Be open and honest. I always tell potential investors that I am the messenger when I am sharing a show opportunity. I don’t make money if they don’t make money. We are in this together. No one can guarantee that a show will be a financial success, but I can guarantee that my investors will have fun because I make sure of it. One of my investors on Great Comet really wanted to meet Josh Groban. He had been a long-time ardent fan, so when the opportunity presented itself at one of the parties hosted by the show, I made of point of introducing them and taking a photo. That investor had the experience of a lifetime!
As a part of our series about creating a successful career in theatre, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Robin Gorman Newman.
Robin Gorman Newman is a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award winning producer of PARADE. She is also a Tony Award nominated producer of Fat Ham and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and began her theatrical career as Associate Producer on Motherhood Out Loud. Robin authored the popular books How to Meet a Mensch in New York and How to Marry a Mensch, serving as inspiration for a musical in development. She’s a Co-Producer on the Museum of Broadway and the forthcoming Broadway musical SMASH.
Robin has been seen on CNN and The Today Show and has been featured in the NY Times, USA Today, Time magazine, etc, as an author and Love Coach for singles (www.LoveCoach.com). She founded Lifelong Theatre Lovers & Supporters (Facebook), has been published in New York Magazine and TDF Stages and conceived/moderated several panels at BroadwayCon. She is a proud member of Drama League and serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors of New York Theatre Barn, an incubator of new, diverse musicals.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I am a proud born ‘n bred New Yorker….raised in Fresh Meadows, Queens, with a younger sister and my parents, and various parakeets over the years. We lived in a private home brick ranch in a suburban residential area. My mom loved theatre, and there were often soundtracks from musicals playing in our home. I remember going to shows both in NYC and locally, and loving it. Hence….my devotion to theatre began young and has become my lifelong happy place.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was the arts editor of a college newspaper at Hofstra University and thought I would one day become a fulltime professional theatre critic, but that didn’t transpire. I wrote reviews and personality profiles for the Queens Tribune and City Guide magazine, but as a freelancer. One day I got wind of a musical about motherhood that had a run in LA. I am a mom, so it caught my eye. I decided to phone the theater, despite not having a clear agenda. But, I have always trusted my gut, and it was telling me to call. I left a message at the box office for the producers, not expecting to hear from anyone, especially as the show had already closed. A few weeks went by, and one day one of them called me. We had a lovely conversation, and they offered me the opportunity to join the Off Broadway production as it was enroute to NYC. I made the decision to come on board of Motherhood Out Loud, which involved investing some money, which I had never done before or even thought to do. I was given the title of Associate Producer and was thrilled to be involved. They allowed me to share ideas on a promotional level and assist with marketing, and it felt like the perfect melding of my love of theatre, my background as a publicist, and my knowledge of the parenting arena (I founded MotherhoodLater.com), which could help attract people to the show. I’m a big idea person, and enjoy being able to share and use my skills and expertise. I knew after this experience that I wanted to become even more involved with shows, especially on Broadway.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am grateful to my husband who has always had my back and supports my passion for theatre. He knows the path hasn’t been easy, yet he is my constant cheerleader. He is a CPA, so my being in the arts is very different than his background, but he enjoys theatre and helps keep me grounded, especially when I am in the throes of reaching out to potential investors for a show. Without investors, there would not be theatre, and I have met some wonderful people who have joined me on shows and who ultimately became friends. Sharing a love of theatre with others is a strong bonding experience.
