Favorite Production Materials Resources

One of the hallmarks of Off-Off-Broadway is the modest budgets. But we all know that lack of funds will often force us to think beyond traditional solutions and can lead to some extraordinary innovations. We are also lucky that there are a number of organizations that provide production materials at low or discounted prices and sometimes, even for FREE!


Reuse.  Recycle. Repurpose.
There are several organizations that are helping theatre artists be more Eco-friendly by keeping reusable items out of landfills while simultaneously making valuable production materials available.

Materials for the Arts (MFTA)
www.nyc.gov/html/dcla/mfta/html/home/home.shtml
MFTA collects unneeded items from businesses and individuals and makes these donations available for free to its members. Read more about MFTA.

The Freecycle Network
www.freecycle.org
A grassroots organization where people give stuff and get stuff for free. Membership is also free. Check out their promotional video.
(Heather Cunningham and Shawn Harris both say that this is one of their favorite production materials resources) 

FAB's Load OUT!
fabnyc.org/About-Load-OUT.php
Fourth Arts Block (FAB) encourages you to bring your used costumes, props and furniture to their Load OUT event. These items may be repurposed by other artists. Likewise, you may find just the piece that you've been looking for.  The next Load OUT! event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, 2014.

TDF's Costume Collection
www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=83
The TDF Costume Collection accepts costume donations form opera companies, touring companies, Broadway shows, private collections,  educational institutions, and other performing arts companies. They maintain and care for these costumes and make them available for rent at moderate rates. Read more about the Costume Collection.
(Akia says this is one of her favorite production materials resources)

Build it Green (BIG NYC)
bignyc.org
Is a non-profit retail outlet for salvaged and surplus building materials. Some of the materials they offer include: doors, shutters, lumber, kitchen cabinets, flooring and more. They resale these items at deep discounts.

Secondhand Stores
Good Will, Thrift Shops, or the Salvation Army all offer secondhand items at big discounts. Check out The Thrift Shopper to find secondhand stores near you.
(Viviane Galloway recommends Unique Thrift Store, which offers 50% off sale)


Other Awesome Production Resources

The Sand Box
www.facebook.com/TheSandBoxSpace
The Sand Box is a place where small companies can build and store sets, props, and costumes before their tech week. It includes a 12' x 22' scene shop with tools and a slop sink. It also has a 16' x 17' rehearsal space.  Read more about the Sand Box

Tech Soup
www.techsoup.org
Tech Soup accepts donated software and technology from big brand technology companies and then makes it available to nonprofits and libraries either for free or at a discounted price.


Do you have a favorite resource that we missed?  Please share it with us.