Integrity
Sat, 23 Sept 2000, 04:44 pmWalter Plinge7 posts in thread
Integrity
Sat, 23 Sept 2000, 04:44 pmSeveral months ago I reaffirmed a keen interest in directing for GRADS at UWA, by suggesting to key members of the committee that I be considered to direct a production of Shakespeare's ROMEO & JULIET at the New Fortune Theatre in 2001.
It had been my understanding that GRADS had found itself in a situation that required serious consideration of exploring avenues to bring 'new blood' and new audiences into their venues to engage with their work. It seemed that the timing was right for me to become involved.
I am a graduate of UWA; I have been involved in the Community Arts and Youth Arts industries in Perth for about 10 years and have established a solid reputation in both.
I have directed a Finlay Award winning production (with Playlovers), a Bunbury One Act Festival Best Director Award (with Darlington Theatre Players) and an award winning ITA One Act Festival production (with KADS) - I have reached what most practitioners in community theatre would suggest are the pinnacles of community theatre in this state.
I have also been a very active, professional consultant and facilitator in the Community and Youth Arts areas, in addition to my considerable directing experience.
Imagine my consternation when I was informed that the play that I had submitted for the New Fortune season had been chosen, but that I had not as its director. And that the director who had been chosen was a long-standing GRADS member and a committee member. I was also informed that a 'quick decision' was made and that the reason why I was not considered a serious contender to direct the play was that no one knew me, or my work. I can understand people knowing me and my work, and not liking it, but to not know me in any capacity or for any of the work that I have completed in the last 10 years seems to me to be absurd - it certainly says more about the members of the decision-makers than anything else.
I would like to point out that I appreciate that this is not a state of affairs that is isolated, that no one person is to blame, and that it is not my intention to bring into question the ability of the director that GRADS chose to direct my production.
I do hope that community theatre groups, including GRADS, who are keen to promote growth, evolution and the attraction of new ideas and processes will reflect this desire in their decision-making to the very best of their ability.
Unsurprisingly I was astonished by the short-sightedness of this decision that involved me, and I empathise with others who, for whatever reason, do not know the right people, are not momentarily funky enough, or are not a known and predictable quantity - especially those practitioners who have been around for a while, who have earned their stripes and have come out of their honeymoon period of youthful, funky 'alternative and racey' appeal and are still producing cutting-edge and challenging work that does not require arts-political-journalistic manipulation to be successful.
It had been my understanding that GRADS had found itself in a situation that required serious consideration of exploring avenues to bring 'new blood' and new audiences into their venues to engage with their work. It seemed that the timing was right for me to become involved.
I am a graduate of UWA; I have been involved in the Community Arts and Youth Arts industries in Perth for about 10 years and have established a solid reputation in both.
I have directed a Finlay Award winning production (with Playlovers), a Bunbury One Act Festival Best Director Award (with Darlington Theatre Players) and an award winning ITA One Act Festival production (with KADS) - I have reached what most practitioners in community theatre would suggest are the pinnacles of community theatre in this state.
I have also been a very active, professional consultant and facilitator in the Community and Youth Arts areas, in addition to my considerable directing experience.
Imagine my consternation when I was informed that the play that I had submitted for the New Fortune season had been chosen, but that I had not as its director. And that the director who had been chosen was a long-standing GRADS member and a committee member. I was also informed that a 'quick decision' was made and that the reason why I was not considered a serious contender to direct the play was that no one knew me, or my work. I can understand people knowing me and my work, and not liking it, but to not know me in any capacity or for any of the work that I have completed in the last 10 years seems to me to be absurd - it certainly says more about the members of the decision-makers than anything else.
I would like to point out that I appreciate that this is not a state of affairs that is isolated, that no one person is to blame, and that it is not my intention to bring into question the ability of the director that GRADS chose to direct my production.
