Your Show is a Script. Your Pitch Deck is a Business Plan.

In my first post, I gave you some tough love: I don’t care how good your songs are if you can’t tell me why the show is relevant. But once you’ve figured out your why, how do you communicate it to a producer who has 50 other scripts sitting on their desk? You don't send them a 120-page PDF of the script and a Dropbox link to 18 demos. Not yet.

You send them a Pitch Deck.

What is a Pitch Deck (and Why Does it Exist)?

A pitch deck is a visual document (usually 10–15 slides) that tells the story of your show, its commercial potential, and its artistic soul.

Producers are visual creatures. They are also busy. A pitch deck allows them to "see" the production, understand the vibe, and grasp the logistics in five minutes or less. If the deck is successful, it earns you the right to have them actually read the script.

The Anatomy of a Winning Pitch Deck

If you’re staring at a blank slide template, here is exactly what you need to include to get noticed by someone like me:

1. The Hook (Slide 1-2)

Start with a high-impact image and your Logline.

• Bad: "A musical about two people who fall in love in New York."

• Good: "A high-stakes, live-looping exploration of the Southern Underground Railroad." (See: Mexodus).

  Include a one-paragraph synopsis that focuses on the conflict and the stakes.

2. The Why Now? (Slide 3)

This is the Narrative of Relevance. Why does this story need to be told in 2026? What is the editorial point of view? If you can't answer why the world needs this show today, a producer won't be able to sell tickets to it tomorrow.

3. Character & World (Slides 4-6)

Don't just list names. Use comps or archetypes. Describe their vocal style. Use imagery that evokes the setting. If it’s a period piece, show us the grit; if it’s a fantasy, show us the magic.

4. The Music (Slide 7)

Don't just say "Pop/Rock." Be specific. "A fusion of 90s R&B and contemporary folk."

• Pro Tip: Embed a Spotify playlist or a Soundcloud link directly into the deck. Make it easy for them to hear the sound of the world.

5. The Creative Team (Slide 8)

Who are you? What have you done? If you’re a new writer, focus on your perspective and your training. If you have a director or a name attached, highlight them here.

6. Development History & Goals (Slide 9)

Where has the show been? (Readings, workshops, Drama Club Camp?) And more importantly: What do you need next? Are you looking for a Lead Producer? A regional premiere? $50k for a 29-hour reading? Be specific.

Practical Instructions: Do's and Don'ts

DO

• Use High-Quality Visuals. Mood boards are your friend.

• Keep Text Minimal. No one wants to read a novel on a slide.

• Check Your Formatting. Align your text; use consistent fonts.

• Make it a PDF. Never send a Powerpoint or a Keynote file.

DON’T

• Use Clip Art. It looks amateur and kills the vibe.

• List Every Song. Just highlight the 3-4 tentpole numbers.

• Assume they know the source material. Explain it simply.

• Don’t forget your contact info. Put it on the last slide!

The Drama Club Perspective

We love pitch decks. They help us see if the writer understands the editorial nature of our art form.

A deck isn't selling out - it's leaning in. It shows me that you respect the producer's time and that you have a clear vision for how your show occupies space in the market.

Lastly, we are unfortunately in a development world where shows need to be socialized for years before a production will be considered. Having a deck early in the process can help you start that socialization. Just make sure you keep it current

Is your deck ready to be seen? If not, stop writing lyrics for an hour and start designing your future.