We "are more intermittent in nature"

LOL... at least that's what it says in this article in the Bee on Sunday. Why, yes... yes we are. But there are a few minor reasons why we are so at the moment.

Let's forget for now that for several years we were the only active independent theatre company in town... or the fact that we would produce a 4-5 play season... or that three quarter of that season were original works by local playwrights... or that for 4 years we also managed a great 200 seat theater at The Sanctuary... or that part of our work was mentoring and developing a young company to critical acclaim with little or no outside funding... or that none of the shows we produced back then could get reviewed (some strange policy that we had to be in business for at least 2 years before we could be)... or we started the Rogue and produced it for the first 4 years until it became a non-profit entity unto itself (it could be argued then that we've actually produced hundreds of shows)... or that for at least for 2 of those early years we were producing our season of shows just to raise funding for the festival... or that our personnel has now been (burnt out or) absorbed (almost totally) by the Rogue... or that... no, let's just forget about all of that. (Not that anyone called to ask.)

(deep breath.)

But, all that aside... I am actually thrilled that there are 4 new theatre companies in this town. My sincere hope is that they all thrive. It is also my hope that this city has at least 10 active independent theatre companies. (Mo bettah, mo bettah!) Competition is healthy and raises the level of performance and inspires the creation of more (and affordable) playing spaces to perform in. (Really, think about it from a "supply & demand" business logic.)

Yes, it is an actor's market right now. However, since we are on a roll here (at least I am)... I also think (and hope) that the acting pool grows. To that end... I hope that part of the mission of these companies is to nurture and develop new talent to shine on stage. This can only be if casting choices are made outside of the "usual suspects." Sure we all want "ringers" in our productions... but attention (and active encouragement) also needs to be paid to the possible "ringers" of tomorrow. Yes, the colleges are doing a great deal in that area... but let's not just leave it all to them.

I am encouraged and applaud the energy, efforts and ambitions of these 4 new companies. Mega Kudos all around! Lets hope their efforts also inspire and encourage the creation of new audiences to the theatre.... not just target that exclusive "niche market" but also put in the effort and creativity to being inclusive both in the areas of marketing and the creation of our product on stage. Once again, it's supply and demand... let us set about creating (and making real) the notion that the arts is good for business. Because that in fact is what will help all of us thrive.

Just for the record... I am proud of what has happened... that we are and continue to be generous with our (limited) resources... wouldn't have done it any other way.

For a bit there... you did think it would go the other way, huh? (Boy, our old site looks crappy.) LOL!