Why is community theatre so bitchy?

EMAILNOTICES>noWhy is there so much politics and bitchiness behind the scenes? You can deny it all you want and go on about the camaraderie, of which there can be, but I know of people who are no longer involved in theatre because of this sort of rubbish, driven underground, too scared to audition, too scared to even go see a show because of some of the carry-ons of the past, preferring to avoid these people instead. It's not just one theatre, it happens at them all.

erm... only community theatre?;)> Why is there so much politics and bitchiness behind the scenes?You have clearly been working with the wrong people.> You can deny it all you want and go on about the camaraderie, of which> there can be, but I know of people who are no longer involved in theatre> because of this sort of rubbish, driven underground, too scared to> audition, too scared to even go see a show because of some of the> carry-ons of the past, preferring to avoid these people instead. It's> not just one theatre, it happens at them all.I wouldn't for one minute deny that theatres can be nasty places. People working intensely together, putting themselves on the line, having to place a great deal of trust in each other, long hours, no pay, little recognition, if any.... it's hardly going to be a bed of roses.How you handle the pressure is a product of the people you work with, the environment you work in, but most of all your own attitude.Is (community) theatre a bitchy business? Or is it an inspiring, consuming passion? Do you think the glass is half empty or half full?Take a look at the people you have been working with. Which category would you place them in? Their attitudes are infectious. How have they shaped your views about theatre and the people that engage in it?CheersGrant

You must be from down here David?If not - try most country regions, where there is only one theatre in town/city/It gets worse!Don't think this only occurs in Community Theatre - it goes with the badge in proffessional Company Theatre as well - except, if you dont, you have no rights (other than that of employment) so your only recourse is to evaporate! Unlike Community Theatre, if you are a member, your have as much as anyone else - you can stand on your milk crate and tell them, the only thing they can try and do is take away your membership if you found guilty of "actions unbecoming a member" - Ask Mandurah they tried this twice with the same member and fell on their own swords - idiots!Welcome to the Theatre, where murder is sweetly done!Joe McCabe> Why is there so much politics and bitchiness behind the scenes?> You can deny it all you want and go on about the camaraderie, of which> there can be, but I know of people who are no longer involved in theatre> because of this sort of rubbish, driven underground, too scared to> audition, too scared to even go see a show because of some of the> carry-ons of the past, preferring to avoid these people instead. It's> not just one theatre, it happens at them all.

EMAILNOTICES>noJust because it happens in professional theatre doesn't make it right.

> Just because it happens in professional theatre doesn't make> it right.David I didn't say it was right!None of it is right! it is life and happens every where in all family's work places and society in general.What I did say was;-"Don't think this only occurs in Community Theatre - it goes with the badge in proffessional Company Theatre as well - except, if you dont, you have no rights(other than that of employment) so your only recourse is to evaporate!"I beleive you intimated and asked the question why it happens in Community Theatre.Hey I'm on your side - it should not happen, we all should be allowed to get on with it. But thats not the way of the world.Unfortunetly, those who scream out - like it is "the bleating of a slaughtered goat" - the loadest are usually, the ones - for what ever reason - who are not prepared to put their hands up and "Do It" or their head on the block and attempt to change it!In most cases because if you do stand up, for any sort of change and/or dare to question their authority, be prepared to be sent to Coventry or East Perth, {which ever is your preference) by those who hold power and cannot see anything wrong - this is their real power, I know I have the 'T' shirt for it.Theatre is full of genuine people who would like to be, possibly don't know how - yet who try hard to find out and do their best. These are the folks who work their but off making it easier for the rest of us to walk on the stage and perform, some time without giving any more thought than that?Also at the same time, in lots of cases, it is filled with those who don't listen and tend to think because they are the President/Committee they become 'The only members with rights'. That's life - if you don't like it, pack up your lunch box and go some where else, if you don't want to get involved."Community Theatre, if you are a member, your have as much as anyone else - you can stand on your milk crate and tell them"Be heard not herd! - don't just bitch and take it. I know the one about, "If I say anything - they will cast someone else" "I won't get anymore parts" - In some clubs if you are not in the 'purple circle' you won't get the part anyway, so why worry! - Come the revolution, you may be the next President or ........?Joe McCabe

I bet you're sick to death of all these theories, and you are now regretting your course of action.:-PIt is the nature of the beast. Or should that be the Nature of the Bitch?Look closely at those involved- they all tap-dance/recite soliloquies/sing "Candide" when the fridge door opens at night. They launch into their party-pieces (party or no) at the drop of a well-placed fart. Theatre is the place extroverts hang out to appear "normal"!!!If (as I suspect) you have been the unwitting victim of some particularly villainous bitchery, remember: revenge is sweetest served up cold, And our chef today is Karma.And should that fail, bitch right back: it's lots of cruel fun.You think thespians are bitchy:- try critics!I remain yours,Violently CruelMr Raoul

EMAILNOTICES>noYou can't paint every critic with the same brush. It's just easy to get offended - they're job is to their readers, not to the play.