You probably have a lot of fascinating experiences. Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I would say the most fascinating experience…or at least most memorable…was winning my first Tony Award on June 22, 2023, as a producer on PARADE. It won Best Musical Revival. Being on stage with the team was an experience I will never forget. It was truly a dream come true, especially since I have only been a producer on Broadway since 2016. My first show as a Broadway producer was Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, for which I became Tony Award nominated. That was pretty surreal, and attending the Tonys was a thrill. And also loved having the opportunity to attend the recording of the cast album for Great Comet, which was such a unique experience. Who ever thought I’d be rubbing elbows with the likes of Josh Groban, who starred in Great Comet?!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I made the mistake before a performance of Motherhood Out Loud to have dinner at an ethnic restaurant new to me with a group of friends who were attending the show. I had a spicy meal, and during the show my stomach got upset. It was a special evening where the show was hosting a talkback after the performance, and I was moderating. I was petrified I wouldn’t be up to the task, but I thankfully make it through. The lesson was a big one! Choose your meal wisely before attending theatre.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am currently developing an original musical with a theatre colleague based on my book How to Marry a Mensch. It’s a big undertaking, but one that feels important. We want to shine a light on the notion of being a mensch and how you show up in the world. Mensch means decent, responsible person, and now more than ever we can use all the kindness we can get. The show will have heart and smart humor, and reflect the messaging of the book. We want people to be entertained plus leave the theatre with something to think about. I am also on the producing team for SMASH, a big, forthcoming Broadway musical comedy inspired by the hit tv series. Super psyched to be part of this, especially as SMASH has so many worldwide fans, myself included, so we know people will be excited to see the show. It’s a big bonus for a Broadway show to have a strong platform, which can help with advanced ticket sales and attract attention. I trust my gut when it comes to choosing projects, and get involved with shows that speak to me and that I think will speak to others and have commercial viability.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of rejection, lack of support, or failure?
I have learned that no is just no for now. Be persistent. Help others. Network. Be earnest. Educate yourself. Put your desires out to the universe and think big. Let everyone know what you are working on. You never know where a potential partner or investor may come from. Make the call! The one call I made changed the entire trajectory of my life, for the better.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in the live performance industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Follow your heart. Choose projects that truly speak to you which helps maintain your level of commitment and willingness to work hard. Partner with colleagues who share your vision and who you want to be in the room with. Theatre has the power to change lives and communicate important messages. Keep an eye towards that, and that will stimulate you, and remind you why we do what we do. Take time for yourself when you need to recharge. Sometimes making space that way can actually help get the creative juices flowing.
Thank you for all that. This is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in Broadway, Theater or Live Performances” and why? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
Be a visionary and don’t be afraid to take risks. Theatre-goers love unique experiences. Great Comet was a wonderful example of this as it was fully immersive. We gutted a theatre, rebuilt seating and the actors were all over the theatre, we gave out pierogi, etc. It was unlike any show ever done on Broadway, and theatre-goers loved it. People still talk about it and yearn for its return.
Be conscious of who is steering the ship. It may be a terrific show, but if the lead producers aren’t open to the ideas of others on the producing team, they could be missing out on opportunities. One of the shows I was on was led by a producer who held things very close to the vest, and this ultimately didn’t serve the production. I am of the belief that you never know where a good idea comes from, so stay open to others on your team, and look for colleagues who are forthcoming communicators.
Be open and honest. I always tell potential investors that I am the messenger when I am sharing a show opportunity. I don’t make money if they don’t make money. We are in this together. No one can guarantee that a show will be a financial success, but I can guarantee that my investors will have fun because I make sure of it. One of my investors on Great Comet really wanted to meet Josh Groban. He had been a long-time ardent fan, so when the opportunity presented itself at one of the parties hosted by the show, I made of point of introducing them and taking a photo. That investor had the experience of a lifetime!
Ask yourself the question why this show, why now? A show needs to be relevant. Parade is an excellent example of this. As a musical revival, it tells the true historic story of Lucille and Leo Frank, and it reflects on antisemitism and discrimination. Unfortunately, this is still prevalent today, and therefore this profoundly beautiful show truly resonates now versus when it was first performed a number of years ago.
