Of All The Stupid Ideas!!!
Mon, 26 Apr 2004, 04:57 pmAHarwood8 posts in thread
Of All The Stupid Ideas!!!
Mon, 26 Apr 2004, 04:57 pmLadies and Gentlemen - and the rest of you (you know who you are).
Over the last few months I have received paperwork from a certain group disucssing plans for a new theatre sturcture in Perth. There have also been discussions about whether to place an already established company or develop a new company to take up residence in this theatre. I may not be fully informed on the current situation or the details but I have my soap box and its about time it got some airing.
I believe in a vote held at a meeting the majority of the attendents believed we should migrate an already established company into the new building. I am here to say "I TELL YOU NO!"
I have just finished working on what might be my 64th or something near that production. Some of you may have seen it - no one really wrote a review on it - and some of you might not. But those that did would have seen the talent in this company.
They were - in my opinion - absolutely brilliant.
I am well aware that every show in Perth, even the world, requires dedication, commitment and effort. And I know it has been there in almost every show I have been involved in. But never so much as in this group of fine people.
They put their hearts, time and lives into this show as so many people around Perth do.
But the thing that stood out in this show was the lack of back biting, bitchiness, competition, hate and malice. There was none of this usually obligatory rubbish going on behind the scenes. They got together and worked, became friends and it rocked my world. And I think it goes without saying - but I will - that it has been one of the most gratifying experiences in my theatrical life. I will genuinely miss th cast, the show and the experience.
And the funny thing.. despite all the shows I've done and seen, I had never met over half the cast before. And yet they have so many talents and strengths.
Why should a group of actors who have already established a company and most of the professional companies in perth have a venue already - be moved into a new venue when there are so many damned talented actors, singers and dancers out there with only the odd community theatre show to get involved in?
I am sick and tired of all the shows coming from the east or over seas and thinking we could do a hell of a lot better than that. (with exception of Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack). So why not give the people out there who are not permanent members of a company a go and have a company in the venue that is open to auditions to the whole public much like community theatre is and advertised on a wide scale as that. There is a hell of a lot of untapped talent in this state and its about time it got seen.
I am only going to be in Perth for a few more months but I am only leaving because there are too few opportunities here. But I WILL BE BACK TO HELP MAKE PERTH BETTER FOR THE THEATRE PEOPLE! Its just getting stupid now so I will stop. But I wish everyone in perth luck with theatre cos we're better than that imported crap we've been getting of late. Maybe we SHOULD start touring over there and show we are better than them. But that will have to wait till we have the money and the balls to do it:)
Take care everyone!!
Anthony
[%sig%]
Over the last few months I have received paperwork from a certain group disucssing plans for a new theatre sturcture in Perth. There have also been discussions about whether to place an already established company or develop a new company to take up residence in this theatre. I may not be fully informed on the current situation or the details but I have my soap box and its about time it got some airing.
I believe in a vote held at a meeting the majority of the attendents believed we should migrate an already established company into the new building. I am here to say "I TELL YOU NO!"
I have just finished working on what might be my 64th or something near that production. Some of you may have seen it - no one really wrote a review on it - and some of you might not. But those that did would have seen the talent in this company.
They were - in my opinion - absolutely brilliant.
I am well aware that every show in Perth, even the world, requires dedication, commitment and effort. And I know it has been there in almost every show I have been involved in. But never so much as in this group of fine people.
They put their hearts, time and lives into this show as so many people around Perth do.
But the thing that stood out in this show was the lack of back biting, bitchiness, competition, hate and malice. There was none of this usually obligatory rubbish going on behind the scenes. They got together and worked, became friends and it rocked my world. And I think it goes without saying - but I will - that it has been one of the most gratifying experiences in my theatrical life. I will genuinely miss th cast, the show and the experience.
And the funny thing.. despite all the shows I've done and seen, I had never met over half the cast before. And yet they have so many talents and strengths.
Why should a group of actors who have already established a company and most of the professional companies in perth have a venue already - be moved into a new venue when there are so many damned talented actors, singers and dancers out there with only the odd community theatre show to get involved in?
I am sick and tired of all the shows coming from the east or over seas and thinking we could do a hell of a lot better than that. (with exception of Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack). So why not give the people out there who are not permanent members of a company a go and have a company in the venue that is open to auditions to the whole public much like community theatre is and advertised on a wide scale as that. There is a hell of a lot of untapped talent in this state and its about time it got seen.
I am only going to be in Perth for a few more months but I am only leaving because there are too few opportunities here. But I WILL BE BACK TO HELP MAKE PERTH BETTER FOR THE THEATRE PEOPLE! Its just getting stupid now so I will stop. But I wish everyone in perth luck with theatre cos we're better than that imported crap we've been getting of late. Maybe we SHOULD start touring over there and show we are better than them. But that will have to wait till we have the money and the balls to do it:)
Take care everyone!!
Anthony
[%sig%]
For more Clarification
Tue, 27 Apr 2004, 08:05 pmI know I left a lot of you confused about the mention of a venue and a new or moved company. So far it seems to be only rumour and conjecture (I hope thats the right word) but its something that is being discussed by several groups. There has actually been a vote to determine that a pre-established company would be moved in, in the event of a new venue being developed.
Being perth I doubt it will eventuate but my main issue is not really the idea of the venue but the idea that the vast talent in Perth is not being given the opportunities it deserves.
I know it. You know it. We all know it.
