Rashad Chambers:Theatre Producing

In this episode of Artistic Finance, host Ethan Steimel sits down with Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Rashad Chambers. They discuss the essential skills of a successful producer, the realities of raising money for a show, and why investors choose to back his productions. Rashad also shares his journey from law to theater, the mission behind the Industry Standard Group, and what it truly takes to bring a show from page to stage. Whether you’re an aspiring producer or simply curious about how Broadway works behind the scenes, this conversation offers valuable insights into the business of show business. Below is an insight into some of the topics covered in this Podcast.

How did Rashad Chambers get into producing?

Rashad’s path to producing was driven by his passion for storytelling and creation. Though originally set on becoming a lawyer, he maintained a love for theater from a young age. After moving to New York, he pursued producing alongside his legal career—”lawyer by day, producer by night.” His strategy involved immersing himself in every aspect of theater and combining his business, legal, and creative interests. He gained practical knowledge through hands-on experience and by participating in development programs like the Broadway League’s Producer Development Program and Commercial Theater Institute workshops.

What skills make a successful producer?

Rashad emphasizes communication, patience, fundraising, and a clear creative vision. His legal background sharpened his communication skills—critical for navigating conversations with creatives, investors, and team members. He also highlights leadership and emotional intelligence, especially when guiding productions through uncertain, high-pressure phases. According to Rashad, a producer must be the cohesive force that unites marketing, press, and creative efforts under one vision. Notably, he states that “not everyone is a leader,” and encourages producers to understand their role—whether co-producer, lead, or executive—based on their strengths.

What does a Broadway producer actually do, and how is time divided across tasks?

Using his lead producing experience on Fat Ham as an example, Rashad estimates:

• One-third of his time was spent fundraising.
• One-third involved transitioning the production from Off-Broadway to Broadway—hiring teams, setting timelines, and overseeing logistics.
• The final third was spent on day-to-day operations: managing press, ticket sales strategies, artist appearances, Tony Awards logistics, and maintaining the show’s public momentum.

He explains that responsibilities shift depending on your role: a co-producer focuses primarily on fundraising, while a lead producer manages everything, and an executive producer focuses on execution rather than financing.

Why do investors choose to invest in Rashad’s shows?

Investors typically fall into two categories: those drawn by the show and those drawn by Rashad himself. He builds trust by understanding each investor’s motivation—whether they care about the subject matter, a celebrity involved, the show’s financial projections, or simply want to be part of the Broadway community. Rashad demystifies fundraising by framing it as an opportunity: “You’re giving people a chance to be part of something special.” Many of his investors are successful professionals seeking cultural enrichment, networking, or artistic impact.

What is the Industry Standard Group, and how does it aim to change Broadway investing?

Rashad co-founded the Industry Standard Group (ISG) to lower the barriers for commercial theater investment—especially for people of color and those who aren’t accredited investors. ISG aims to become an accredited entity itself, which would allow it to pool investments from non-accredited individuals and collectively invest in Broadway productions. Rashad believes the lack of investor diversity hampers progress: “When I started in 2018, I could count the number of Black producers on one hand.” ISG seeks to democratize access, offer educational tools, and support long-term industry inclusion.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Producing is a multifaceted leadership role that combines legal, business, and artistic responsibilities. Success depends on both hard skills (contract negotiation, fundraising) and soft skills (vision, communication, emotional intelligence).
• Fundraising is not just asking for money—it’s relationship building. Investors are often buying into a person or a passion, not just a show.
• Education and experience matter. Rashad learned by doing but also actively participated in structured programs like CTI and the Broadway League.
• Barriers to Broadway investment are real and exclusionary. Rashad’s work with the Industry Standard Group is focused on making Broadway investment more accessible to underrepresented communities.
• Knowing your producer role—lead, co-, or executive—is essential. Each carries different levels of responsibility, particularly around financing and creative input.

Listen to this Episode on:

Website / Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube

This episode of the Artistic Finance podcast is hosted by Ethan Steimel.