Have an understanding of marketing. It is a bonus to be able to come up with ideas on how to promote a show or venue. You can hire the best marketing firm to handle a show, but it’s a big job and they can’t realistically take on everything, especially if your budget is limited. I have a Masters in marketing and am a former VP with a NYC PR firm, so I pride myself on being able to bring ideas into the room when I am on a show. I am on the producing team of Museum of Broadway, which opened November 2022 on 45th Street in NYC, and is a wonderful destination for theatre lovers. One of the ideas I had was to reach out to The Ride NYC, an interactive tour/show in a custom-built theatre bus, to explore a mutually beneficial cross promotion with the Museum. Both parties expressed interest, and it won’t cost either one any money, so all the better.
For the benefit of our readers, could you describe how the skill-sets you need in a theater performance are different than the skill-sets you need for TV or Film?
Theatre is live. If you are a producer, you need to create a show that is truly meant for the stage. One that is engaging and best suited to that format vs. TV or Film. You need to be able to think quick on your feet as a live performance is unpredictable, and sometimes things go wrong. Being an out of the box thinker is cool too, as creating new, original shows is always more challenging, yet so desired both on and off Broadway. Have confidence and fully believe in your project so that others do too.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
It would be a Mensch Movement. My goal would be to inspire people to think of others in a genuine, meaningful way, and to support that with action and not just words or social media memes.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My mom used to say “And This Too Shall Pass”. Working in theatre is hard. It has gotten more expensive since the Pandemic to produce a show, and it takes a lot to become a critical and commercial success. When you hit obstacles, and you will, knowing that they can be overcome makes all the difference. You can’t let challenges defeat you. Developing the musical based on my books hasn’t been easy as we have had to change creative teams, but we stay the course and believe that ultimately things happen for a reason and will turn out even better than expected.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would have interest in meeting Steven A. Cohen. He was born in Great Neck, where I live, and is the owner of the Mets of Major League Baseball. My dad was a huge Mets fan and I would at times attend games with him. From what I have read, he was also involved with A Bronx Tale The Musical, so he must be a theatre enthusiast, and I would love to share about my current projects. Additionally, I’d welcome his take on the stock market.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
I am reachable at [email protected], and I invite readers to follow me on LinkedIn. I’m happy to connect with anyone who loves theatre and wants to drop me a note and keep abreast of my theatrical endeavors.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
As a part of our series about creating a successful career in theatre, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Robin Gorman Newman.
Robin Gorman Newman is a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award winning producer of PARADE. She is also a Tony Award nominated producer of Fat Ham and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and began her theatrical career as Associate Producer on Motherhood Out Loud. Robin authored the popular books How to Meet a Mensch in New York and How to Marry a Mensch, serving as inspiration for a musical in development. She’s a Co-Producer on the Museum of Broadway and the forthcoming Broadway musical SMASH.
Robin has been seen on CNN and The Today Show and has been featured in the NY Times, USA Today, Time magazine, etc, as an author and Love Coach for singles (www.LoveCoach.com). She founded Lifelong Theatre Lovers & Supporters (Facebook), has been published in New York Magazine and TDF Stages and conceived/moderated several panels at BroadwayCon. She is a proud member of Drama League and serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors of New York Theatre Barn, an incubator of new, diverse musicals.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I am a proud born ‘n bred New Yorker….raised in Fresh Meadows, Queens, with a younger sister and my parents, and various parakeets over the years. We lived in a private home brick ranch in a suburban residential area. My mom loved theatre, and there were often soundtracks from musicals playing in our home. I remember going to shows both in NYC and locally, and loving it. Hence….my devotion to theatre began young and has become my lifelong happy place.