I do hope that community theatre groups, including GRADS, who are keen to promote growth, evolution and the attraction of new ideas and processes will reflect this desire in their decision-making to the very best of their ability.
Unsurprisingly I was astonished by the short-sightedness of this decision that involved me, and I empathise with others who, for whatever reason, do not know the right people, are not momentarily funky enough, or are not a known and predictable quantity - especially those practitioners who have been around for a while, who have earned their stripes and have come out of their honeymoon period of youthful, funky 'alternative and racey' appeal and are still producing cutting-edge and challenging work that does not require arts-political-journalistic manipulation to be successful.
Walter PlingeSat, 23 Sept 2000, 04:44 pm
Several months ago I reaffirmed a keen interest in directing for GRADS at UWA, by suggesting to key members of the committee that I be considered to direct a production of Shakespeare's ROMEO & JULIET at the New Fortune Theatre in 2001.
It had been my understanding that GRADS had found itself in a situation that required serious consideration of exploring avenues to bring 'new blood' and new audiences into their venues to engage with their work. It seemed that the timing was right for me to become involved.
I am a graduate of UWA; I have been involved in the Community Arts and Youth Arts industries in Perth for about 10 years and have established a solid reputation in both.
I have directed a Finlay Award winning production (with Playlovers), a Bunbury One Act Festival Best Director Award (with Darlington Theatre Players) and an award winning ITA One Act Festival production (with KADS) - I have reached what most practitioners in community theatre would suggest are the pinnacles of community theatre in this state.
I have also been a very active, professional consultant and facilitator in the Community and Youth Arts areas, in addition to my considerable directing experience.
Imagine my consternation when I was informed that the play that I had submitted for the New Fortune season had been chosen, but that I had not as its director. And that the director who had been chosen was a long-standing GRADS member and a committee member. I was also informed that a 'quick decision' was made and that the reason why I was not considered a serious contender to direct the play was that no one knew me, or my work. I can understand people knowing me and my work, and not liking it, but to not know me in any capacity or for any of the work that I have completed in the last 10 years seems to me to be absurd - it certainly says more about the members of the decision-makers than anything else.
I would like to point out that I appreciate that this is not a state of affairs that is isolated, that no one person is to blame, and that it is not my intention to bring into question the ability of the director that GRADS chose to direct my production.
I do hope that community theatre groups, including GRADS, who are keen to promote growth, evolution and the attraction of new ideas and processes will reflect this desire in their decision-making to the very best of their ability.
Unsurprisingly I was astonished by the short-sightedness of this decision that involved me, and I empathise with others who, for whatever reason, do not know the right people, are not momentarily funky enough, or are not a known and predictable quantity - especially those practitioners who have been around for a while, who have earned their stripes and have come out of their honeymoon period of youthful, funky 'alternative and racey' appeal and are still producing cutting-edge and challenging work that does not require arts-political-journalistic manipulation to be successful.
It had been my understanding that GRADS had found itself in a situation that required serious consideration of exploring avenues to bring 'new blood' and new audiences into their venues to engage with their work. It seemed that the timing was right for me to become involved.
I am a graduate of UWA; I have been involved in the Community Arts and Youth Arts industries in Perth for about 10 years and have established a solid reputation in both.
I have directed a Finlay Award winning production (with Playlovers), a Bunbury One Act Festival Best Director Award (with Darlington Theatre Players) and an award winning ITA One Act Festival production (with KADS) - I have reached what most practitioners in community theatre would suggest are the pinnacles of community theatre in this state.
I have also been a very active, professional consultant and facilitator in the Community and Youth Arts areas, in addition to my considerable directing experience.
Imagine my consternation when I was informed that the play that I had submitted for the New Fortune season had been chosen, but that I had not as its director. And that the director who had been chosen was a long-standing GRADS member and a committee member. I was also informed that a 'quick decision' was made and that the reason why I was not considered a serious contender to direct the play was that no one knew me, or my work. I can understand people knowing me and my work, and not liking it, but to not know me in any capacity or for any of the work that I have completed in the last 10 years seems to me to be absurd - it certainly says more about the members of the decision-makers than anything else.
