I just read an article in the recent Metro Magazine about local San Jose theatres that not only angered me, but also leads citizens to believe that the business managers in the theatre industry take artistic risks for the good of the company. For those who have worked in the theatre industry, we all know that these business people who run the companies could give a rats ass for those who actually put the product out there. The risks that they take in choosing a production leaves the production staff wondering if they will have a job to feed their children for the next year, and the business staff asking why the production staff is being paid a living wage.
Where does the money go? Seats for a regional theatre production are not cheap. Admission prices have gone up to $50 or $60 dollars a pop, and on Broadway, you have to give up your first born for decent seats to a Tony Award Winning show. Tens of thousands of dollars are spent on production, depending on the size of the show. Which brings up the biggest question of all: Why must a company choose to produce a large show with a large cast, 10 costume changes per character, and a high-tech set, when there is doubt the company will stay afloat for the next season? They will make cuts by laying off production staff and ask the remaining staff not to work overtime because the show is over budget. Yet the show must get done. What now?
I've seen it all in my ten years of working in professional theatre. You only have to witness one company going under, or your friends being laid-off for the fourth time to make you question how theatre has lasted this long. The arts are important, and I stand by that, but I have been consistently disappointed by decisions made in the name of art. As some companies in the art business value their employees, others sacrifice backstage talent for artistic merit.
Next stop on the bitter train: Why must we elect a robot from the future as our governor?
1 comment:
Choochooo!
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