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was the arts editor of a college newspaper at Hofstra University and thought I would one day become a fulltime professional theatre critic, but that didn’t transpire. I wrote reviews and personality profiles for the Queens Tribune and City Guide magazine, but as a freelancer. One day I got wind of a musical about motherhood that had a run in LA. I am a mom, so it caught my eye. I decided to phone the theater, despite not having a clear agenda. But, I have always trusted my gut, and it was telling me to call. I left a message at the box office for the producers, not expecting to hear from anyone, especially as the show had already closed. A few weeks went by, and one day one of them called me. We had a lovely conversation, and they offered me the opportunity to join the Off Broadway production as it was enroute to NYC. I made the decision to come on board of Motherhood Out Loud, which involved investing some money, which I had never done before or even thought to do. I was given the title of Associate Producer and was thrilled to be involved. They allowed me to share ideas on a promotional level and assist with marketing, and it felt like the perfect melding of my love of theatre, my background as a publicist, and my knowledge of the parenting arena (I founded MotherhoodLater.com), which could help attract people to the show. I’m a big idea person, and enjoy being able to share and use my skills and expertise. I knew after this experience that I wanted to become even more involved with shows, especially on Broadway.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am grateful to my husband who has always had my back and supports my passion for theatre. He knows the path hasn’t been easy, yet he is my constant cheerleader. He is a CPA, so my being in the arts is very different than his background, but he enjoys theatre and helps keep me grounded, especially when I am in the throes of reaching out to potential investors for a show. Without investors, there would not be theatre, and I have met some wonderful people who have joined me on shows and who ultimately became friends. Sharing a love of theatre with others is a strong bonding experience.
You probably have a lot of fascinating experiences. Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I would say the most fascinating experience…or at least most memorable…was winning my first Tony Award on June 22, 2023, as a producer on PARADE. It won Best Musical Revival. Being on stage with the team was an experience I will never forget. It was truly a dream come true, especially since I have only been a producer on Broadway since 2016. My first show as a Broadway producer was Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, for which I became Tony Award nominated. That was pretty surreal, and attending the Tonys was a thrill. And also loved having the opportunity to attend the recording of the cast album for Great Comet, which was such a unique experience. Who ever thought I’d be rubbing elbows with the likes of Josh Groban, who starred in Great Comet?!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I made the mistake before a performance of Motherhood Out Loud to have dinner at an ethnic restaurant new to me with a group of friends who were attending the show. I had a spicy meal, and during the show my stomach got upset. It was a special evening where the show was hosting a talkback after the performance, and I was moderating. I was petrified I wouldn’t be up to the task, but I thankfully make it through. The lesson was a big one! Choose your meal wisely before attending theatre.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am currently developing an original musical with a theatre colleague based on my book How to Marry a Mensch. It’s a big undertaking, but one that feels important. We want to shine a light on the notion of being a mensch and how you show up in the world. Mensch means decent, responsible person, and now more than ever we can use all the kindness we can get. The show will have heart and smart humor, and reflect the messaging of the book. We want people to be entertained plus leave the theatre with something to think about. I am also on the producing team for SMASH, a big, forthcoming Broadway musical comedy inspired by the hit tv series. Super psyched to be part of this, especially as SMASH has so many worldwide fans, myself included, so we know people will be excited to see the show. It’s a big bonus for a Broadway show to have a strong platform, which can help with advanced ticket sales and attract attention. I trust my gut when it comes to choosing projects, and get involved with shows that speak to me and that I think will speak to others and have commercial viability.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of rejection, lack of support, or failure?
I have learned that no is just no for now. Be persistent. Help others. Network. Be earnest. Educate yourself. Put your desires out to the universe and think big. Let everyone know what you are working on. You never know where a potential partner or investor may come from. Make the call! The one call I made changed the entire trajectory of my life, for the better.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in the live performance industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Follow your heart. Choose projects that truly speak to you which helps maintain your level of commitment and willingness to work hard. Partner with colleagues who share your vision and who you want to be in the room with. Theatre has the power to change lives and communicate important messages. Keep an eye towards that, and that will stimulate you, and remind you why we do what we do. Take time for yourself when you need to recharge. Sometimes making space that way can actually help get the creative juices flowing.
Thank you for all that. This is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in Broadway, Theater or Live Performances” and why?
