Conservative theatre/not-conservative director
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Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5173
Printed Date: 10/31/25 at 1:51pm
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Topic: Conservative theatre/not-conservative director
Posted By: StarshineJ
Subject: Conservative theatre/not-conservative director
Date Posted: 9/30/11 at 6:12pm
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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! |
Replies:
Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 9/30/11 at 10:13pm
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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. |
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 10/05/11 at 9:16am
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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 |
Posted By: Rorgg
Date Posted: 10/05/11 at 11:13am
| Something Tennessee Williams. Mmmm. |
Posted By: drose
Date 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. |
Posted By: StarshineJ
Date 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. |
Posted By: StarshineJ
Date 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. |