I Was Told To Leave The MAC Mtg

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 9/28/05 at 7:53pm

Two yrs ago, Barry Levitt (MAC BOD Pres.) set a public precedent when he permitted Scott Barbarino (current MAC BOD VP) to not only attend the MAC Annual Mtg, but also to stand up & say that he was not a MAC mbr & that he (Barbarino) would decide AFTER the mtg whether or not he would join. Barbarino made this comment more than once during the course of that evening. Last night, I stated out loud that I intended to stay for the mtg & make my final decision whether to join after the mtg. While Mr. Levitt permitted this of Mr. Barbarino, he would not permit this of me.

In addition to attending the mtg with the intention of making up my mind as to whether I would rejoin, I was giving the opportunity to the MAC BOD to address the points in my email to them, during the mtg. With that in mind, I passed out to those in attendance copies of my email to MAC BOD mbrs Barry Levitt [Pres], Scott Barbarino [VP], Cynthia Crane, Brent Winborn [VP] & Larry Hernan [then admin asst (now resigned), for distribution to the rest of the MAC BOD]. My email to the MAC BOD was in response to MAC BOD VP Scott Barbarino’s disingenuous invitation to concerned mbrs of the cabaret community (That was Barbarino's language. The invitation was not directed to MAC mbrs only.) to convey their thoughts, concerns & questions to the MAC BOD. The purpose of my passing out my MAC BOD email was so those in attendance would have the ability to follow along. BTW, today is day 87 w/o a response from the MAC BOD to my email that followed THEIR rules of putting comments & questions in writing to them. Sadly, at no point while I was at the mtg did anybody fr the MAC BOD indicate that they were intending to respond to my email of July 5 to the MAC BOD.

Someone stated today that I “burst in” to the mtg. I did not burst in. I walked into the mtg room calmly with a smile on my face. I handed out copies of my MAC BOD email very pleasantly. Greeted people, even got a hug fr new MAC BOD Richard Skipper. I was proceeding to my seat in the front row & heard my name called. I glanced up to see that MAC BOD Pres. Barry Levitt was asking me if I was a MAC mbr. A female voice called out “no” before I could respond. Levitt said that this was a mbrs-only mtg & asked if I was prepared to join. I responded that 2 yrs ago he permitted Scott Barbarino (current MAC BOD VP) to attend the MAC Annual Mtg. after Barbarino announced that he was NOT a MAC mbr & that he (Barbarino) would decide AFTER the mtg whether or not he would join. I announced that that was my intention. Levitt told me that I had to leave. So, w/o another word fr me, I picked up my things & made my way to leave. I heard Shelley Roberts (former long-time MAC BOD. current mbr of the MAC Advisory Cte., former MAC PR rep and current DIRECTOR OF PRESS RELATIONS AT NJ PERFORMING ARTS CENTER) call out loud into the room for everyone to hear, “Leave! and take your **** with you!” As I was leaving, still with a smile on my face, I could hear what I believe was the same voice again call out loud “good riddance” and applause followed. I stood o/s of the mtg door & continued to hand out copies of my MAC BOD email, to people entering the mtg.

MAC BOD Sec. Sue Matsuki came o/s the door & told me I had to leave. I made no argument. As we proceeded down the hall to the exit, Matsuki said that she was going to the studios’ mgmt to have them make me leave the premises & throw me out. She also told me to “get a life”. I told Matsuki that I had no problem standing o/s the entrance of the studios by the elevators & hand out copies of my MAC BOD email to people on their way to the MAC mtg. I did just that, all the time with a smile on my face.

At no time did I cause a scene.

Certainly, from the behavior of the MAC BOD & its officers, as well as those who applauded my leaving the mtg., I think it’s safe to say that I will not be rejoining MAC.

MAC seems very arbitrary in enforcing their rules in that it was OK 2 yrs ago for then non-MAC-mbr & current MAC BOD VP Scott Barbarino to attend a mbrs-only mtg & speak out several times in a questioning & “show me” attitude towards MAC, yet I was not accorded the same privilege. It has been stated that I should have stopped by the front desk upon entering and ask if attending the mtg as a non-mbr was an option. I did get around to stopping at the front desk which I doubt Mr. Barabarino did 2 yrs ago to announce that he wasn’t a mbr the yr that he attended an annual mtg when he was deciding whether he wanted to rejoin or not. When the MAC mtgs used to have a much larger attendance yrs ago, I don’t remember ea. & every person being cked before they were allowed into the mtg. I hasten to add that Messrs. Levitt & Barbarino had set a public precedent in this regard as to whether 1 had to be a mbr in order to attend.

