Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: i need some advice

Message

   I do technical work for about 4 different theatre organizations, and manage the technical logistics of a fifth.  I know how to do things, and I work by the book, making sure things are safe, and will stay that way.  I think that may be because I have been working with someone who is really really experienced, and he's rewired my brain to the idea of, do it right, or dont do it!

THIS BRINGS ME TO MY NEED FOR ADVICE
One of the companies that I work for is totally non-profit, and they need all the money that they can get because they are always strapped for cash.  
This company is NOTORIOUS for never doing any of its techincal work up to par, and doing a sort of shoddy job of it.  This drives me insane, and I was wondering how can I approach people at this company and showing them the right way to do stuff?

any ideas are welcome, especially if anyone knows of any cheap ways of different effects, or anyhting like that

Author	Message
Julien Walk-On Joined: 11/04/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: i need some advice Posted: 11/07/05 at 1:45pm
	I do technical work for about 4 different theatre organizations, and manage the technical logistics of a fifth. I know how to do things, and I work by the book, making sure things are safe, and will stay that way. I think that may be because I have been working with someone who is really really experienced, and he's rewired my brain to the idea of, do it right, or dont do it! THIS BRINGS ME TO MY NEED FOR ADVICE One of the companies that I work for is totally non-profit, and they need all the money that they can get because they are always strapped for cash. This company is NOTORIOUS for never doing any of its techincal work up to par, and doing a sort of shoddy job of it. This drives me insane, and I was wondering how can I approach people at this company and showing them the right way to do stuff? any ideas are welcome, especially if anyone knows of any cheap ways of different effects, or anyhting like that

	IP Logged

Linda S Celebrity Joined: 4/16/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 312	Posted: 11/07/05 at 3:17pm
	Two thoughts: Could you find someone in the organization that you can take on as an apprentice and instill the same ideas that your mentor did for you? It may not be feasible to change the company's whole way of doing things all at once, but small steps may get you what you want. Then there is always looking for an opportunity. I got one theater to invest in new lights when their homemade striplights caught on fire. Instead of repairing them I was very vocal about the dangers of that real situation. They didn't get all of their lights at once, but slowly every year they bought more equipment and now they have a very nice system. Good luck. Linda
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 11/08/05 at 10:58am
	I find that a lot of high schools have this problem and let me tell ya these kids are in for a world of hurt if they act that way on a profressional theatre or even their college theatre.Maybe bring in a guest speaker who talks about htis kind of stuff. Maybe the teacher and sutdents will learn something. As for rebuilding of props they will learn fast if something is not there. don't prep the theatre for the next run through and see if they like running around looking for every little thing. Good Luck!
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 11/08/05 at 10:59am
	sorry worng topic. I would point out any code violations and make sure they know they can be shut down for that kind of thing!
	IP Logged

Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 11/08/05 at 7:13pm
	Try instigating stagecraft workshops, this may help, even with the performers. Unfortunately this is probably why the group are cash strapped & could be reflected in a lack of punters or the prices they can charge the BOS?s? You might need to take them in hand & stop them handling themselves! There are heaps of ways & means of gaining workable equipment, cheaply & is effective & utilised properly.
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 11/08/05 at 10:39pm
	Every theater in my town is visited regularly by the city or county Fire Marshal who makes certain everything is safe and up to code. If the FM finds something unsafe or potentially hazardous, he has no compunction about shutting the place down until things are put right. One brand new theater in our city had to delay the opening night of its inaugral show for two weeks until the Fire Marshal was satisfied that the place was safe for both actors and audiences. While phoning up and ratting out your theater might be an extreme measure, the mere mention of "Fire Marshal" to the powers that be is usually enough to warrant positive action.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
	IP Logged

B-M-D Celebrity Joined: 11/03/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 346	Posted: 11/10/05 at 12:34pm
	I would have a serious talk with them about the very real safety issues. If they don't show any interest in compliance or if they put it off I'd simply "drop a dime" on them to whatever local authority is responsible for code enforcement. I guarantee that will get their attention and they will either do something about it or be shut down as they should be. I don't think you can afford to be nice, pollitically correct, or educate short term when it comes to safety.
	BD "Dying is easy, comedy is hard."
	IP Logged

Closed Topics ( Forum Locked)
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Archives :Closed Topics

Topic: i need some advice( Topic Closed)