All in a name - readers poll
Mon, 15 June 2009, 08:19 pmJohn Grim13 posts in thread
All in a name - readers poll
Mon, 15 June 2009, 08:19 pmThree years ago when forming a theatre group, I considered numerous names before settling on, 'A lad in sane productions.' Reaction to the name was as I expected, rather mixed. Some loved it! Some loathed it! During the past 3 years, the name has come in for much comment. Several people have raised concerns re our use of the word 'insane.' This despite our using 2 words. No matter, people do read it as insane! Others believe the name suggests the material is 'out there!' I'm not going to argue on that one.
Last year one charity organisation rejected our sponsorship due to the name, that did cause concern. The very brave ones tell me that their first thoughts upon vieiwing 'A lad in sane' is that it conjures up an image of young bohemian uni students , not some old guy with a big chin and no hair (What can I say to that, ha!
The thoughts of some is that the name actually works against us. That is interesting. I asked our ten loyal followers what they thought, and they agreed the name was wonderful, however, the nurse suggested I should ask them the question before medication time. I'm now interested in hearing from you guys. Like it? Loathe it? Upon hearing the name, what image do you get?
I look forward to your responses.
cheers
Johnny Grim
A lad in sane productions
What's in a name?
Tue, 16 June 2009, 08:32 amOddly enough Johnny, I must admit I had thoughts similar to what Kimberley is saying when I first heard of A Lad In Sane and saw the name Johnny. I pictured an eager, wild-haired uni student churning out scripts and thrusting two fingers good-naturedly at the more established theatre outlets.
Come to think of it - apart from you being a wild-haired uni student it pretty much fits.
Why not go into muppetry and rename yourself Grim's Furry Tales?
Or risque theatre for the adult connosieur and title your team Johnny Cum Lately?
Mmmmm, maybe not.
It's a difficult one buddy. I like the name and you've gone to the trouble of having t-shirts printed. If you're going to discard it, the problem raises it's head of coming up with something more pertinent whilst still capturing the spirit of your company. Not an easy task given you have no established home (or are you permanent at Phoenix now? Doesn't really help in any regard because I think Phoenix Firebirds has been taken by a netball team).
How about this? Write a play about the tribulations of changing a theatre company's name and through the catharsis of writing about it, you'll undoubtedly come up with something.
;)
Here's hoping someone comes up with something more helpful John.