I would like to point out that the copy of the email that I gave out did not have the MAC logo or MAC name on it, unlike the ALL MAC JAZZ promotional mat’ls. And, IMHO unlike Barry Levitt & Scott Barbarino, I was not misusing the MAC name or logo. I don’t recall reading that the MAC BOD gave their approval for the use of the name & logo for that purpose. BTW, was the controversy of ALL MAC JAZZ discussed?

Someone stated that “[t]he board is ... listening to the members who take the time to communicate DIRECTLY to them, not rant on chat boards.” However, I came w/proof that I had indeed made direct contact with the MAC BOD. As for any descriptions of my email to the MAC BOD as being negative, I do not believe that pointing out perceived problems and requesting that they be addressed is negativity. I hope that the important points I raised were addressed in the mtg.

It has also been stated that the mbrs of the MAC BOD “have no hidden agendas.” Why is the MAC logo & MAC name on privately-produced shows for which both the MAC Pres. & VP are producers & stand to profit from? I hope this point was addressed in the mtg., as well.

The cabaret community has been told again & again to join, be an active mbr, “vote.” “Vote”. That’s exactly what I wanted for the MAC mbrshp, to “vote” on the overhauling of the MAC Awards. MAC mbrs’ votes, regardless of which way they would have voted, were usurped by the arrogant & elitist MAC BOD that did not want to hear what the cabaret community had to say BEFORE they unilaterally changed the MAC Awards system & presented it as a fait accompli. And this, before there was any discussion with the mbrshp or referendum.

I was in the room last night as the mtg. started & felt the number of mbrs in attendance to be embarrassingly small. Apart fr the MAC BOD & Advisory Cte. mbrs, I would guestimate the no. of mbrs that actually attended to be around 30. 2 yrs ago MAC reported they had 800 mbrs. This was down from what I remember in yrs gone by to be around 1,200. I wonder what the real current number is. Would someone who attended the MAC mtg last night please post the number of mbrs that have renewed for the upcoming year? How many more signed up at the mtg? Maybe only 30 people came because they know that the MAC BOD does not care about what they have to say. It has been stated that the MAC BOD is going to reconsider revealing the names of the mbrs of the Nominating Cte., which is standard practice everywhere any way. Out of all the issues raised, only 1 was announced as being reconsidered. This is just 1 of many important issues that should be revisited. How ‘bout the MAC BOD revisiting the idea of taking away the 1st ballot fr the mbrshp’s hands & allowing mbrs to have a genuine discussion & vote on this topic? In the June mtg., this was presented as a fait accompli. No discussion about whether it should be adopted was permitted. I remind readers that cabaret critic Stu Hamstra has written condemning MAC for presenting a plan he thought was harmful to cabaret as a fait accompli & for the MAC BOD’s veil of secrecy.

For the benefit of those many mbrs of the cabaret community who didn’t attend last night’s MAC mtg, let’s get some facts straight here.

At this point, I must correct misinformation in a statement that the MAC BOD is now “fully elected”. It is NOT fully elected. Only 6 people ran for 7 positions, so 6 people got in w/o opposition & the MAC BOD wrote the by-laws so that they could choose the 7th. This does not include anyone else that the MAC BOD may have appointed earlier.

Everything I’m doing is for the benefit of the cabaret community, NOT for the benefit of the MAC BOD. Seeing a change in how MAC is run is what I consider positive.

In the long run, I believe MAC is proving itself to be impotent & inconsequential.

Milla
Updated On: 9/28/05 at 07:53 PM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 9/28/05 at 11:24pm

Milla -- I admire your stance in standing up to an organization that you feel is unjust and unfair.

But the sad reality is, that MAC like any other organization behind field awards, be it the Tonys, the Oscars or the Pultizers is motivated by internal politics.

MAC, however, is clinging to the last straws of what is a very quickly dying artform, if not an artform that is already dead --the cabaret world of NYC.

Let them grapple and worry about your art, that's what I say. In another few years, MAC may not even be around anymore. And it would be a shame to realize then that you've wasted artistic energy for not.

Best Wishes to you.





Updated On: 9/28/05 at 11:24 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 9/28/05 at 11:58pm

Do you mean the cosmetics company? I thought they were supposedly cool? All my Brazillian "girl"friends wear MAC exclusively.

