You Know It's Community Theatre When...- Page 2

[DG]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 10:35pm

Carl - I wouldn't worry about it too much. I wouldn't bet money on it, but there's probably at least a CHANCE that those posting these thoughts haven't done any professional work.

The grass is always greener - especially through green-tinted lens.

[VonTussleGirl]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 10:37pm

We all know the perks of community theatre, but geez - the shortcomings are often the reason why it's so endearing.

This thread is all in good fun - or, at least, was meant to be. Don't get your panties in a twist.

I'm sorry if this offended anybody.

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 10:37pm

I don't think the thread is negative (except the 'Everyone gets in'). It's reminiscing about the commonalities of community theatre.

"when all the sound effects are created manually backstage by whichever cast member feels like doing it that particular night."

My gosh, that's so true. There are times when we're supposed to sing from offstage, and we're running around backstage going, "Guys, we're supposed to be singing the 'Ah's' right now!" And there are, like, 3 people offstage doing it. Hah.

I love how I'm still in community theatre, and these things happen.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 10:37pm

Hey DG,
Now that you mention it, some of the things mentioned in the thread are things that I HAVE seen backstage in a few professionals hows. LOL. From people with their equity cards.. AFM cards.. IATSE cards.. not saying which one(s!) though!
Updated On: 10/26/06 at 10:37 PM

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 10:40pm

Bravo DG! You warm my heart more than you know. I shall bake you a goodie.(just visit the OT board under" Do You Bake?" and pick a favorite).

Updated On: 10/26/06 at 10:40 PM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 10:54pm

Now I remember why I never got into performing!

[EganFan2]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:04pm

I'm in community theater. I just don't think I could handle rejection after rejection, or if my entire career depended on "making" it.

I do it for fun, and because I'm told I have talent. I don't think I do, but I do love acting and singing. Dancing I can leave or take. It depends on the kind and the difficulty.

What I can live without in community theater (key word: COMMUNITY) are the petty rivalries, nasty comments and overall stupid attitudes some people have. And these are adults! It saddens me deeply sometimes.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:09pm

...it seems like every note in the score is a bass note and all the guys have a 3-note range.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:13pm

Oh, this is a fine thread. None of this is being said in a malicious manner, and I'm sure most of the people posting have their share of community theatre experience. It's not they're a bunch of elitist pro actor snobs just getting their kicks by knocking amateurs. Community theatre is great because of the opportunities it allows people. Where else could a white guy play Coalhouse? It allows people with a common goal of putting on a show to do so by whatever means possible, even if they are completely under-prepared, under-qualified, and under-funded. What's great is the fact that so many audience members have a great time regardless, either because they are supporting a loved one or because this is the only theatre they see so there's nothing to measure it against. In any case, I don't think anyone is trying to demean the value of amateur theatre and these stories all seem rather endearing.

I have one. A friend of mine was stage managing a community MAN OF LA MANCHA production a few years back and called me one hung-over Sunday morning because they needed an extra ticket taker. Upon arriving at the theatre I discovered that I had been lied to and next thing I knew I was being forced into an unwashed, much-too-large costume so I could fill in for a missing ensemble member in a show I had not seen and was not too familiar with. I was pissed off but I couldn't very well refuse. Before each scene the tech guys would fill me in quickly on any lines/cues that were important and would literally push me out there when it was my cue. There was no time to learn any blocking, so they just told me the places NOT to stand so I wouldn't end up in the middle of the scene or in the path of moving set pieces. In the end nothing horrible happened and a good time was had by all. And I put it on my resume.

[DG]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:18pm

You know what my ideal would be? A Community Professional situation.

Case in point. Why is Hugh Panaro doing the lead in COMPANY in Seattle? NOT that he isn't worthy or capable, but HE DOESN"T LIVE THERE! BUT, he can put in his resume 'Broadway Performer', and that trumps all. Nevermind the very capable PROFESSIONAL actors (yes, that means union affiliated) who could do the role - let's go after the marketing angle.

Which brings us to the crux and problem with the distinctions - money.

