How We Work
At KGM, we have a deliberate way of working that’s meant to produce the best results for the producers and shows we represent. We’ve seen how the late night meetings, the frenzied emails, and the throw-everything-against-the-wall approach can prevent shows from reaching their fullest potential. So we’ve identified a way of working that gives shows the best opportunities for success, even when success in show business is the exception not the rule.
At KGM, we prioritize calm, focused, deep work that gives people the opportunity to breathe more while producing their best work. We’re asynchronous first and synchronous when necessary.
To achieve this, we use the written word whenever possible. And we don’t expect immediate responses. Instead, we wait for the response that has been thought through, marinated, and well considered.
If it has to be a call, phone is better than Zoom. And no need to schedule, just call.
Meetings are a last resort, especially meetings with more than three people. More than three people in the room doesn’t promote more or better ideas, it just creates more noise.
Recurring or scheduled meetings are even worse. If you are mounting a $15,000,000 musical, or operating a musical with over $50,000,000 in potential revenue on the line, do you really want to make the most mission critical decisions by forcing everyone around a table, giving them some turkey sandwiches and asking them to just riff?
Let teams come to you, but hold them accountable.
Writing is a harder on the person who would have been the speaker. But it’s a gift to the recipient. Instead of holding court and saying words, a manager must take time out of their day to formulate a full thought in text, and to edit that text to ensure a coherence of thought.
But the listener receives a fleshed out pitch, has time to sit with it, and to come back to the proverbial table with a full thought of their own.
At KGM, we’re known for using apps to create repeatable systems. But, at the end of the day, humans triumph over technology.
Social media is fine, but chasing likes, followers and virality will rarely translate to ticket sales.
Cheap is not always inexpensive if you’re playing the long game. Under-budgeting is often worse than over-budgeting. Anyone can make any arbitrary budget number work mathematically on a spreadsheet. But finding numbers that will produce the best results is our goal.
When choosing a general manager, the most critical thing to look for is compatibility. Is this someone you want to be in the trenches with? Most general managers working on Broadway have the same contacts, will budget a show within spitting distance of the next shop over, or negotiate a contract that’s nearly identical.
Yes, we're opinionated. But producing and managing is about a free flowing exchange of ideas, and we relish checking our ego at the door, learning something new and being gobsmacked.
You may be nodding your head in agreement as you read this. In which case, we could be the right fit for you. Or you may not, and that’s okay too. Like what you’ve read? Drop us a note.