Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Conservative theatre/not-conservative director

Message

   Hi all -

I've been asked to direct for a community theatre that I've never worked with before. They've asked me to submit a play, but they're on the conservative side, and my favorite plays are, while not edgy, not conservative either. (Think David Ives, Tom Stoppard, etc.) So my list of "want to direct" plays doesn't fit their theatre.

Any suggestions for a play that might make us both happy? They want one that will draw crowds, with a medium size cast, whereas I want to direct something that hasn't been done to death before, that has real artistic merit.

Obviously, they're preferences take priority. 

Thanks!

Author	Message
StarshineJ Walk-On Joined: 12/08/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Topic: Conservative theatre/not-conservative director Posted: 9/30/11 at 6:12pm
	Hi all - I've been asked to direct for a community theatre that I've never worked with before. They've asked me to submit a play, but they're on the conservative side, and my favorite plays are, while not edgy, not conservative either. (Think David Ives, Tom Stoppard, etc.) So my list of "want to direct" plays doesn't fit their theatre. Any suggestions for a play that might make us both happy? They want one that will draw crowds, with a medium size cast, whereas I want to direct something that hasn't been done to death before, that has real artistic merit. Obviously, they're preferences take priority. Thanks!

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edh915 Celebrity Joined: 11/19/09 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 325	Posted: 9/30/11 at 10:13pm
	I would try doing a classic drama. Something by O"Neil, Williams, Miller - maybe even Chekov or Ibsen. The author's reputation would satisfy the group's conservative bent, and the weight and depth of the material you would be working with should prove challenging enough to keep you motivated. Perhaps one of the following: Long Day's Journey Into Night Period of Adjustment All My Sons View From The Bridge The Cherry Orchard Enemy of the People (Arthur Miller's translation, which would kill two authorial birds with one play) Or how about: Don Juan In Hell by G.B. Shaw Another thought: Arcadia by Tom Stoppard might satisfy you and them too. Edited by edh915 - 10/01/11 at 5:30pm
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pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 10/05/11 at 9:16am
	I might suggest you graciously turn down teir offer ti direct. If you desires do not meet their needs, will anyone really have all tat enjoyable an experience? I've worked for dirctors who had distain or contempt for the theatre we were working in. I wasn't fun.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
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Rorgg Celebrity Joined: 2/10/09 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 151	Posted: 10/05/11 at 11:13am
	Something Tennessee Williams. Mmmm.
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drose Celebrity Joined: 8/23/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 162	Posted: 10/12/11 at 8:08pm
	Submit a show you want to direct and let the theater decide if that's the direction you want to go. Maybe they asked you because they want to branch out a little bit. Submit your choices and allow them to make theirs. If you don't meet in the middle, move on.
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StarshineJ Walk-On Joined: 12/08/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Posted: 12/02/11 at 4:06pm
	I would point out that not having a list of favorites that meet their needs does not equate "disdain" or "contempt" for their choices.
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StarshineJ Walk-On Joined: 12/08/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Posted: 12/02/11 at 4:12pm
	In general, my apologies for not responding to this thread, but I was never notified via email that there were posts. I appreciate those of you who took time to suggest plays/playwrights.
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