Other Topics: Where are you acting ?

Where are you acting ?

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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3222
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Topic: Where are you acting ?

Posted By: upstart
Subject: Where are you acting ?
Date Posted: 6/08/08 at 9:42pm

Hi Theater lovers,

I've been curios about this for a while.

Where in the world are all of you?

And how would you describe your local theater community?

I'm in the Pennsylvania suburbs of Philadelphia.

Unfortunately I'd describe theater groups in this area as

closed. The groups are run by people who talk about being open and inviting, yet are really closed and restrictive.

They rotate "board" positions with each other, pick each others shows to so they can direct, and cast each other as leads in those plays.

It's very discouraging when they solicit for "Director submissions" for their next season and when the season is published, it's the same ol' people.

I've tried being a member with a couple groups, but that didn't change anything.

How is it where you're at ?

Replies:

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 6/09/08 at 12:37am

Barry I come across this every now & then. With Groups that have an Inn-corporated purple circle.

But like all circles they generaly recycle back & look in the mirror. Then ask the question "What are we all about?" Fine if you can wait that long, but some try & storm the inner sanctum, only to find they prang into a brick wall.

However there does seem to be less of them knocking about here these days. It could be because of the net & groups are not trying to isolate themselves behind four walls. Or the fact that a lot of the luvvies, belong to numerious groups & cross polinate.

However there still is the odd boutique group, who because they wish to be aloof & toffe nosed about theatre. Restrict membership with prerequiste clasifications.

One in particular won't enter into the State Dramafest or be adjudicated, by our theatre association. For the annual 'Finley Awards, because they would rather not be subjected to any theatrical chritism.

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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 6/09/08 at 7:30pm

I grew up in the suburbs of Philly - in New Hope. I remember I used to work with a couple of groups (this was like 40 years ago LOL) out that way - one in Yardley, one in Langhorne, and one in Bristol.

Here in New Haven there are very very few community theatres. However, we have a regional/professional/semi-professional theatre on every street corner. However, the two community theatres I have been involved with are very welcoming to new people. Probably it's a little more difficult to get them to trust newcomers with directing posts than acting jobs. Some community theatres really survive from show to show, and a disaster director could do them in ... may not be fair, but I understand it. I'm in a production of "Picnic" right now with a community theatre - they didn't know me from a hole in the ground, and they gave me a second lead. But I don't know if they would have turned over a production to me.

Good luck - keep up the persistence!

Posted By: upstart
Date Posted: 6/11/08 at 10:49pm

Good Point.

Most groups in the this area are not swimming in money by any means. But, new members/actors/directors could inject some new ideas and energy into a group. But that seems to be seen as a threat by the established members, rather than a growing experience.

Posted By: upstart
Date Posted: 6/15/08 at 1:15pm

So, any of youse guys out there from my "necka-da-woods?

Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 6/17/08 at 4:37pm

I think all theater groups are going to look exclusive viewed from a certain perspective. You're going to work with people you know can get the job done and won't flake out. It's not like a regular job where there is some latitude for making mistakes in hiring. Productions are relatively short in duration. That being said, I think we're very open to new people. For directing, however, you're going to have a resume that we check.

Posted By: bbpchick
Date Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:16am

Hey there!

As for me, I'm in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in California in a little town called Murphys.

I would describe community theater in our area as struggling. Not only monetarily, but in getting new people as well. We have had the problem of rotating board positions, but not because we all want to stay on the board and keep in control, but we are the only ones who show up at the membership meetings to vote new board members in. That is after advertising in the newspaper, sending out news letters to our mailing list, telling everyone we encounter and putting up fliers. We have been really lucky to gain some new people in the last year or so, but getting people to show up for auditions, let alone getting them to commit to the board, or even show up for work days has been like pulling teeth.

We have been worrying about getting new people, because many of us are getting burnt out but there has been no one else who is willing to step up.

Actually if you guys have any ideas on how to pull new people in, and get them to commit, PLEASE give me some of those ideas.

Getting people to commit to the parts of running a theater outside of acting has been our big problem lately. It's not all just show up for auditions, and rehearsals and shows. There are work days, fundraising commitees, play reading commitees, and so much more. If people don't volunteer or show up, it's kind of hard for the public to see new faces.

I'm not saying that's your situation, but it is ours. And honestly I don't know how to change it or make things better.

Again, if you guys have any ideas, I would LOVE to hear them and hopefully be able to adapt them to our theater.

Thanks for letting to me rant a bit.

Kendra

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Kendra
http://www.murphysblackbartplayer.com - www.murphysblackbartplayers.com
You are NEVER too old to dress up!