[Kringas]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 12:47am

Because Cover Girl^TM don't cover boys.

[MusicalComedyMan]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 1:26am

If you don't like MAC go back to windows!!!

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 1:37am

If a Mac upsets your stomach try a Golden Delicious!

[QOM]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 8:28am

what a shame.... I always liked Bernie Mac

Posted: 9/29/05 at 8:30am

I hate MAC Makeup!

[Di2]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 9:02am

whoa....wtf is this all about?? Sounds VERY intense.

I am a union actor but, I apologize for my ignorance, what is MAC??

Posted: 9/29/05 at 9:04am

Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC)

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 9:10am

MAC is the "Manhattan Organization of Cabaret and Clubs". Basically, they are the force behind the MAC Awards which used to be a fairly prestigious music award in the city.

But they as an organization have become so political and incestuous, that they've basically become a joke.

It doesn't help their cause either that in the last ten years almost all the major cabaret rooms in New York City have closed or transformed into other venues.

There is little point in being a "member" anymore unless you are Elaine Strich or Andrea Marcovicci and are going to be playing The Carlyle or The Algonquin.

[songplugger]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 9:15am

Or if you happen to be a cute young twinkie who befriends Donald Smith.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 9:28am

They were also the subject of a very funny Will and Grace episode.

[Di2]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 9:35am

Thanks, all...

Wow..do I feel stupid..I guess I have been out of the city too long..

Do-Re-Milla...

Congratulations to you for remaining cool, calm and collected while standing up for yourself. You got your point across without having to stoop to a kindergartner's level by saying things like "Get a life" and "good riddance."

Wow, that doesn't sound like a very mature bunch and I know I will steer clear of that group.

Have a great day everybody!

Di

[Avigdor]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 12:52pm

true true true..or stu hamstra.
MAC is a joke and should be disbanded

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 4:40pm

Many thanks to those who posted. I can tell you it was quite an experience. I'm giving serious consideration to suggestions.

Milla

[camthom]

Posted: 9/29/05 at 5:00pm

FIGHT THE POWER!!!

It's clear that there are people in this industry who take their jobs and their "power" far too seriously.

Some take to bullying to get their way constantly, but it's those with the power of their convictions...the "Norma Rae's" of the industry that will make a bigger difference in the world they are a part of.

I've also had my handful of experiences with MAC in the past. And I can say in all honesty, that (like the Will and Grace episode), they have no clue what they are doing and clearly have their heads up their a**es.

In addition to that, it shocks me how people in such a small community seemingly think they are the only ones who matter. Feuds start and become enormous conflagrations of who-knows-what, and the people involved completely lose sight of the fact that outside the 10 block radius of Times Square, no one really gives a damn. There are far more important things to get worked up over.

[rickyoleer]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 4:50pm

Actors Equity has done nothing for me and should be disbanded. Are there other pinheads in your family?

Posted: 9/30/05 at 4:53pm

Updated On: 11/6/05 at 04:53 PM

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 10:25pm

I’d like to thank those who posted their constructive criticisms & support. This is a dark time for cabaret & for cabaret performers because we have no effective trade ass’n & the cabaret industry is shrinking.

I quote long-time cabaret critic Stu Hamstra who has had his finger on the pulse of what’s been going on: “[I had] heard reports about the disastrous MAC meeting the other night…To this observer, and to many others who have watched this once respected organization spiral downward in just a few months, the whole situation is very sad. I said to myself, after receiving e-mails from disheartened folks who were at the meeting, and comments on several message boards about the events of last night, that MAC was now probably beyond the point of fixing…”

At this point, in order to help keep posts in this thread in perspective, I believe it is important for readers to give an informed interpretation to 1 of the posts in this thread & determine for themselves what stake this person has in MAC. rickyoleer is Ricky Ritzel pianist for various musical groups formed by MAC BOD VP Scott Barbarino. Ritzel was recently exposed by Stu Hamstra on Cabaret Hotline for his threatening emails to me in which he said he wished I was dead.

Stu Hamstra went on to ask: “So what now? Do we really need the MAC Awards, since under the new procedures they have become virtually meaningless? We have the BACK STAGE Bistro Awards, and we have the NIGHTLIFE awards. But more importantly, do we really need MAC, since for all intents and purposes it has lost touch with its mission and turned its back on the members? … for now, about all I can think is the phrase, ‘R.I.P. MAC.’”

