diff --git a/machines/theo-server/fabenv.py.dist b/machines/theo-server/fabenv.py.dist
index 6c7ab0b..8f37552 100644
--- a/machines/theo-server/fabenv.py.dist
+++ b/machines/theo-server/fabenv.py.dist
@@ -34,6 +34,10 @@ env.theo_mirror_posdb = None
 #env.theo_mirror_posdb = 'mysql'
 #env.theo_mirror_posdb = 'postgresql'
 
+# should we install a 'production' Theo app?
+# (note that the 'stage' app is always installed)
+env.theo_install_production = False
+
 # default admin user credentials for Theo web app
 env.theo_admin_username = 'username'
 env.theo_admin_password = 'password'
diff --git a/machines/theo-server/fabfile.py b/machines/theo-server/fabfile.py
index d79cb3c..102a27c 100644
--- a/machines/theo-server/fabfile.py
+++ b/machines/theo-server/fabfile.py
@@ -27,7 +27,8 @@ def bootstrap_all(c):
     Bootstrap all aspects of the machine
     """
     bootstrap_base(c)
-    bootstrap_theo(c)
+    if env.theo_install_production:
+        bootstrap_theo(c)
     bootstrap_theo_stage(c)