I would like to point out that I appreciate that this is not a state of affairs that is isolated, that no one person is to blame, and that it is not my intention to bring into question the ability of the director that GRADS chose to direct my production.
I do hope that community theatre groups, including GRADS, who are keen to promote growth, evolution and the attraction of new ideas and processes will reflect this desire in their decision-making to the very best of their ability.
Unsurprisingly I was astonished by the short-sightedness of this decision that involved me, and I empathise with others who, for whatever reason, do not know the right people, are not momentarily funky enough, or are not a known and predictable quantity - especially those practitioners who have been around for a while, who have earned their stripes and have come out of their honeymoon period of youthful, funky 'alternative and racey' appeal and are still producing cutting-edge and challenging work that does not require arts-political-journalistic manipulation to be successful.
Grant MalcolmSun, 24 Sept 2000, 05:30 am
RE: Integrity
Hi Jamie
As a member of the Grads committee I appreciate your concerns and disappointment at the process involved in choosing a director for the New Fortune Shakespeare 2001 season. As you are aware, the circumstances surrounding the decision to make an urgent and immediate choice of director and season were far from ideal.
It is perhaps important to clarify that at the time of making its decision, the committee had only asked for and received informal notice of interest from yourself and the other director. It was not a case of someone else taking your production.
It is also worth noting that until the beginning of this year, the "long-standing GRADS member" had no involvement with the society for the previous four years and is currrently serving his first term on the committee.
It was certainly not the case that no-one on the committee knew you. Personally, i've never considered your credentials to have been in question. I've had the pleasure of witnessing a number of your excellent productions! Nor do i believe any member of the committee would consider questioning your credentials. It was a simple matter of an urgent need for an immediate decision precluding the opportunity to ask you to make a formal submission or provide details of your training and experience to the committee.
I should think that it is at least a little presumptuous to suggest it is "absurd" that everyone should not know who you are and be aware of your work.
Grads is entirely serious in its efforts to attract new blood - you can count the truly active membership without resorting to slipping out of your shoes and socks! I'm sure your membership and potential participation on the committee would be warmly welcomed and immensely valuable.
I have already apologised to you on behalf of the committee for the lack of consideration that the committee was able to show in making such an urgent choice and can only reiterate my assurance that Grads will be only too pleased to give due attention to any submissions you might make in future.
Cheers
Grant Malcolm
(Vice President - Graduate Dramatic Society)
As a member of the Grads committee I appreciate your concerns and disappointment at the process involved in choosing a director for the New Fortune Shakespeare 2001 season. As you are aware, the circumstances surrounding the decision to make an urgent and immediate choice of director and season were far from ideal.
It is perhaps important to clarify that at the time of making its decision, the committee had only asked for and received informal notice of interest from yourself and the other director. It was not a case of someone else taking your production.
It is also worth noting that until the beginning of this year, the "long-standing GRADS member" had no involvement with the society for the previous four years and is currrently serving his first term on the committee.
It was certainly not the case that no-one on the committee knew you. Personally, i've never considered your credentials to have been in question. I've had the pleasure of witnessing a number of your excellent productions! Nor do i believe any member of the committee would consider questioning your credentials. It was a simple matter of an urgent need for an immediate decision precluding the opportunity to ask you to make a formal submission or provide details of your training and experience to the committee.
I should think that it is at least a little presumptuous to suggest it is "absurd" that everyone should not know who you are and be aware of your work.
Grads is entirely serious in its efforts to attract new blood - you can count the truly active membership without resorting to slipping out of your shoes and socks! I'm sure your membership and potential participation on the committee would be warmly welcomed and immensely valuable.
I have already apologised to you on behalf of the committee for the lack of consideration that the committee was able to show in making such an urgent choice and can only reiterate my assurance that Grads will be only too pleased to give due attention to any submissions you might make in future.
