Kelly McAllister

Just like Bud Davenport and Doug Simon in Gutenberg! The Musical, creatives constantly find themselves in the position of pitching ideas, whether for auditions or projects. Kelly McAllister, an accomplished playwright, screenwriter, actor, and director, offers invaluable insights from his extensive experience. With award-winning plays produced globally and his role as a teaching artist at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, McAllister knows the art of pitching. Here are six tips from his experiences to help you share your creative vision.

1. Make it Personal

McAllister emphasizes the importance of personal connection in a pitch. Sharing a personal story can capture attention and convey authenticity. For instance, when pitching his play Burning the Old Man, he begins with a personal anecdote about his estranged father, which inspired the script. Authenticity and personal connection make your pitch memorable and compelling, as well as answering critical questions like: “Why you?” and “Why now?”

2. Find the Beat of the Piece

Attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe taught McAllister how to succinctly convey the essence of a show. Crafting a brief summary that captures the heart of your project is crucial. Highlight what makes it unique, including genre and standout features. His recent success at the Fringe, with productions like a modern rock opera written by a trans woman sharing her experience, illustrates the power of a clear, engaging pitch.

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3. Know Your Audience

Tailoring your pitch to your audience is essential. McAllister advises adjusting your presentation based on who you’re speaking to.  “You only have 90 seconds, max,” McAllister explains. “So, if someone is clearly into music, talk about the music.”

You can also use familiar references to help your audience visualize your project.  However, avoid comparing your work to unsuccessful projects, which can decrease interest. Instead, focus on relatable and successful comparisons that resonate with your audience.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your pitch until it’s smooth and confident. McAllister practices extensively at home, with others in the business, or in pitch contests.

“Practice with your friends and family,” McAllister suggests. “Notice what they respond to, what they don’t, and mix it up.” A pitch is not just about the project; it’s also about selling yourself. Rehearse and prepare – anything to get your pitch to the point where you aren’t thinking about it, and you can “check your brain at the door.”

5. Tenacity and Flexibility

Persistence is a cornerstone of McAllister’s success. Before selling any of his scripts, he sent out at least ten query letters a day. He learned from the responses he received and continuously refined his pitch. Flexibility is also crucial. When Laurie Ross from Anonymous Content responded to his follow-up, it took several exchanges and submissions before finding a match. Understanding that most pitches will face rejection is key to maintaining momentum.

6. Network

The most significant piece of advice McAllister shares is about relationship building. McAllister’s collaboration with industry professionals like Ross and producers at the Fringe opened doors to new opportunities. “Once you prove you can do one thing, you end up towards the top of their list to look at next time your name comes around,” McAllister explains.

Demonstrating your capability leads to more opportunities as you become more well-known. Networking at festivals and meeting other creatives can expand your circle and increase the chances of your work being noticed.

Integrating these strategies, as illustrated by McAllister’s experiences, can significantly enhance your pitching ability. Whether you’re in a meeting or presenting at a festival, these insights can help you capture attention and spark interest in your unique artistic vision. You can effectively share your creative projects by making your pitch personal, understanding your audience, practicing diligently, and building strong networks.