Before the Applause

Heralded as "witty, wise, accessible, practical, vibrant" - "a roadmap for leaders, artists, and project managers," "a true breath of fresh air," and "an outstanding performance."

There are many steps between CREATION and STANDING OVATION. And most artists don't know how to navigate them. Readers of Before the Applause will have a leg up on "breaking a leg" thanks to the practical tools and tips - and the inspiring and entertaining stories and illustrations - in this definitive guidebook on project management for artists.

Behind every great rock star (or playwright, sculptor, filmmaker, painter, actor, or comedian) is (or should be!) a great project manager. Creative genius without project-management chops and leadership skills is a recipe for unfinished art - for "starving artists" and dreams deferred.

Albums don't manage themselves. Art exhibits don't happen by happenstance. Concert tours and stage plays don't come together without goal setting, communication, collaboration, resource allocation, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. It's one thing to have a creative MUSE and it's another thing to have a creative project MANAGER; it's magic to have both.

"When I set out to write my one-woman show, I didn't know what I didn't know. Had this wonderful book been available to me, it would have been a tremendous help in bringing my vision to the stage. A great, entertaining read ..."

Breeda Kelly Miller, Playwright/Actor/Producer, Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home

In their work with musicians and other artists, co-authors Joe DeSensi (the systems guru) and Joe Hanna (the rock star) observed that while many artists had great ideas, good intentions, true talent, and even multiple resources to start and complete projects, very few artists were able to see those projects through to completion. Why? Because most artists don't know the first thing about project management.

In the colorful, illustrated pages of Before the Applause: Why Artists Need to Be Good Project Managers, readers will discover the secrets of success and learn how to maximize impact while staying within budget. The book's big lesson? Project management for artistic projects doesn't have to be complicated - with the right tips and tools, it can be simple!

Before the Applause focuses on a simple, 5-step approach to getting from "brilliant ideas" to big applause: Imagine It, Plan It, Do It, Track It, and Finish It.

This book will help you do the right things first, get the best effort out of your team, communicate efficiently and effectively, and, most importantly, finish your art and get it to the world - sooner, rather than "someday."

Complete with checklists, project-management "hacks," practical exercises, reflection questions, cautionary tales, and inspiring insights ... and with a foreword by Vin Morreale, Jr., author, playwright, and screenwriter.