Milla
Updated On: 9/30/05 at 10:25 PM

[bta212]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 10:51pm

Milla:

Based on what I've learned in this thread, it seems to me that MAC is an increasingly pointless institution. What is your motive for being an actively hostile participant in the meeting you described? Does involvement with MAC provide some benefit that you need professionally?

The professional association for my profession is (as most of them are, I suppose) a hopelessly retrograde bunch of political hacks, and I have never spent 5 minutes trying to be involved with them in either a participatory or adversarial role.

What drives you to attend the meetings and post these threads etc.?

(This is a sincere expression of curiosity, not a challenge of your actions)

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 9/30/05 at 11:10pm

bta, A quick thumbnail answer.

I am a cabaret performer. The cabaret industry is in deep doo-doo & has no effective trade ass'n. I have been advocating for MAC (the Manhattan Ass'n of Cabarets & Clubs) for quite some time to behave like a trade ass'n., i.e. market, marketing rsrch, advertise, advocate for cabaret & other things that trade ass'ns do. Rather than getting their house in order 1st, the only thing MAC does & spends all their treasury on is sponsoring an annual awards ceremony, The MAC Awards. Sadly MAC, the MAC Awards mean nothing o/s the insular cabaret community.

At 1 time, the name of MAC was on its way to stand for quality. However, the arrogant & elitist MAC leadership has not even attempted to find out what a real trade ass'n does & goes merrily on their way, only prod'ing the MAC Awards & allowing the cabaret industry to spin out.

As I said, I was giving MAC 1 very last chance by attending the mtg & by giving the MAC BOD the opp. to answer in person my email that has gone unanswered what, 89 days now. Their behavior & the behavior of their Advisory Board has made it clear that they have no idea what they're doing & no desire to learn how to fix the problem. The idea is to educate the public to the fact that attending cabaret is a viable entertainment alternative & to raise the level of cabaret performance.

It ain't happening.

Milla

Updated On: 9/30/05 at 11:10 PM

[camthom]

Posted: 10/1/05 at 2:06am

Just a thought Milla-and you certainly have the chutzpa to do it. Have you considered STARTING a trade association for cabaret artists? Maybe chat with the Seigels? I know MAC has had nothing but crap to say about them since they started the Nightlife Awards.

MAC will talk crap about anyone though that doesn't live in their little world-it's just how they are.

The board members who have spoken horribly about the Seigels (two of the biggest cabaret supporters in existence) is astounding.

Talk to Scott and Barbara, maybe they have some ideas.

[rickyoleer]

Posted: 10/1/05 at 6:58am

Thank you for listing me as a character in your rant.
I am not a member of the MAC "BOD" but I have won 11 MAC Awards and been nominated for 20 in 9 catagories. Yes, I make my living in Cabaret and Piano Bar. No, I do not make it solely as a musical director 'gouging outrageous prices from performers making nothing', as your DEAR friend, Robert Glover insinuates. On many shows I have paid a musical director and musicians where I LOSE money. I have worked with Scott Barbarino many times as performer where he booked the room or bartended. I have subbed as his musical director twice. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. DO YOUR RESEARCH. You threaten an ' art form' which hangs by a thread. Anyone talented enough will be able to work whether cabaret exists or not but don't think your ranting about cabaret to theatre people who know nothing of it or are threatened by it or look down on it don't dismiss it even further by this constant raving. There are 3 cabaret booking managers, one cabaret critic, several performers and a few 'laymen' who LOVE cabaret on the MAC BOD. MAC IS AN IMPROTANT PART OF CABARET.
Disagree with them if you will, but acknowledge that fact. I know you won't shut up about this until you are a 'STAR' who championed cabaret out of the dark ages so, good luck to you. PS. I'm still waiting for my wish.

[GardenOfEden]

Posted: 10/1/05 at 12:41pm

"P.S. I'm still waiting for my wish" that statement is as messed up and sick as MAC has become.


This is my second year not renewing my membership. I believe MAC has fallen a part. Years ago I remember the MAC award being inpressive and people respecting it. Now it is the nothing more then the subject of jokes. If you want a MAC award you can go to WalMart and buy one. The awards they give out are the fake oscars you can buy at any department store or mall.

I'm sorry to make this statement because I remember how excited I was the first year I joined but now you couldn't pay me to be a member.


Ricky your death wishes just prove everybodys point about the desperate state MAC is in.... This is all very very sad...