Adapting to changes

This production has a lot of firsts.  This is the first dinner theater I've ever done.  This is the first time I've ever reserved tickets before the show.  It's also the first time I might not come in under budget.  

I've done a lot of shows in my life, both as an actress and as part of the production staff.  I've been to several dinner theaters.  I've even performed in a few productions, but those were added on to full-functioning restaurants.  Actually running your own food service is difficult.  Permits from the health department, cleaning out a moldy fridge, and pricing out a menu.

Reserving tickets creates a new element.  I wasn't sure how it would go, but I think it's going well.  So far we've reserved 15% of our tickets and a third of one show.  (If you're planning on coming to the matinee on the 15th you should probably book those seats now).  It's actually working and things are going good. It just adds another responsibility ... maybe this is something I should delegate.

The budget is a new concern.  I've never in my life lost money on a show.  This is the 24th show I've directed or produced.  Every show has turned a profit.  Serving dinner is costing a fair amount.  Today I had a great conversation with the cast about finances, and we were able to brainstorm some fundraising options.  These kids continue to amaze me. Could I, when I was a 7th grader, have comprehended production budgets?  I don;t know because I was never given the chance to try.