Local Playwright Breaks Even on Self-Produced Play

Nina Miller's new play 'Daughtering' defies the odds in the world of independent theater production.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:18am

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Nina Miller, a local playwright known for championing other emerging writers, has achieved the rare feat of self-producing her latest play 'Daughtering' and earning back her initial investment. In an industry where only 20% of Broadway plays ever recoup their costs, Miller managed to fill 75% of the available seats for her eight-performance run at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, breaking even on her $11,000 budget.

Why it matters

Miller's success highlights the immense challenges facing independent theater producers, especially those staging new, unknown works. While larger, established theaters can rely on name recognition and deeper pockets, smaller companies and individual playwrights must overcome significant financial hurdles to get their stories in front of audiences. Miller's ability to self-produce and break even on 'Daughtering' is a rare accomplishment that demonstrates the power of grassroots marketing, community support, and a willingness to take creative risks.

The details

Miller self-produced 'Daughtering,' her gentle new play about three generations of women dealing with death and spirits, on a $10,000 budget. She paid for venue rental and artist stipends, with additional support from a $4,000 gift from her late uncle. Despite the odds, Miller was able to fill 75% of the 68-seat capacity over eight performances, the magic number for breaking even. This success stands in stark contrast to the experience of Susan Lyles, founder of the And Toto Too Theatre Company, who has never broken even in 21 years of producing new plays by women playwrights.

  • Miller's play 'Daughtering' had its premiere staging at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder in April 2026.
  • Miller's uncle passed away over the holidays and left her $4,000 to put towards the $11,000 production budget.

The players

Nina Miller

A local playwright known for championing other emerging writers and co-founder of Dirtyfish Theatre and Rough Draught Playwrights.

Glenn Webb

Miller's life partner, who served as the set, sound, and light designer for 'Daughtering.'

John William Miller

Miller's late uncle, who left her $4,000 to put towards the production of 'Daughtering' before he passed away.

Susan Lyles

Founder of the And Toto Too Theatre Company, which has never broken even in 21 years of producing new plays by women playwrights.

Edith Weiss

A Denver playwright whose play 'Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex' was the best-selling show in And Toto Too Theatre Company's history, though it still did not break even.

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What they’re saying

“It's unheard of.”

— Nina Miller, Playwright

“And we have never broken even in 21 years. Not even once.”

— Susan Lyles, Founder, And Toto Too Theatre Company

“I do it for the satisfaction of seeing new work get out there, because that doesn't happen - especially for women. I love taking a play that's never been done before and working with a playwright to bring it to life. That's why I do it.”

— Susan Lyles, Founder, And Toto Too Theatre Company

“He told me, 'I've been thinking about my mother. She never got her dream. I want you to have a dream.'”

— Nina Miller, Playwright

“And that power is that I'm going to do it again.”

— Nina Miller, Playwright

What’s next

Miller plans to self-produce another play in the near future, building on the momentum and lessons learned from the successful run of 'Daughtering'.

The takeaway

Nina Miller's ability to self-produce and break even on her new play 'Daughtering' is a remarkable accomplishment in the challenging world of independent theater, where the vast majority of productions fail to recoup their initial investments. Her success demonstrates the power of grassroots marketing, community support, and a willingness to take creative risks, even in the face of significant financial obstacles.