[JKM2159]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:26pm

they do annie and triple cast all the orphans... someone's golden retriever plays sandy

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:33pm

DG, we occasionally bring in some outside performers (friends of the directors, often from Julliard) to fill some spots in our company. With the exception of some, most of them represent the low points of our cast. They complain about their 15-minute equity breaks, and when they stand around, they say, "I'm still getting paid, yes?" It's ridiculous. Except for one outsider, who is now my favorite person on the planet. So it's not all bad. :)

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 11:43pm

The leads of Bye-Bye Birdy look to be in their early fifties.

Sadly, I'm not making that up.

[HumATune]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:02am

Half of the male roles are played by females.

The “ingénue” is played by someone who looks and acts forty.

There are no “nosebleed” seats in the house.

There is no orchestra pit so the live music is piped in through speakers.


Still, I love watching community theatre, quirks and all.

[LuPonatic]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:08am

When I directed Seussical at our community theatre, I was director, musical director, choreographer, orchestra and lighting designer...I had a six year old girl as JoJo, my Mayor and Mrs. Mayor were in their 70's, I had a 40 year old math teacher as Horton, my wickersham brothers were three junior high boys, my Sour Kangaroo was a white girl that sounded more country than gospel, my cast members were also the set crew, and everyone in the cast played like ten parts..."Mayzie, you aren't doing anything during Here On Who, well put on some yellow and get out there..." and, although I won't be taking my production to broadway ANY time soon, it was so much fun! community theatre can be really great!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:10am

This is a great thread.

I'll add:

...the "period" costumes are the same for every production be it HAIR OR OLIVER.

...the stage squeaks when you tap dance on it, because it's hollow and they store the seats (folding chairs) underneath it.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:13am

Yeah, I saw a production of No, No, Nanette and I swear none of the boys, be it chorus or lead, sung more than 3 different notes. It was all some sort of bass line and no harmony.

[Julian2]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:15am

When in Ragtime, you have to have a black woman read Booker T. Washington's words to represent his existence, and cut the rest of his part, all because you only have three black people, one of which was hired.

[roquat]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:22am

After you've just sat through the most godawful performance of anything you've ever seen, everyone starts applauding wildly, does an immediate standing ovation, and glares at you if you don't join in.

[DG]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:25am

Let me make something clear - there is not one thing posted concerning Community Theatre that I'm not familiar with - much of it more than I would want to be! It's just very difficult to read the subject title, and then watch everyone 'hop on the wagon', and not see it as somehow a mocking posture.

My point, ultimately, is that the unifying thread is the word THEATRE. One way or another, it is the presentation of live entertainment in a theatrical setting that is the glue.

I would give anything for every 'professional' performer I've watched have that 'starry eyed glaze' that we all know and love in Community Theatre denizens.

And to be fair, I wouldn't mind if some of that Community level intent were backed by a little of that professional training and/or talent

[roquat]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:31am

Let's not oversentimentalize community theatre, shall we? You couldn't sit through as many community theatre auditions as I have and still retain your "starry-eyed idealism." Although their intentions may be noble, several people I know who spend their lives in community theatre are just as difficult, demanding, and egotistical as any professional, if not more so.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:35am

...when it gives you a start in theatre and introduces you to the way you are going to spend the rest of your life.

[DG]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:36am

"You couldn't sit through as many community theatre auditions as I have and still retain your "starry-eyed idealism."

Don't assume anything, roquat - you don't know what some of the backgrounds here are, or what their attitudes are becuase of them.

Of course some Community theatre people are difficult - they're part of the human race - and some of us are BITCHES (and yes, I used the word 'us' intentionally )

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:39am

I hate to break it to many of you, but I've worked with many a professional group that is not much better than what is being listed here.

[justagirl2]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 12:40am

When the program misspells not only your real name, but your character's name as well. And you're the lead.

When you walk into the the theatre ONLY to pick up your left-over stuff from the last show...and end up being cast in the next two shows, and also assistant directing the youth show.

To expand on what Michael Bennett said, you wear a dress in Annie Get Your Gun, and next thing you know, a chorus member of Hello, Dolly is wearing it.

Joseph's Dreamcoat was made the day of, by his mother.

I live for community theatre.
Updated On: 5/9/09 at 12:40 AM