Appreciation

[suNLily]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 9:28pm

I think that in the theater world the only people who get shown appreciation are the leading people. True, they have worked hard, but not the hardest in most cases.
I am truly appalled at the way some people are treated. For example: Stage Managers, tech crew, Costumer, and the little chorus parts. As you can probably guess I have been shown very little appreciation in these areas of theater. AND NO ONE CARES! Well Stage Managers have a hell of a time. They are in charge of well. . .everything backstage and in the wings. I myself have been a stage manager and hated every minute of it because no one really cares. The Costumer gets so much hatred towards them for no reason. It's not their fault if you have an ugly costume. Your character might require a costumer less than lovely, it's not their fault. The chorus people work their butts off making the leads look good. They struggle and work so that when the audience greets them they can get pushed aside in a rush to get an autograph from some big star.

Respect these people. Go up to them, give them a hug. Encourage them. DON'T IGNORE THEM!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 10:42pm

I'm not trying to contradict your point, I agree that there are a lot of crucial people in the theatre who don't get the mention or recognition they deserve. But also consider that a lot of theatre professionals remain outside the spotlight primarily because that's not where they want to be- maybe it never occurred to them as a real option. Or maybe they would despise that sort of recognition. I'm not saying you shouldn't hug your SM. But I do know a few SM's who want nothing more in life than NOT to be hugged by anyone at work.

Sure, some of the offstage contributors might secretly envision themselves being celebrated and even worshipped the way a successful performer is. But I dare say that a lot of them value their anonymity more than they'd value the constant affirmation, and they want nothing more than to work consistently in the "theatre" from their perspective of it. To many, the "theatre" doesn't begin or end with what the audience sees during those 2 hours; those are just elements. To many, "theatre" is the process, the business, the industry, the factory that makes a unique product, or the artistic canvas that can also pay the bills.

My main point: actors do get a huge huge majority of the "recognition" in the traditional sense. But don't assume that the wardrobe person helping an actor quick-change isn't in fact overjoyed to NOT be the one about to do something painful or ridiculous in front of hundreds of strangers. There's much to be said for the guy who spends his life in the theatre, knowing that he is essential and well-respected within the business, and who can walk right out stage door at day's end and head straight home to his family. The (relative) job security can't hurt either. Again, you're absolutely correct. I'm not disagreeing in the least, I just want to present another perspective.

[Dreamcatcher]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 10:47pm

I agree completely with both of your points. Alot of important people who make the show what it is, indeed, do get looked over for the people in the lead roles but I do know alot of friends who love theatre but absolutely hate the idea of that kind of attention and recognicion, prefering to remain backstage and behind the scenes so there you go. Not much else for me to say that hasn't already been said. :-P