tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post2080460574311492940..comments2023-05-04T04:20:10.423-04:00Comments on Dave's Theater Blog: Some reactionsDave Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554650648344826824noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-87560176918373104352008-12-13T12:13:00.000-05:002008-12-13T12:13:00.000-05:00I would like to respond on behalf of CAT to Eraser...I would like to respond on behalf of CAT to Eraserhead's blog about his volunteer status. Volunteers are extremely important to us at CAT, in fact in many capacities we could not function without them. We always welcome new volunteers of all ages and experiences but the need varies depending on the time of the year and for the needs of a particular show. CAT is very sorry that you have not been contacted yet, but we are certainly going to keep you on our list for the rest of the season. <BR/><BR/>A more direct way of contacting us to vent frustrations or to discuss future volunteer opportunities would be through our website at www.cattheatre.com. Or feel free to email our volunteer coordinator directly at volunteer@cattheatre.com. That way you can let us know exactly where you would like to be used, how often and in what capacity. If you have a suggestion for a particular show or if you would like suggestions on how to get involved, again please contact us directly. <BR/><BR/>Rebecca Anne Muhleman<BR/>CAT Board MemberAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-85210956931215240822008-12-12T09:39:00.000-05:002008-12-12T09:39:00.000-05:00First, a quick congratulation to Thespis' Little H...First, a quick congratulation to Thespis' Little Helper' on a great review for "Sanders." I'm glad the show extends into January--that means I might even be able to see it! <BR/><BR/>Next, it's opening night on 'Carol-4-Two,' so I'll e brief: <BR/><BR/>Eraserhead, I'm very sorry to hear that your experience with Richmond Shakespeare has been disappointing. We work every day to welcome and appreciate our fabulous volunteers. Clearly that hasn't been the case for you, and I'll certainly reach out here and suggest you phone me in the RS office directly, 804-232-4000, or send an e-mail. The address is grant@richmondshakespeare.com. <BR/><BR/>As RS celebrates its 25th anniversary next year by becoming a resident company inside Richmond CenterStage, we'll need folks like you to help us succeed in the transition.<BR/><BR/>We'll certainly get you on the mailing list! <BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Grant Mudge<BR/>Artistic Director<BR/>Richmond ShakespeareGrant Mudgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11422045306646248062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-12280876142711521342008-12-11T12:02:00.000-05:002008-12-11T12:02:00.000-05:00Seems to me if theatres don't acknowledge and appr...Seems to me if theatres don't acknowledge and appreciate folks like Mr. Eraserhead Returns better, they'll go the way of the dinosaur and American auto companies. His commitment and passion needs to be nurtured, not handled in such a cavalier manner.<BR/><BR/>A few years back I had some similar experiences in volunteering at a local theatre; it seemed my efforts (and those of my wife) weren't enough to satisfy. The company (which shall remain nameless) worked us both hard, and a few of the board members had the nerve to boss my wife around as she broke her neck to serve their patrons. Needless to say, we didn't volunteer there again. The good news is board membership has changed since that time, so hopefully the environment is better now.<BR/><BR/>Non-profit theatres depend upon both patron and corporate donations for their very survival, and upon volunteers to keep operations running. I'd say increased appreciation and acknowledgement of those efforts can only help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-77991361913979782082008-12-11T11:54:00.000-05:002008-12-11T11:54:00.000-05:00Hi everyone - this is definitely a very worthwhile...Hi everyone - this is definitely a very worthwhile discussion to have and I'm glad we're talking about this. Eraserhead, to address your point about volunteering - I'm not sure what you're referring to re: Henley Street cattle call emails that we're sending out. It is true that we were looking for volunteers earlier in the season to help support our efforts, but I believe we've only sent out one email about this. We would be more than happy to discuss further opportunities with you or reprising one of your previous roles if you'd like. Have you expressed an interest in getting more involved (staying involved) with any of our staff? If you would like to talk further, a blog probably isn't the best way. I can be reached at aprevitera@henleystreettheatre.org <BR/><BR/>Thanks - <BR/>Alex Previtera <BR/>Artistic Director<BR/>Henley Street Theatre Co.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-7090638999768625102008-12-11T11:44:00.000-05:002008-12-11T11:44:00.000-05:00(Acknowledging Dave's comment back, but processing...(Acknowledging Dave's comment back, but processing and nothing to further note on that at the moment, but certainly not ignoring it...)<BR/><BR/>Coffee and Conversations I think are intended to nurture the audiences that are there, so I don't know that that really plays in a whole lot. (That's just me talking, not me talking because I know something.)