Be a visionary and don’t be afraid to take risks. Theatre-goers love unique experiences. Great Comet was a wonderful example of this as it was fully immersive. We gutted a theatre, rebuilt seating and the actors were all over the theatre, we gave out pierogi, etc. It was unlike any show ever done on Broadway, and theatre-goers loved it. People still talk about it and yearn for its return.
Be conscious of who is steering the ship. It may be a terrific show, but if the lead producers aren’t open to the ideas of others on the producing team, they could be missing out on opportunities. One of the shows I was on was led by a producer who held things very close to the vest, and this ultimately didn’t serve the production. I am of the belief that you never know where a good idea comes from, so stay open to others on your team, and look for colleagues who are forthcoming communicators.
Be open and honest. I always tell potential investors that I am the messenger when I am sharing a show opportunity. I don’t make money if they don’t make money. We are in this together. No one can guarantee that a show will be a financial success, but I can guarantee that my investors will have fun because I make sure of it. One of my investors on Great Comet really wanted to meet Josh Groban. He had been a long-time ardent fan, so when the opportunity presented itself at one of the parties hosted by the show, I made of point of introducing them and taking a photo. That investor had the experience of a lifetime!
Ask yourself the question why this show, why now? A show needs to be relevant. Parade is an excellent example of this. As a musical revival, it tells the true historic story of Lucille and Leo Frank, and it reflects on antisemitism and discrimination. Unfortunately, this is still prevalent today, and therefore this profoundly beautiful show truly resonates now versus when it was first performed a number of years ago.
Have an understanding of marketing. It is a bonus to be able to come up with ideas on how to promote a show or venue. You can hire the best marketing firm to handle a show, but it’s a big job and they can’t realistically take on everything, especially if your budget is limited. I have a Masters in marketing and am a former VP with a NYC PR firm, so I pride myself on being able to bring ideas into the room when I am on a show. I am on the producing team of Museum of Broadway, which opened November 2022 on 45th Street in NYC, and is a wonderful destination for theatre lovers. One of the ideas I had was to reach out to The Ride NYC, an interactive tour/show in a custom-built theatre bus, to explore a mutually beneficial cross promotion with the Museum. Both parties expressed interest, and it won’t cost either one any money, so all the better.
For the benefit of our readers, could you describe how the skill-sets you need in a theater performance are different than the skill-sets you need for TV or Film?
Theatre is live. If you are a producer, you need to create a show that is truly meant for the stage. One that is engaging and best suited to that format vs. TV or Film. You need to be able to think quick on your feet as a live performance is unpredictable, and sometimes things go wrong. Being an out of the box thinker is cool too, as creating new, original shows is always more challenging, yet so desired both on and off Broadway. Have confidence and fully believe in your project so that others do too.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
It would be a Mensch Movement. My goal would be to inspire people to think of others in a genuine, meaningful way, and to support that with action and not just words or social media memes.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My mom used to say “And This Too Shall Pass”. Working in theatre is hard. It has gotten more expensive since the Pandemic to produce a show, and it takes a lot to become a critical and commercial success. When you hit obstacles, and you will, knowing that they can be overcome makes all the difference. You can’t let challenges defeat you. Developing the musical based on my books hasn’t been easy as we have had to change creative teams, but we stay the course and believe that ultimately things happen for a reason and will turn out even better than expected.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would have interest in meeting Steven A. Cohen. He was born in Great Neck, where I live, and is the owner of the Mets of Major League Baseball. My dad was a huge Mets fan and I would at times attend games with him. From what I have read, he was also involved with A Bronx Tale The Musical, so he must be a theatre enthusiast, and I would love to share about my current projects. Additionally, I’d welcome his take on the stock market.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
I am reachable at [email protected], and I invite readers to follow me on LinkedIn. I’m happy to connect with anyone who loves theatre and wants to drop me a note and keep abreast of my theatrical endeavors.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!