Make your own COTU

First - what is the Citizens of the Universe?

We are a group of artist who do the occasional performance and other artistic endeavors.

We do our theatre any and everywhere with anyone- and have fun doing it all the while.

So- COTU is just an idea that EVERYONE can do theatre. 

To be a member just jump out there and friggin' do it.

That's right.

COTU is also an outlet to do something you have never done before or to exercise something you haven't done in awhile or just do something you really want to do.

Now COTU has been around since 2001, with branches in- Grenville (SC), Baltimore, Orlando and Charlotte (since 2007), not to mention we started the first theatre in Yellowstone National Park!

You just do movies on stage don't you?

Xavier has felt a need to bring in groups of people who normally don't attend theatre. (since theatre is his focus- but again we are not limited to just that area of art!)

This means looking into scripts and ideas that speak to a modern audience who are more familiar with film and TV.

Now we must always work the classics.

We also realize the need to create new work and provide an outlet for foreign/ and non-English materials as well. A well balanced and diverse schedule is key to any fore-thinking theatre and if you attempt to make a season it is our suggestion to keep that diversity in mind.  

So to answer that question- NO. We do not just do movies on stage.

OK- I'm interested. Now what?

Well, production is not 'easy' but it can be done very simply.

FIRST

Decide on something to do.

Choose a show from the vast ones out there... write your own... do a 24 hour theatre project.

SECOND

Decide on your role.

Do you want to act, direct, produce or what have you...

Now this is where it can be tricky. If you have never done what you are trying to do- no worries! There are plenty of people out there who have and can give advice.

In fact, we at COTU are that resource.

We are more than happy to assist on any project!  

THIRD

Find a place to put on your idea.

Now this is what we have found to be the hardest step.

We suggest that you don't discount any space. The Library, that punk rock club, the park, a parking lot, a coffee house, a traditional theatre... there are many options out there, go look for them. no keep in mind here, you will have to find a place that not only let's your idea occur- but you must also find a place to rehearse if that is part of your plan.

FOURTH

Gather your crew.

That's right the next- hardest part. Finding help to put on your idea.

Now gathering your crew means just a little more than getting your friends together. You have to make a schedule cause you gotta know when and where to meet! You might want to put out an ad in your local paper to find crew or just pull from those around you. It is always best to delegate positions- someone is in charge of lights. Someone runs sound. Someone handles phone calls and so on. If you are doing a theatre show- Actors ARE part of the crew. Find performers by putting out notices and such.

FIFTH

Gather your audience.

That's right. Now you have made it the point of making the show a reality- time to market! Make some posters.

(Your local Staples, Office Depot or Fedex shop will do.)

Launch some online teasers- make a small film and upload it... put some pictures online, use the social media to its upmost to make an online presence. Email blasts are also part of your online presence as well as a website.

Contact your local media outlets.

That's right, it never hurts to contact a radio station or TV affiliate. Look to your local papers and see what you can do to get out the word on your show.

Be sure to include all the important info you can- the where, when and how much.

So there you are- simplistic i know... but we at COTU are here to help! Contact us if you are interested in making your own COTU or just have a question about putting up a show.