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Theatre Production as a Temporary Creative Project: Reframing Academic and Commercial Theatre Through Project Management Theory

Felixta Chioma Onyenwe, Gospel Chibuisi John, Ifeanyi Johnmary Diala, Jennifer, Oghenetejiri Ekpite, Maryann Uzoramaka Onyenwe, Uchechi Joyce Nneji, Anjolaoluwa, Mumeen Sulyman, Mark Ogechi Munachimso

Abstract

Theatre production involves the coordinated mobilization of people, resources, schedules, technologies, venues, and stakeholders to create and deliver a performance within a bounded period. Existing research has established connections between theatre and project work, creative project management, and theatre management, but these literatures remain fragmented. This paper develops an integrative conceptual framework that positions an individual theatre production as a temporary creative project embedded within a continuing theatre organization. An integrative literature review draws on project management, temporary organization, projectification, creative industry and theatre management scholarship, prioritizing 2024/2026 research while retaining foundational sources. The synthesis identifies three interacting systems: a production system concerned with resources and logistics; a creative system concerned with artistic interpretation, experimentation and iteration; and a coordination system concerned with communication, negotiation and adaptation. The paper proposes Collaborative Adaptive Governance, Negotiate, Facilitate, and Adapt, as a conceptual mechanism connecting project structure with creative practice. It also introduces Embedded Project Management and the Recognition Gap and develops a seven-stage Theatre Creative Project-Management Model: Initiate, Plan, Create, Integrate, Test and Refine, Deploy, and Close. The framework contributes an integrated, context-sensitive basis for future empirical research in academic and commercial theatre.

Keywords

Theatre production; Temporary organization; Creative projects; Project management; projectification; Project plasticity; Theatre management; Adaptive governance; Academic theatre; Commercial theatre

References

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