Cheers
Grant Malcolm
(Vice President - Graduate Dramatic Society)
Walter PlingeSun, 24 Sept 2000, 12:56 pm
RE: Integrity
Hi Grant,
Thank you for acknowledging my concerns about the GRADS production/director selection process. There are several points that you raised that I believe require further discussion.
I do not believe that it was erroneous of me to have expected some follow-up by the GRADS committee on my initial notice of interest. Had I known that the decision about the New Fortune season was imminent I would have been prepared to clarify my credentials and concept thoroughly, or attend a meeting to discuss my ideas further and more formally.
My sincerest apologies for the inaccuracy of my statement regarding the time of membership of the chosen director/current GRADS committee member.
I am still unclear as to why my credentials would have required proving in this case if there were committee members present who were sufficiently familiar with my work to support my notice of interest. If my credentials were not being questioned then how was it that they were so deficient so as to be considered less than appropriate than the director chosen? If it was simply a case of the committee knowing me less personally than the other applicant then it makes sense. Of course if this is the case, then my credentials would have been irrelevant anyway as the decision-making process would have been highly subjective and uninformed. By the way, nepotism is something I can tolerate provided it's out in the open.
My use of the word "absurd" relates to the lack of logic around the committee's unfamiliarity with my work. Are they not familiar with the ITA Festival, the Bunbury One Act Festival, the Finlay Awards...? I do not mean to sound presumptuous, but it is difficult to accept that so few GRADS committee members have not even heard of me or my work. The GRADS committee are not just "anyone" by the way...I don't expect that everyone know's me!
If the committee's desire is to bring in new blood then this includes new directors. Selecting a director, who has very recently directed a GRADS show, to direct the highly lucrative (and very troubled) New Fortune season, does not reflect a real desire to inject new ideas and new blood. We all know how much the New Fortune season means to GRADS, its reputation and how theatre-goers percieve its objectives. The fact that I had already successfully directed the chosen play before (!), had directed several Shakespeare plays with predominantly young actors and could assure healthy school group bookings was deemed insufficient at the point of decision. I must stand firmly by my original concern with regards to GRADS' real willingness to embrace change. GRADS would not be the first group to have been brought kicking and screaming into a new age.
Thanks for your invitation to become involved in GRADS. Please e-mail me full details of your production selection process protocols, deadlines etc. Also a membership application and notification of the next committee meeting. I am interested in directing a season for GRADS in 2001 if the timing is right. As unfortunate as this experience has been for me I do not anticipate that the same mistake will happen again and I do not anticipate that it is typical of the GRADS decision-making process.
Yours,
JC
Grant MalcolmTue, 26 Sept 2000, 05:25 pm
RE: Integrity
Hi Jamie
I should perhaps begin by clarifying that we're not yet certain that there will be a production in the New Fortune Theatre next year.
Declining audiences, but most importantly rising costs associated with using the New Fortune Theatre have seen the project lose substantial sums of money over three consecutive years. The University Dramatic Society, our long term partner in the project, is understandably disinclined to risk another financial battering and will not be formally involved in any New Fortune Theatre project that might happen next year.
It's entirely a side issue, but i personally consider that it's obscene that a large group of volunteers can work their collective posteriors off for several months only to see the vast bulk of their not inconsiderable earnings line the pockets of paid staff filling roles that could equally well be filled by volunteers. I can accept some costs, but such apparently arbitrary requirements as to employ ushers and front of house staff, go beyond the pale. How many other theatre companies have seen their break even point more than double in a matter of a few years?
If the project doesn't go ahead, the venue is dark, the staff unpaid... we all lose.
> Had I known that the decision about the New Fortune season was
> imminent I would have been prepared to clarify my credentials and
> concept thoroughly
Had the committee known that a decision was imminent, you would have been asked to do just that.
