The discussion thread that began as a debate about censorship in community theatre has grown into a discussion about what people would like to see on stage locally, and the possible need for a new theatre group. You can join the discussion, which is up to an amazing 33 comments, right here.
Update: Now it's up to 35 comments, and the last two (from Ryan Hardiman and Mike Murdock) have brought up some amazing ideas. Join in, y'all!
Another update: Mark and Paul join in, and we're up to 38 comments!
Still more: 42 and counting!
4 comments:
I have read this blog with much interest and am amazed at where it ended up from where it started. This idea has been discussed many times and there is always the debate of support from this community, the town that hates change. When I was on the board of A.R.T. when it still operated, we brought "Rocky Horror" here for the first time. While we were all consenting adults, we were not sure if people would show up and if they did would they be offended. I felt like "Rocky" is what it is, and an audience would follow. The only way I got the board to move on it, was to put up the money myself. I fronted $4,000 to get the show off the ground, but I felt confident the people would come. They did. We sold out 4 of the 5 shows, with a lot of repeat viewers and I got my investment back, plus we had enough to buy the rights for the rest of our posted season.
I think one of the keys is consistency. If people know they can find the same type of entertainment in the same place at pretty regular intervals, they will come. If you are depending on advertising so people can find you, it is just not possible. But let's face it, how much is there to do here, besides go to a movie? The key to success, is the audience keeping up with you, not you trying to find the audience.
So to sum up, while you may have to start off slow and greatly consider the commercial success of the show, I believe that as the "Field of Dreams", if you build it they will come. You just need a clear vision, an exact focus of purpose, some investment, and most importantly, a deaf ear to all of those that will tell you it won't work. While many will jump on board if it were succesful, there wiill be 10 times that up front, that will try to discourage you, beacause we are Huntington, and we hate change. So surround yourselves with dedicated individuals, that are not easily discouraged, and keep fighting the good fight. I'd love to help.
Tommy, thanks for the comment! I agree, this discussion has covered a lot of ground, but I think that just shows the passion people have for theatre locally, and the willingness to overcome obstacles to make it happen - your "Rocky Horror" story being a great example. I agree that consistency is one of the keys to success, but getting the word out is vital. I'm involved with the theatre community, and there have been shows I've missed just because I didn't know they were being offered. When that happens, you know someone isn't making much of an effort to promote the show.
I agree with Tommy 1000%. He and I are completely on the same page when it comes to having a dedicated space to perform on a regular basis. Like movie theatres, people have to learn where it is and where to go. After they figure it out, they will always know. Just like Marshall Theatre. Granted, they're a university, but the idea is the same. If they weren't, and had to find 8 different venues for 5 different shows, they wouldn't have HALF of the subscribers they have now.
And did Tommy and I both use "Field of Dreams" references? If I didn't before, I meant to. Man I LOVE that movie!
Thanks for chiming in, Tommy. We'll talk soon.
-M
Hey, I love "Field of Dreams," too! The scene where he plays catch with... sniff... sorry, give me a minute here. Something in my eye...
But you're absolutely right about the venue. Imagine a movie theatre showing films at different sites around town - it makes it much tougher to attract an audience.
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