The remainder of our "producing theatre" models are thrown in together this week. Most of you have had experience in at least 2 if not more of these models. We will definitely be speaking of your experiences and the unique models for each in class on Thursday.
Today, you get to delve a little deeper into their worlds. Look at the sites below as organizations and exemplars of some of the models.
www.aact.org
www.urta.com
http://www.trinityrep.com/on_stage/current_season/special_performances_3.php
http://dreams.zinzanni.org/
http://www.strawhat-auditions.com/who.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eoDYM0vExQ (summer stock in its heyday and in its idealized state)
Select one area: community theatre, college theatre, summer stock or dinner theatre. How did the models linked above give you a better/deeper understanding of this arena? What questions did it raise in your mind.
As producing, nonprofessional or amateur theatres, how are the different than their for profit siblings? How are they similar yet different from their nonprofit brethren?
I selected the community theatre area to look more deeply into because I have never worked in it, but have been to numerous shows and have always been fascinated by the way the work, because it seems to different from the rest. The community theatre area is exactly that: a community. Through the AACT, community theatre organizations are able to network and gain knowledge of other businesses and areas of theatre. By joining this association, theatre companies can save tons of money when getting rights for plays and have the opportunity to talk with others about EVERY aspect of theatre, whatever their question may be. This is an awesome association. It is great to see that a "go-to website" like this exists! These organizations are quite like non-profit in that they are chock full of volunteers that help the business run smoothly and efficiently. They also may rent out theatres. They are like their profit siblings in that some of them are able to operate as for profit theatres (the impression I got from the site, although I am still a bit unclear on this aspect).
ReplyDeleteI decided to dig a little deeper into the community theatre area, since I have not had any involvement with it in the past. I was very interested in learning more about advocacy efforts that were listed on the American Association of Community Theatre’s website.
ReplyDeleteI am currently interning with Americans for the Arts, so I can relate a lot to work towards increased funding and education in the arts. From the website I learned that AACT represents the interests of more than 7,000 theatres across the U.S., and holds workshops and conferences to help with the growth and development of member's theatre organization. This organization really helps their members work to better their organization and strengthen their presence in local communities.
One of the questions that stood out in my mind was about rural areas: what does AACT do to give theatres in rural community a presence in the national art world? It claims that “AACT connects you online, on the phone, and in person to the network of people who share your passion, and understand your issues and needs, to provide you with the tools you need to succeed”.
I am just curious as to how theatres in rural communities are able to network and utilize these tools that will help them succeed.
Overall I find community theatres to be the most similar to non-profits, since they strive to make a positive difference and a presence in their local community.
I look forward to hearing more about community theatres and the other models in class on Thursday!
I too chose to take a deeper look at community theatre. I chose this area because I have had involvement and experience working with this type of theatre. I have experienced community theatres moving all over an area because they typically rent out their performance spaces. I performed in community theatre when I was in elementary school and worked with a community theatre when I was in high school. Although I have had prior experience I did not completely understand how they worked or the existance of AACT. I look forward to learning more about AACT through the research paper process. I find community theatre very similar to non-profits because of the influence and dependence on volunteers.
ReplyDeleteYes -- and, as you know from the text, they are actually nonprofits -- just that they are organized in a membership model (more on that tomorrow).
ReplyDeleteI chose college theatre because of course I'm a theater major in college. Although I have basic knowledge about college theater, I learned some interesting facts about U/RTA. First off I think this association is a great way to network with professional theaters and performing arts industries. I know after I graduate from college its going to be very hard finding a job in this field. With that said the U/RTA helps college students get auditions and training at graduate programs. This model gave me a deeper understanding that their are associations out there that really help college students and help prepare them for the professional world.
ReplyDeleteI perused all of the websites but was most fascinated by the ZinZanni dinner theatre, probably because my preconceived notions about dinner theatre included a buffet followed by a show. Admittedly, I knew very little about dinner theatre at all. ZinZanni seems to completely push that formula out the window in favor of providing a specific and unique experience. They have a particular brand, if you will, and it is original and inviting. A five-course meal plus theatrics in a "tent" -- I can see why they have been so successful for 13 years.
ReplyDeleteI also assumed dinner theaters were for-profit. This one is not, as they are committed to education, hosting camps for clowning, magic, among others. Investigating this theatre has further blurred the line between what is for-profit and what is non-profit. Not to mention, I want to check this theatre out now.
After looking through all of the different spaces, I was also most interested in Teatro ZinZanni Seattle, mainly because it was so different from the rest. On the website you can do a "virtual tour" of the space, which seems absolutely gorgeous. What struck me is how such a different, "original" theatre company still remains to be non-profit; they even encourage their guests to dress up when they come and ask them not to wear sneakers or shorts! I would love to visit a theatre like this; I am not entirely familiar with the form of theatre that they put on, but they seem passionate in educating and entertaining their audience through cabaret type performances.
ReplyDeleteI would love to learn more about Summer Stock Theatre, the trailer really sparked my interest and doesn't hurt that its an old musical with Judy Garland. But anyway it seems that they rely on others to help them keep a venue and I'm interested to know how they find and make sure they keep the venues they acquire. Also it seems they have to carry all their props, sets, etc and i would be interested to know how they transport and pay for all the stuff.
ReplyDeleteI chose College theatre. After looking at the model I learned a lot about college theatre that I wasn't aware of before. I reallthy thought I knew everything about College theatre being as though I am A theatre student at a university, but its in fact slightly different. College theatre is like a mixture of Community theatre and non-profit theatre. I learn that college theatre itsn't that into profit, they are more interested in getting their students different types of experience to preare them for the real world and not only in theatre but in film and television as well. College theatre sometimes own their own theatres building where the productions take place and they do at least 2 prodcutions a month. What I like about College theatre is that its not only for college students but they also have programs for children of all ages and children that has autism. I also like that they have different intership programs and I like that they have many discounted tickets and group vouchers.
ReplyDeleteThe college theatre setting outlined in the university Resident Theatre Association (URTA) serves members and non-member students with invaluable resources, contacts, information and support in advancing theatre education programs, setting educational standards for performance and production, connecting students with professional resident companies through integration of educational and professional theatre.
ReplyDeleteOrganized as a professional training program within a university, member institutions must meet standard criteria such as code of ethics, professional faculty, and graduate degree program offerings such as an MFA.
The college programs are well rounded in that students enter the professional world with a broad liberal arts base, along with a learn by doing approach of both performance and production aspects of theatre.
Having attended a conservatory, I know that institutions particularly have particular accreditation for fine arts programs. It was interesting to see the standards, goals and objectives of URTA affiliates and how the association is committed to advancing American theatre.
After reviewing the college theatre link, I was surprised to find out that college theatre operates similar to community theatre. Like a community theatre, the main interest is to get the students or community involved in professional experience. I also read the article on Summer stock theatre. I think that this is a great way to get the community involved with something fun for the summer. Especially students.
ReplyDelete