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Disclaimer:
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From the publisher...
A.S. Waterman
March 2009
Weathering the Storm — More
or Less
I just returned from a major U.S. city where there was very little
live theatre. Here in Louisville, there are more than 50 theatre groups,
but it's a mixed blessing. Money is tight, both for theatres and theatre-goers.
Fund for the Arts promotions are everywhere, but the sad truth is that
the vast majority of these 50 theatres will get nothing from the Fund.
Just as it's easier to get a job when you have one, in order to get
significant funding you need to have it already. Meanwhile, those who
can afford to shell out large contributions will donate, thinking they
are helping the larger arts community. That's just not the case.
Is More Better, or Is It Just More?
I can hear the angry emails pouring in now, but
maybe it's time to consider whether we have too
many theatre groups. With this multitude, we compete for actors and
performance space. We compete for ticket sales and for scheduling. We
can't see our friends perform because of our own production cycle. We
certainly compete for funding. And after all that, many of us still
wind up performing to nearly empty rooms.
Perhaps more is just more, and we need to re-think.
Is it really necessary to stamp our own name onto
a production, or is that just vanity? If there's
a play we're eager to perform, couldn't we approach
an existing theatre group about it before producing
it on our own? And if we are that theatre group,
isn't it time we opened up our meeting rooms and
listened to the outside? After all, that's where our audience members
come from — in this case, many potential new ones.
Banks, corporations and even cities merge. Shouldn't theatre groups
consider it, at least on a per-production if not
a permanent basis? Before you hit that "send," please just
think about it. If even a few of you say yes, then
you have helped us all.
How
We All Can Help
Whether you agree with the above or not, there
are ways we can all help each other through this theatrical economic
crisis. If there is a particular independent theatre that you like,
send them a contribution directly. If you haven't got the bucks, then
donate a few hours to them as a volunteer.
Talk to everyone you know. Educate people about grants funding, who
really gets it and how it is used. Encourage your acquaintances to support
independent, local theatre. Above all, collaborate, cooperate, and support
your friends and colleagues. If you're sitting out a production with
your usual theatre group, call up another one and offer your assistance
as a stagehand, publicist or understudy. Everyone will benefit, including
you. When they cast that next production, they'll remember.
Okay, Now Break a Leg
The truth remains: Theatre people are the best.
If we keep our spirits up, our hands ready and our vanity in check,
we'll weather all the storms. Seats will fill up, and no one will
be left waiting in the wings.
— A.S. Waterman
___________
Copyright © 2009 A.S. Waterman. All rights reserved.
Read previous Messages from the Publisher
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
June-July 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
November-December
2007
September-October 2007
July-August 2007
May-June 2007
Mar. -Apr. 2007
Jan.-Feb. 2007
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