Striving for Excellence in Community Theater
A few months ago, I was working on the set building crew, fussing over a detail when someone came up to me and said, “It’s good enough; it’s just community theatre; it doesn’t matter.”
I wanted to scream in frustration and throttle the individual, but I liked him so I said with a calm that belied my feelings, “Of course it matters. Just because it’s community theatre doesn’t mean I should do less than my best.” He grumbled an “I suppose you’re right” and thankfully left me alone to my fussing.
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5 Ways to Beat the Post-Show Blues
A couple weeks ago I ended my run in Mary Poppins. It was my bucket list show and a bucket list role; y’all, I was a tap-dancing chimney sweep! Sold out shows, adoring family and friends coming to watch, and I only dropped a line once. Pretty good run.
So it stands to reason the post-show blues would hit and hit hard. Here’s how I decided to combat them.
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My Latest Children's Theatre Do's and Don'ts
It’s hard work running a theater company, even harder running one designed for kids. There’s several not for profit and for-profit theater companies that focus their efforts on children’s theater. Based on my experiences as both an audience member and performer with children’s and community theaters, here are some examples of what NOT to do when in charge.
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On Rejection...
In this field, rejection is common. Sometimes we blow an audition. Sometimes we drop the ball on an interview. Sometimes we get the job and make a mistake…and lose that job. Often in these cases, the blame is on us. We might not have prepared well enough, focused well enough, paid close enough attention, or done enough research. These times are hard, but them’s the breaks. If you don’t do the work, you don’t get (or keep) the job.
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The Dangerous Complicities in Community Theatre
I have noticed something that is becoming a larger problem. It's a virus that seems to be creeping into the communities these local theatre inhabit which, I feel, can lead to catastrophic results. It's called complicity.
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As a Director, I Failed to Protect My Actress from Sexual Harassment
When going back and thinking on my past experiences, I can say that while I never sexually harassed or abused anyone, I know that there was an instance where I failed to properly put an end to it.
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When You're the First One to Audition...
I think overall, that I have learned it doesn’t matter when you audition. What matters is that you go and give it your best shot. Because when you audition won't matter, if you are what the director wants and you are right for the role, you will wind up getting the part.
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The Worst People You'll Meet in Theatre
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing people in various productions; people who sacrifice so much time and always bring a positive attitude. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with these folks again.
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“It’s the Director’s Vision, Not Yours"
I knew that being in a musical instead of the production side of things was going to be a learning experience. I also knew that the director is the director of the show for a reason and that they have a vision of the show that they want to bring to life.
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Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Theatre is complicated, no matter what your role. Professionals make it look easy, as any professional in any field does. Stage managers have their blocking, cues, line notes. Actors think about their obstacles and objectives and using their favorite techniques. Costumers need to find or create costumes; sound designers need to make the perfect sounds and lighting designers need to make the perfect light mixtures.
Hopefully, you are doing your part in theatre out of love and passion. Hopefully, what you’re doing isn’t a chore and is something you actually love.
Hopefully, you’re actually having fun.
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