Choose the play you wish to produce. You can use a script that you personally wrote or a classic play that many people are already familiar with and add your own spin to it. Either way, make sure it will be interesting to your audience.
Draft a budget to estimate how much it is going to cost you to produce the play. Take into account all of your expenses, including payroll, theater rental, props, promotion and any other costs you think will be involved. You need to determine if it is financially reasonable to put on your play.
Determine where your play will take place. It's great if you can afford to rent a theater, but there are many other locations that the play can take place. Some places may let you use their facilities at a reduced cost, including churches, schools and banquet halls.
Interview different directors to find the person you believe is best for the job. Review his or her past work and see if you share the same line of thinking. If you have very different ideas, it could lead to conflict later. Be sure the person you choose is willing to work with you, instead of focusing solely on his or her own ideas.
Audition actors for the various roles. Again, take a look at some of the other work that they have done to see what they are capable of doing. In addition, have them read lines from the script and imagine them in the play.
Rehearse your play until everyone is on the same page. You want the actual production to go off without a hitch, so be sure everyone has a firm grasp on what is expected from them.
Promote your play to let people know that it will be premiering. Try sending out a press release and contact local news outlets to see if they'll interview you. In addition, consider taking out local ads in publications, on billboards, or anywhere else you think you can reach interested people. The more exposure your play has, the bigger audience it should draw.