Page 227 - Proceedings Collega2023

ABSRACT

Alternative theatre are typically small-scale venues that often face challenges, particularly in terms
of financial resources and operating expenses when compared to their larger counterparts. It is crucial to
emphasize the importance of efficient financial management to achieve profitability and competitiveness
in theatre productions. Relying solely on artistic excellence does not guarantee significant financial gains
without the implementation of effective financial management practices. In this context, efficient financial
management becomes a critical factor in the overall success of a theatre production. However, alternative
and small-scale theatre productions encounter specific challenges that constrain their financial operations.
These challenges encompass substantial expenditure requirements, including celebrity artist participation,
promotional efforts, and set and prop expenses. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the financial
management challenges faced by small-scale theatre productions and to propose a comprehensive
financial planning framework tailored to the unique dynamics of alternative theatre productions.
Employing a qualitative approach, the research adopts a case study design, with particular focus on
Theatrethreesixty and Revolution Stage Studio as the selected entities. The study's findings indicate that
several factors influence financial management, especially regarding funding sources, the number of
production team members, and a clear understanding of the production's scope of tasks. Moreover, this
study highlights the significance of considering the framework and leveraging the popularity of actors as
key aspects when planning the financial management of alternative theatre productions.

Keywords: alternative theatre; small scale; theatre producing; financial management, Malaysian Theatre

Pengenalan

Sesebuah entiti seni persembahan itu adalah merupakan sebuah pusat yang mempamerkan
persembahan seni seperti teater, puisi, nyanyian serta melibatkan aktiviti forum dan diskusi seni. Entiti
seni persembahan pada masa kini kurang mendapat pendedahan daripada umum oleh kerana kewujudan
mereka yang boleh dianggap ‘terasing dan terpencil’ dan hanya dikenali oleh khalayak yang berminat dan
mengikuti perkembangannya. Saiz terbit produksi juga memainkan peranan terhadap penampakan
kewujudan sesebuah produksi teater itu.

Penerbitan teater di Malaysia pada dasarnya boleh dikategorikan kepada teater arus perdana,
teater komersial skala sederhana, dan teater alternatif. Menurut S.F. Musa dan Effendi Samsuddin (2018),
“teater yang dipentaskan di Istana Budaya boleh dikategorikan sebagai teater arus perdana komersial.
Justeru, teater alternatif adalah teater yang dipersembahkan dalam sifat teaterikal yang eksperimental,
berskala kecil, pinggiran dan bebas (indie)”.Penonton teater umum di Malaysia khususnya pada era
millenium lebih cenderung menonton persembahan teater yang bersifat arus perdana di panggung-
panggung besar seperti di Istana Budaya yang menampilkan aspek-aspek komersial dari segi skala
pementasan yang besar (modal produksi, kapasiti tempat persembahan, dan bilangan tenaga produksi),
teknologi, serta barisan pelakon-pelakon ternama. Dengan ciri-ciri sedemikian, teater arus perdana lebih
mudah diberikan perhatian dan tarikan dari khalayak.

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 214 -