> I am still unclear as to why my credentials would have required
> proving [...] ?
There was no question of evaluating anyone's credentials. It was a matter of priorities. An urgent need for an immediate choice of director/play was deemed more important than due, fair or informed process.
> Are they not familiar with the ITA Festival, the Bunbury One Act
> Festival, the Finlay Awards...?
Some people don't place a great deal of stock in awards.
:)
> Selecting a director, who has very recently directed a GRADS show, to
> direct the highly lucrative (and very troubled) New Fortune season,
> does not reflect a real desire to inject new ideas and new blood.
A question of priorities again. Given the luxury of time, the committee is certainly very committed to providing opportunities for relative newcomers.
As i indicated before, David Meadows, the director concerned, joined Grads at the beginning of this year.
I should have thought that having someone with less than a year's membership with the society directing two major productions and a one act play was a fair indication of a willingness to embrace new ideas and new blood. Perhaps you'd like to submit for a couple of seasons next year?
:)
> GRADS would not be the first group to have been brought kicking
> and screaming into a new age.
I've not noticed much of either going on. Kicking and screaming that is. Would it surprise you to hear that i'm probably currently the committee member with the second longest association with the committee?
> As unfortunate as this experience has been for me I do not
> anticipate that the same mistake will happen again and I do not
> anticipate that it is typical of the GRADS decision-making process.
I don't accept that the committee's decision was mistaken. Given its chosen priorities, it is still the best choice they could have made in difficult circumstances. The chosen process was as atypical as the circumstances were exceptional.
I expect that the committee will be formally calling for submissions for 2001 seasons in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes glued to the site for details.
Cheers
Grant
I should perhaps begin by clarifying that we're not yet certain that there will be a production in the New Fortune Theatre next year.
Declining audiences, but most importantly rising costs associated with using the New Fortune Theatre have seen the project lose substantial sums of money over three consecutive years. The University Dramatic Society, our long term partner in the project, is understandably disinclined to risk another financial battering and will not be formally involved in any New Fortune Theatre project that might happen next year.
It's entirely a side issue, but i personally consider that it's obscene that a large group of volunteers can work their collective posteriors off for several months only to see the vast bulk of their not inconsiderable earnings line the pockets of paid staff filling roles that could equally well be filled by volunteers. I can accept some costs, but such apparently arbitrary requirements as to employ ushers and front of house staff, go beyond the pale. How many other theatre companies have seen their break even point more than double in a matter of a few years?
If the project doesn't go ahead, the venue is dark, the staff unpaid... we all lose.
> Had I known that the decision about the New Fortune season was
> imminent I would have been prepared to clarify my credentials and
> concept thoroughly
Had the committee known that a decision was imminent, you would have been asked to do just that.
> I am still unclear as to why my credentials would have required
> proving [...] ?
There was no question of evaluating anyone's credentials. It was a matter of priorities. An urgent need for an immediate choice of director/play was deemed more important than due, fair or informed process.
> Are they not familiar with the ITA Festival, the Bunbury One Act
> Festival, the Finlay Awards...?
Some people don't place a great deal of stock in awards.
:)
> Selecting a director, who has very recently directed a GRADS show, to
> direct the highly lucrative (and very troubled) New Fortune season,
> does not reflect a real desire to inject new ideas and new blood.
A question of priorities again. Given the luxury of time, the committee is certainly very committed to providing opportunities for relative newcomers.
As i indicated before, David Meadows, the director concerned, joined Grads at the beginning of this year.
I should have thought that having someone with less than a year's membership with the society directing two major productions and a one act play was a fair indication of a willingness to embrace new ideas and new blood. Perhaps you'd like to submit for a couple of seasons next year?
:)
> GRADS would not be the first group to have been brought kicking
> and screaming into a new age.
I've not noticed much of either going on. Kicking and screaming that is. Would it surprise you to hear that i'm probably currently the committee member with the second longest association with the committee?