<BR/><BR/>I so totally agree about the Acts of Faith talkbacks, especially when they all end up being about God, when such incredibly dynamic conversations could be had about FAITH, BUT...the Acts of Faith Festival absolutely puts butts in the seats. Without question it gets more people into the theatre, spreads awareness, generates income and all those things we're talking about. It could definitely use a lot of improvement (like most things) but it's working.Thespis' Little Helperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03916895788691907962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-63168700209270728632008-12-11T10:27:00.000-05:002008-12-11T10:27:00.000-05:00As for community involvement, Barksdale's Coff...As for community involvement, Barksdale's Coffee & Conversations is lovely, but the crowd is, let's say, not young or new to theater. The Acts of Faith talkbacks I've been to have been uniformly dull and pointless. A place I do see new audiences being developed is the Firehouse, where Jase Smith seems to be bringing in crowds of young people for his edgy shows.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-10472201450524758672008-12-11T09:28:00.000-05:002008-12-11T09:28:00.000-05:00No, this report does not summon Chicken Little, bu...No, this report does not summon Chicken Little, but maybe it should at least lead the Richmond Theatre Community to look at itself in the mirror and honestly assess if they are doing all they can to develop participants and a broad-based audience.<BR/><BR/>I personally have tried to get involved in local theatre as a patron, volunteer, and even as a performer. It has amazed me how few people are friendly and welcoming. Many seem almost hostile to what they must perceive as "johnny come lately" interlopers. Unfortunately, I got that vibe from someone who posts here regularly.<BR/><BR/>Maybe it's just me, but I signed up to volunteer at CAT. I was never contacted. I've volunteered at Henley, but I get the same cattle call email show after show, asking me to volunteer. That's fine, but wouldn't you think after a whie someone would ask me to reprise a job I've learned? I've supported the heck out of some Richmond Shakespeare activities for well over a year, but I'm not on any kind of mailing list and I have to monitor their website (almost always out of date)to find when things I want to <B>pay</B> to do are available.<BR/><BR/>I know that the people who make theatre companies go are either severely under-compensated for the amount of work they do or pure volunteers, but I'm not asking for white glove service--I'm asking if I can pitch in and help! <BR/><BR/>So, my first suggestion is that the community try to be less insular and more inclusive. There are lots of ways to do that and I'd suggest them, if I thought anyone wanted to hear from someone from the outside looking in.<BR/><BR/>Just as a quick example--I watched the Ukrops Christmas Parade and I didn't see any of the major theatre companies represented. What a wonderful opportunity that could have been ....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-63390301994009098162008-12-11T07:27:00.000-05:002008-12-11T07:27:00.000-05:00The VCA has a really great annual conference Janua...The VCA has a really great annual conference January 27-29, held at the Marriott. It is aimed at advocacy and provides some really informative morning and afternoon sessions. You can find more information on the Virginia Commission for the Arts website.pnlkotulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11264003364077943042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-85502774733001573132008-12-10T23:19:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:00.000-05:00Not substantial enough? More than 2500 people, man...Not substantial enough? More than 2500 people, many who have a high level of interest in the arts say (in a general way) that art museums are more than twice as vital to Richmond than live theater, and that's not substantial? In a failing economy where money for the arts is going to be stretched even thinner for the foreseeable future?<BR/><BR/>As I said, Chicken Little ain't the way to go but I think outright dismissal is downright dangerous. That's great that you're pissed -- if that kind of energy can be harnessed into positive change. Otherwise, it is just rage against the machine.Dave Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554650648344826824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-87685537832916567532008-12-10T17:15:00.000-05:002008-12-10T17:15:00.000-05:00I don't rage against the machine...errr...survey i...I don't rage against the machine...errr...survey in hopes that it will defend itself, but rather to dismiss it. Sure, it has value in that there's not much else of it's kind around, but I fear the opposite reaction that you pointed out also being not the right route (Chicken Little).<BR/><BR/>I think most (if not all of us) knew before this survey that we need to do more to get people to the theatre and find new ways to do that.<BR/><BR/>Putting stock in this report, one might liken to putting stock in a questionable religious text or to that guys "memoir" from a while back. <BR/><BR/>It just seems to me that it's not substantial enough to take serious note of.<BR/><BR/>And it just plain pissed me off and emotions don't really have a rationale. ;)Thespis' Little Helperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03916895788691907962noreply@blogger.com