> You can't paint every critic with the same brush. It's just easy> to get offended - they're job is to their readers, not to the play.Damn straight! I knew I'd get a rise out of someone with this line! :-)Of course critics serve their purpose, just like actors do. You wanna tell me there are no bitchy critics, or no bitchy actors?? This is (ostensibly) what makes theatre the vibrant life-giving exultant pursuit that it is... sometimes.RD

EMAILNOTICES>noIf you want to discuss the 'social-politics' of a community, why confine your-self to theatre? Some of the worst SP I've ever encountered was on the School Playgrounds, with-in 'Youth Groups' that try to motivate a good self-image, even in the Work Place!Bitchiness is not a part of the community, it's a lifestyle for some people. Bithiness, backstabbing and green jealousy are everywhere, even in the immature boys who get upset when another bloke can get the girl, and they can't.I have some kid, who has about as much to do with theatre as a fly has with Atomic Physics, who has deemed it necessary to confront me about being friendly with a young lady that he has claimed 'miner's rights' to, completely ignoring that fact that the lady in question shudders at the mention of his name.The only way to cope with bitchiness (I find) is to recognise it first and then laugh at it. We all know why people are bitchy; usually jealousy, some sort of fear, immaturity, or their way of 'knocking-out-the-competition.' Realise this and laugh at it. Makes you feel better and makes their efforts fruitless (and gets them really annoyed too!)Took me a few years to recognise this and I'm still not the best at it, but I've a lot of fun with it none-the-less.Don't fight fire with fire, use water instead.Jeff "Loaded Bucket" Watkins

Mr Jeff> If you want to discuss the 'social-politics' of a community,> why confine your-self to theatre?Possibly because this is a theatre web page... just a thought...> Some of the worst SP I've ever encountered> was on the School Playgrounds, with-in 'Youth Groups' that try to> motivate a good self-image, even in the Work Place!Steady on, this could get incriminating...> Bitchiness is not a part of the community, it's a lifestyle for> some people. Bithiness, backstabbing and green jealousy are everywhere,> even in the immature boys who get upset when another bloke can get> the girl, and they can't.Whoa there, bubba! Vast quatities of info here... Guess where this is heading...> Don't fight fire with fire, use water instead.Or, as my attorney advises, petrol!Be rational, people! The number of people in Community Theatre who haven't taken great relish in the merest increment of bitchiness can be counted on the fingers of one foot! Those who say otherwise are bald-faced hypocrites, and they all know it!! Bitchiness is what it is- take it, leave it, ignore it... but don't deny it exists.> Jeff "Loaded Bucket" WatkinsRaoul "flamethrowers at dawn" Duke.

EMAILNOTICES>noWhat you say is valid of course but having to put up with it constantly wears you down and intimidates you into submission. We can't be that strong all the time and sometimes you just can't win so you give up and fade away instead.

> What you say is valid of course but having to put up with it> constantly wears you down and intimidates you into submission. We> can't be that strong all the time and sometimes you just can't win> so you give up and fade away instead.That is a problem - there is possibly a lot who have transient membership and wonder why they have no reusable resources, If not their membership has shrunk or at least stagnated over the years. But I doubt there is an easy fix?In the long run, when they have stuffed it up, they move on - And so the cycle starts again. Unless they stop look in the mirror - which most warm props, have been known to do from time to time - Then ask themselves the question of why? or "What are we about"? Then the greatest expectation is waiting for them to answer it, or is that going too far! - So what hope is there?Teri from Scarp - gave a good suggestion to hold Administration Guild type workshops. Because if the Club has a problem, it's nearly always poor or misguided management, "Da fish - sha' a'l wa's stink frum de head".Maybe instead of fighting fire with fire or water, possibly suppression should be next best thing - have an ombudsman or at least get them some training - If that don't work, then extinguish them all?Joe McCabe

EMAILNOTICES>noDavid Said;> What you say is valid of course but having to put up with it> constantly wears you down and intimidates you into submission. We> can't be that strong all the time and sometimes you just can't win> so you give up and fade away instead.Joe said;> That is a problem - there is possibly a lot who have transient> membership and wonder why they have no reusable resources, A good start is the simple awareness that the problem exists, and I feel confident in saying that very few REALLY believe that is can be easily stopped. So if it can't be stopped, what can you do?On David's point '...and intimidates you into submission.' I don't think this is always true. Not all will submit. For some, it will only make them stronger and more determined. I've been the focus of some really nasty back-handers but I've persisted and have overcome many of these problems. I feel a better person for the experience. I persisted only for my love of the Art, not the alternate 'social-life' that I know others see theatre as.As nasty as it may sound, back-stage bitchiness is theatre's evolutionary process. It is ment to seperate the dedicated thespians from those in it 'to meet the girls' or other similar reasons. It's not nice I know, but it does have it's purpose just like everything else.I do theatre for theatre's sake. I'm not in it just for kicks, for the discount drinks at the bar or for the social aspect. I believe that's why I and others can survive the natural culling process that is a basic evolutionary process of any community environment.Jeff "a BLOODY individual" Watkinsand you can't fool me! ... Well, not all the time any way. ;-)

EMAILNOTICES>no> Well said Jeff - I didnt realise you were so sensitive about> your LEGS please take my sincere apologise if my remarks have caused> any back handers, but it has always been my belief - "if you> got it .."Hey, I'm not concerned about the legs thing. While it certainly makes me go redder than a baboon's bum, I also realise the Great selling point my 'embarassment about my legs' is. It's the first time I've managed to get so many people to come a see one of the show's I'm in. ;-)> As for the social life aspects, I demand a play back - "where> do you get it?????"Not my idea but others. Too many times I hear things like "I'm in it to meet the girls" or "I just come for the cast parties." Someone else once said "If theatre's your social-life, then you need to get-a-life." Can't remember who it was.> Great posting Jeff!!!!Ta.Jeff "Hot Legs" WatkinsThey're not real you know ;-)