> As unfortunate as this experience has been for me I do not
> anticipate that the same mistake will happen again and I do not
> anticipate that it is typical of the GRADS decision-making process.
I don't accept that the committee's decision was mistaken. Given its chosen priorities, it is still the best choice they could have made in difficult circumstances. The chosen process was as atypical as the circumstances were exceptional.
I expect that the committee will be formally calling for submissions for 2001 seasons in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes glued to the site for details.
Cheers
Grant
Walter PlingeTue, 3 Oct 2000, 02:53 pm
RE: Integrity
As this issue has now become quite public I too must announce my concerns in regards to the GRADS selection procedures. (or should one suggest lack of them?)
I had heard, unofficially, about the selection of Jamie Cant's proposed play and David Meadows as preferred director of Jamie Cant's proposed play some time ago and quietly queried it with the powers that be. I received the same information (almost word for word) that has subsequently appeared on this site.
It might be an excellent time for all clubs to reassess their selection processes to make them as open and positive as possible. I for one would be horrified to suggest a play to a club that later was offered to another director. Surely everyone is aware of how much time it takes to find the right piece!!!
From memory Garrick always had the ideal process. Perhaps one of their people might share it on the web for the battle-scarred GRADS committee to ponder.
It is fairly well known that GRADS have made more than one mistake this particular round so I am a little surprised at the forthrightness of their responses to Jamie Cant (a Director whose work I know and envy at)
I had heard, unofficially, about the selection of Jamie Cant's proposed play and David Meadows as preferred director of Jamie Cant's proposed play some time ago and quietly queried it with the powers that be. I received the same information (almost word for word) that has subsequently appeared on this site.
It might be an excellent time for all clubs to reassess their selection processes to make them as open and positive as possible. I for one would be horrified to suggest a play to a club that later was offered to another director. Surely everyone is aware of how much time it takes to find the right piece!!!
From memory Garrick always had the ideal process. Perhaps one of their people might share it on the web for the battle-scarred GRADS committee to ponder.
It is fairly well known that GRADS have made more than one mistake this particular round so I am a little surprised at the forthrightness of their responses to Jamie Cant (a Director whose work I know and envy at)
Grant MalcolmWed, 4 Oct 2000, 06:29 am
RE: Integrity
Hi Malcolm
> I for one would be horrified to suggest a play
> to a club that later was offered to another
> director. Surely everyone is aware of how much
> time it takes to find the right piece!!!
I think it would be misleading to suggest that this bears much if any resemblance to the circumstances surrounding the incident referred to.
This might also be a good time for people to take a look at the explanations that have been given regarding this particular incident and see if they don't actually cover the points being revisited.
In particular, i think i've made it abundantly clear to you and Jamie personally as well as twice on this website that this was a instance in which the committee deliberately chose to move well outside its normal selection processes.
If you don't like the explanations given, or feel that mistakes have been made, fine. I know that i for one would heartily welcome your involvement in the decision making process in future.
How about it?
Cheers
Grant (from London, UK)
> I for one would be horrified to suggest a play
> to a club that later was offered to another
> director. Surely everyone is aware of how much
> time it takes to find the right piece!!!
I think it would be misleading to suggest that this bears much if any resemblance to the circumstances surrounding the incident referred to.
This might also be a good time for people to take a look at the explanations that have been given regarding this particular incident and see if they don't actually cover the points being revisited.
In particular, i think i've made it abundantly clear to you and Jamie personally as well as twice on this website that this was a instance in which the committee deliberately chose to move well outside its normal selection processes.
If you don't like the explanations given, or feel that mistakes have been made, fine. I know that i for one would heartily welcome your involvement in the decision making process in future.
How about it?
Cheers
Grant (from London, UK)
Walter PlingeFri, 6 Oct 2000, 05:39 pm
RE: Integrity
Hi Grant maybe we can meet up!!!
Let me know
Norm
Let me know
Norm