S02 E09: Playing the Long Game with Mark Siano

Description

“I think you have to be [fearless]... you have to feel like you have something to offer that people will want to watch.”

— Mark Siano

Our guest this week teaches us that you don’t need to be based in Los Angeles or New York in order to find success in the entertainment industry.

Mark Siano is a performer, writer, and producer who has carved his own path in the theater arts — and he’s found incredible success while working and living in his hometown of Seattle, Washington.

His original works have been featured at venues including The Triple Door, ACT Theatre, and Cafe Nordo, and his list of productions include Seattle Vice, Bohemia, the Soft Rock Spectaculars, and his new immersive show Den of Thieves.

This episode is the second in a four-part series covering creatives in the entertainment industry, and Mark shares some great insights about how to find not just artistic satisfaction, but also financial success in the theater world. We also discuss the magic of grants, the power of community, and why it took so long for Seattle to get an NHL team.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

Mark’s impressive journey to becoming a successful producer, and the mindset shift that led him to profitability
What goes into putting on a theatrical show — and Mark’s process from concept to opening night
The differences between putting on a show in a bigger city versus a smaller one, and what to expect in each market

About Mark Siano: Mark Siano is a Seattle-based performer, writer, and producer, and a member of the comedy troupe The Habit. As a community organizer, Mark is taking a leadership role in Seattle as recovery begins following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights:‌ ‌

01:56 Meet Mark Siano

02:49 Mark’s journey

05:18 Mark’s philosophical shift

09:20 Mark’s work in New York

11:03 Producing in smaller v. larger markets

15:11 Venue pricing

16:56 What it takes to put on a show

19:54 Den of Thieves

24:22 Mark’s daily routines

26:19 Pandemic survival & grants

28:01 Hiring an assistant