Theatre manager publishes guide to operating a venue

Lusanda Zokufa 

Commissioned some years ago by Ismail Mahomed to write a book to assist students, Debra Batzofin has come full circle with the book; now available to all students via the Market Theatre website at no cost.

  Managing a theatre can be a daunting prospect. Budgets, contracts, staff, technical equipment, marketing, maintenance, ticketing; the list goes on. 

  Batzofin, a seasoned theatre manager and administrator with 46 years’ experience in the South African and international entertainment industry, has written an indispensable guide to operating a venue.

  Titled Beginners on Stage …. Ask Miss B, this industry handbook concisely sets out all you need to know about managing a theatre. From legalities and labour issues to the nuts and bolts of dealing with outside producers, Batzofin covers it all.

  Far from being a staid handbook, it includes useful practical examples supplemented by friendly advice drawn from her many years of working in all aspects of the performing arts. 

  Beginners on Stage …. Ask Miss B is an essential tool to help newcomers, and even professionals.

  Debra has been general-manager for Trevor Noah: There’s a Gupta on my Stoep, John Edward, international psychic medium, Winnie the Opera, Saturday Night Fever and Hairspray. She was the producer for Road to MAMA, MTV, NickFest for Nickelodeon, Comedy Central international Comedy Festival, The Loeries international DStv Seminar of Creativity, to name but a few.

  Debra now adds a new string to her bow with the management of Loyiso Madinga, an internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedian.