I moved a year ago to a VERY small town (population 500) and am starting a children's theatre troupe (ages 5-18) to 1)give the kids here something to do and 2)exercise my creative side (I've done theatre in larger cities for over 20 years).  The problem I've encountered is that a certain member of the community is throwing a wrench into my plans and is starting to bring other community members into the picture, also. 

The play is being done as a fund raiser for our local library and I had originally approached the library board for seed money for scripts, royalties, publicity, etc., intending to give all of the profit back to the library.  She sits on the library board and didn't want the play to coincide with our local Christmas celebration.  An annonomous local heard about the issues I was having and donated seed money for everything, and now she's posioning people against this thing I'm trying to do, simply because I wouldn't let her dictate when the show should be produced.  (I am doing it then because it will draw more people to the production who will already be in town for the Christmas celebration ... it starts 1/2 hour after everything else ends.)

I already have over 20 kids signed up to audition, but don't want this woman getting to the parents, either herself or through her cronies, and convincing them not to let their children audition.  I know the majority of the library board, the younger generations (50 and under), the newspaper, etc, totally support this productoin happening, but this woman is a big leader in this tiny community.  She's quite cordial when we meet, but also quite a back-stabber, I've heard.  I know the old saying "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer" and am practicing that.  Any suggestions on how I can keep this woman,a nd her friends, as bay?

~ Annette

Hi Nanette,

As hard is it might be, if the project is started keep going. Don't let her keep you from what you want to do. Be up front about what is going on with the parents if they ask. Tell them you know that some people are concerned. Then tell them all the wonderful things about what you are doing. Instead of trying to defeat her, ring your own bell nice and loud.

A few years ago I brought a show to another theater as a fundraiser for them. They were struggling, and this was a way for one theater company to help another. There was a member of their board who told everyone that she saw that it would be a big flop. That it would cost them money in the long run. Why would they take such a risk? We packed the house for 3 performances and handed them a check for almost a $1000. Nothing will get your point across better then success.

Good Luck,

Linda

Nanette,

Welcome to life in a small town.  We've run into this kind of thing, too.  In fact we had just this sort of trouble maker ON OUR BOARD for three years.  We bacame aware of her nature about 6 months into her term but had to live with our choice of putting her on the board.   When it got so bad that she was actually doing damage to the group we asked her to resign and she would not.  We didn't have any provision at the time of removing someone from the board.  She served out her term and then was not re-elected, thank God. 

While I generally agree with Tristan about the fact that trouble makers do like to be flattered and complimented by being asked to participate, I think you may be inviting more trouble that way.  A person does not have to be in a position of power to exercise the power that their bad mouthing can do to your project.  I really think I would keep her from being involved in the project.  If you concentrate on your own enthusiasm it will spread to others and you won't be able to keep them away -- the kids that you want involved, I mean.  Good luck!

I believe that your strongest asset will be the kids. THEY WANT to do it, they want to be involved and regardless what ONE person does to sabotage your efforts, you will win out because of the kids.  And guess what?  YOU will be the victor in it all.  YOU will be the hero as long as you can keep from being reactive to this person or her cronies.  Believe me, I've seen this too.  And you know what?  Usually the dissenters are the ones who are the losers (usually 99.9% of the time).  The other .01% well, that's always going to be present in some form or other.  BUT IF YOU can convince the kids and get them on your side - without manipulation but rather by simply providing the opportunity for them and the care and concern for their involvement - then YOU will be their hero.  Don't even have to tell them what's going on - they may find out for themselves anyway.  And where there is a will, there's a way.  Even if it means doing it someplace else the next time and so forth.  Keep the faith.  I've never seen it to fail EVER in my life, that "what goes around, comes around".  And she'll get hers eventually.  Good luck.

TonyDi

Thanks, everyone, for the boost!  The kids are EXCITED, as are the parents.  I've cast 29 of my 30 auditioners in the production (the other one was too young) and have had wonderful publicity from the local newspaper (4 articles/ads in one week!).  The person who was causing problems has all but dropped from the picture ... sort of running with her tail between her legs, so to speak.

I am so pleased for you. Much success with your production. Make sure you let us know how the final project turns out.

Linda