S02 E18: Producing & Promoting National Shows with Elín Eggertsdóttir

Author: Daniel Lamb & Anna Rosa Parker / Elín Eggertsdóttir
Published: Mon 18 Oct 2021
Episode Link: None

“My mother’s family in Iceland was in the movie business… Early on, the idea of selling tickets or selling an experience was really interesting to me.”

— Elín Eggertsdóttir

Have you ever wondered what goes into adapting a movie or television show into a stage play or musical?

If so, then you’ll want to listen to this episode — particularly if you also happen to be a playwright or a comedy writer!

Anna Rose was especially excited about this week’s guest, fellow Icelander and theater professional Elín Eggertsdóttir. Elín produces traveling theatrical shows based on beloved and popular properties — including the ubiquitous Elf on the Shelf!

Growing up in Reykjavik, Elín spent a lot of time in the family’s cinema business, which sparked her interest in creating entertaining experiences for large audiences.

Although the pandemic shut down in-person performances, it inspired a new shift to online productions, allowing new audiences around the world to enjoy theater (some for the first time).

In this conversation, Elín shares why she chose to be a producer and not an actor, how the new gold rush in content has affected the process of adapting properties from the screen into productions on the stage, and the types of projects that really light her up.

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

What goes into producing a theatrical show and how Elín approaches her work
The signals that let Elín know whether or not a new show is going to be a hit
Whether unknown playwrights have a chance at Broadway — and the #1 skill that producers are looking for!

About Elín Eggertsdóttir: Elín was born in Reykjavik and moved to the US for college, where she studied theater and theater management. She is currently the SVP for Theatrical at Mills Entertainment, where she is building a slate of theatrical properties.

Highlights:‌

00:17 Intro

01:04 Meet Elín Eggertsdóttir

03:35 Elf on the Shelf

04:24 Theater in the pandemic

06:50 “The energy in the room”

07:47 Pandemic hesitation & travel

10:25 Journey to theater production

12:47 Why she chose backstage, not on stage

14:01 The role of producer

15:28 The Medici Effect & immigration

17:49 Elín’s reflections on her generalism