.

4.     Costumes. Goodwill and other thrift stores can be shopped for all of the costuming required at very low cost. Westerns are good melodramas to produce for starters, as costuming can be jeans and flannel shirts. These usually cost less than $4.00 each at thrift stores. It is also a good idea to use plays with seven or fewer cast members in order to control costs.

5.     Production. Finding a volunteer director is the first step and the person chosen as Director can then proceed with auditions, cast selection, a rehearsal/ performance schedule and set design. Set construction and costuming volunteers are also needed before rehearsal can commence.

It is not surprising that Melodramas have proven to be very popular entertainment and sometimes become annual events. This is because they are a great way for all concerned to have a lot of fun! Patrons can dress casually, bring the whole family and whoop and holler at will! Add popcorn throwing for even more fun (and profit) and you have an unequalled entertainment value!

We have been involved in projects where entire communities celebrate their anniversaries with Melodramas! More information is available at:

http://www.melodrama.net/history.htm

Additionally we have discovered that there is a world-wide interest in Melodramas and our plays have been produced in many foreign countries.