What a mess!
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3510
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 7:46pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: What a mess!
Posted By: Linda S
Subject: What a mess!
Date Posted: 10/05/08 at 11:50am
|
I am scheduled to direct two huge musicals for a theater company next season. There is less then 4 weeks between one show closing and the start of rehearsals for the other. Since I do have a "real" job and a "real" family this is a short turn around time for me. I said yes to both shows because of the professional staff and support that I got. This past week the executive producing director, technical director, and office manager resigned because of differences with the board. These people love the theater, and I can't imagine them resigning without a good reason. The board of directors is asking me to continue with my plans to direct both shows. I have strong reservations about taking on these two huge projects with who is left running the theater. They are nice people, but they have little or no practical experience. I have visions of me doing it all, on no budget and little support. I love the space and I was excited about both shows. Now I don't know what to do. I want the theater to do well, but I don't want the drama of being in the middle of this mess. I have deep concerns about the direction the board is going and some of their decisions. I am meeting with the board president next week. What would you do?
Linda
|
Replies:
Posted By: chelserin
Date Posted: 10/05/08 at 12:27pm
|
I feel your pain... As a member of a board my advice is be as honest and upfront as you can when you meet with them. Tell them your concerns about those who quit, and that though you are committed to the theatre in order for you to feel good about these projects they (the board) need to have people to support you in the shows. ie, a technical director, producer, etc. If the board is smart they will work with you to find the production staff that you need. Good luck
|
Posted By: RoseColored Gla
Date Posted: 10/05/08 at 8:46pm
Since you respect the people that all resigned, I would also have a chat with them about their reasons. They might be personal, not professional reasons. Though with that many of the production staff resigning at once, I would doubt it. Definitely do your homework before you sign any contracts to do the shows. Good Luck hon!
May Dionysus smile down on you the whole way.
-------------
Dennis Dippary
Artistic Director
Songs for a New World http://rosecoloredglassestheater.com - RoseColored Glasses
May Dionysus smile upon your every performance!
|
Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 10/06/08 at 9:20am
Hate to say it, but I agree, do your best to find out what the deal is... It might be a deal breaker for you.. Especially if you have commited that much time to thier season, you don't want to have to back out in the middle or suffer through several months of crap that might creep out from behind the curtain...
-------------
Marty W
"Till next we trod the boards.."
|
Posted By: gaftpres
Date Posted: 11/16/08 at 5:59pm
Say no now...not later. ... if that i your answer to one of the shows. Or maybe those people that resigned would be willing to help YOU out with the shows without being on the board.
-------------
Old volunteers never die, they just get recycled!
|
|