All in a name - readers poll

Mon, 15 June 2009, 08:19 pm

John Grim13 posts in thread

Three 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

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John GrimMon, 15 June 2009, 08:19 pm

Walter PlingeMon, 15 June 2009, 09:08 pm

About time you wrote a

About time you wrote a musical, Grim. I can let you have a few of my songs if you like; Space Idiocy, John, I'm Only Prancing, Joan Genie, Ziggy Bulldust, Fome, The Yobbo Americans, Sad Lad In The Lane . . . Call me!tistes

Lee SheppardTue, 16 June 2009, 07:38 am

No problem

I have no problem with the name at all, however, if it's potentially going to affect sponsorship or punters, you may unfortunately have to consider a name change. I read it as "Aladdin Sane" BTW...

KimberleyTue, 16 June 2009, 08:17 am

A lad in sane

If I didn't know, I would assume that this was a young company, run by a twenty year old male, who was running the company as a star vehicle for himself. I think the general public would assume that the singular in "lad" implies a 'one person' operation rather than a community theatre. I know that this isn't so, and that the name is clever, but imho possibly not the best choice.

jmuzzTue, 16 June 2009, 08:32 am

What's in a name?

Oddly 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.

LogosTue, 16 June 2009, 10:27 am

I love your name Johnny

I love your name Johnny (well your theatre companies name) but as above if it is getting in your way with regard to sponsorship then I am afraid your going to have to change it. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

DazzaBTue, 16 June 2009, 12:23 pm

Okay, well I want to start

Okay, well I want to start by saying that personally I really like the name. Anything that can be read in a couple different ways makes me happy, cause as the reader I get to choose what I'm reading ;) More to the point, if I decide I don't like the way I have been reading it, I can change :)

I can see how some funding bodies would have concerns about the name though - for example Healthway source a lot of their funds from Mentally Healthy WA and the Act-Belong-Commit message and I know that Mentally Healthy WA would balk at funding anything associated with an organisation that mentions sanity (or potential insanity) in their name.

And then of course you have the issue of branding. "A lad in sane productions" has achieved some significant branding now - many people active in the Perth community theatre scene are aware of the company and will make judgements re: the shows they present based on the good reputation associated with that branding. Branding takes time to develop and it's always a big concern when thinking of re-naming as you will more then likely lose your branding and need to build that reputation again from scratch. Of course, if your company has developed a less than desirable rep then a name change is a quick way to side step a lot of that negative branding. That's not the case here though...

In the end, the question is: Is your branding strong enough to warrant possible ineligibility for certain funding opportunities?

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

Gordon the OptomTue, 16 June 2009, 12:50 pm

stick with it

I agree with DazzaB, you are well liked, established and folk know what to expect. Your name ‘In Sane’ is also a clue to new audience members as to what kind of comedy to expect. Stick with it Johnny.

Peter ClarkTue, 16 June 2009, 02:00 pm

Exactly - stick with your first choice

The name says it all and first choices are normally right. Most people in Perth would admit to knowing the name - that's a good thing! We all have to start from somewhere ...... As a wise man once said : "From small nuts grows big wood" Keep smiling :)

John GrimWed, 17 June 2009, 06:14 pm

Diamond Dog

David! Is that really you, or is it merely an imposter? If It's you, I have to thankyou man for Hunky Dory, Ziggy, Diamond Dogs, oh and of course.... A lad in sane.

jessmessWed, 17 June 2009, 10:44 pm

Never change Johnny boy.

If 'In Sane' is a problem, then 'Sanity' music better watch out...that's all I'm saying. People will complain about anything, ten to one you change the name, something new will arise to give the punters something to winge about. Just see it as fulfilling their need to have a good whine. You're doing a community service.

mike raineThu, 18 June 2009, 10:44 am

Bowie

I think it is a good name. My only worry is that the pun has been used before . . . and David Bowie immediately springs to mind when I see the name.

John GrimSat, 18 July 2009, 08:56 pm

the decision

Thanks to all who gave feedback, re our name. After mulling it over for some weeks, I've decided that we will retain the name. If sponsors and charities have a problem with the name, then so be it. The popular vote is keep it, and so we shall... 'in sane' to the end. cheers Johnny Grim

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