And I'm beginning to wonder about the futility of my argument. (which is not really an argument.)
What I want to see is Perth being recognised. But it has to start here in Perth.
Perth is too small to sustain long running shows like the Lion King, Mamma Mia. Or is it? How long is the average season at the Burswood of these visiting shows? And in many cases, they have very good crowds.
Perth patrons pay 80 dollars plus to see imported rubbish. (see my Cabaret review from ages back.) But are loath to pay 15 dollars at the local theatre.
They will, however, be more likely to fork it out for the “professional” companies that do tinpot little shows that no one has ever heard of that requires a cast of three to seven at the bigger venues.
I can understand this. A theatre company like any other business has budgets to adhere to and money they can draw upon is usually limited. But they are often on the receiving end of grants/subsidies from the government.
When it comes to community theatre, no one gets paid and no one receives money from the government. And yet Playlovers took the risk and did Grease at the regal, Jesus Christ Superstar at the subi theatre. Act One Scene One did Chicago at the Bridge(which has been closed down – a huge shame due to the fact is was a beautiful venue and one of a very few in Perth) and then again at the Regal.
Big risks. Big Money. A lot of which is due to venue hire and it is funny how difficult it can be to get a booking of a venue when you are willing to pay the money. But the money from those shows can go on to improving the condition of the company and funding the next show as we are aware.
Generally each of the shows has paid off. Not just monetarily (is that a word) but also for the experience of the cast. Big Casts given opportunities. They don't need to be paid, though it would be nice, they need the chance to perform. And these companies have given them that chance to show off their talent and put their abilities to good use – with a fantastic reception by the public.
The problem I see is that the government will give money to sports foundations and other government departments but will not put it into the arts. They put money into the handful of professional companies in Perth. They will not (on a totally different topic) put money or property toward a film company in WA which can do nothing but Promote WA as a holiday destination and a centre of arts.
Why not subsidise some of the community companies so they can afford to pay the high venue rentals and put on decent shows at places such as the Regal, Playhouse, Subi Theatre Centre where the populous will actually pay money to go see shows regardless how bad they might be - look at Puppetry of the Penis for goodness sake. How many tricks like that can the audience stand to watch and yet they pay top dollar and go again the next time they are in town.
My point is, though, that shows done in Perth wonÂ’t BE bad. There is far too much talent out there that can be utilised to ensure a good show every time.
*The issue there is who will decide which shows and which companies will receive the funding? Why should one company have rights over another. Thus a brick wall we find our heads banging.*
We have A world renowned drama school with WAAPA and brilliant Drama courses at Curtin and Murdoch which are spewing out talent left right and centre. We have schools dedicated to drama – one that’s opened up a million dollar venue (is this venue open to community theatres to use? Cos it’s what we need). We have beautiful weather and beautiful people that deserves to be used and shown off.
Sure. We canÂ’t keep doing Grease or Les Mis over and over again. (or could we after completing Chicago 3 earlier this year..) But what about Phantom? Mamma Mia with our own talent? The money makers. It is a fact that the musicals draw the crowds. So lets do Jekyl and Hyde, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors (Rocky Horror is just too tied up in rights hell I believe), Cabaret, Joseph, Jesus Christ, CATS(hmm), Into the Woods. And these are just the better known ones. Big Chorus Shows allowing people to work (paid or unpaid cos a lot of people would do it for love of the experience and the show).
We as Perth Artists need to build Perth up somehow to show we mean business and we have the people in Perth to back it up. My family are gonna do our best with Pageant later this year – Venue Permitting (hopefully details soon). Playlovers have made a showing with Grease and JC.
Where do we go from here?
That’s the big question. Do we just sit back relax and enjoy the show or do we pull our fingers out and start a movement that gets Perth Put on the Arts World Map as we damn well deserve (I bet you are picturing me standing tall, cape waving behind me and hand on chest. – not quite but close)!
Heck we were mentioned in Kill Bill Vol. 2 as a silver mining town.. we deserve more than that!!!!
Once we have established ourselves here, we can look at moving on from there. Perhaps if a show is successful enough it could make the move to the eastern states and see how they like it for once receiving our shows and seeing that there is far more talent this side of the country than over there. (mind you so many people move over there or to England it won't be long till Sydney is populated by WA actors)
Take Care,
Anthony Harwood
[%sig%]
Being perth I doubt it will eventuate but my main issue is not really the idea of the venue but the idea that the vast talent in Perth is not being given the opportunities it deserves.
I know it. You know it. We all know it.
And I'm beginning to wonder about the futility of my argument. (which is not really an argument.)
What I want to see is Perth being recognised. But it has to start here in Perth.
Perth is too small to sustain long running shows like the Lion King, Mamma Mia. Or is it? How long is the average season at the Burswood of these visiting shows? And in many cases, they have very good crowds.
Perth patrons pay 80 dollars plus to see imported rubbish. (see my Cabaret review from ages back.) But are loath to pay 15 dollars at the local theatre.
They will, however, be more likely to fork it out for the “professional” companies that do tinpot little shows that no one has ever heard of that requires a cast of three to seven at the bigger venues.
I can understand this. A theatre company like any other business has budgets to adhere to and money they can draw upon is usually limited. But they are often on the receiving end of grants/subsidies from the government.
When it comes to community theatre, no one gets paid and no one receives money from the government. And yet Playlovers took the risk and did Grease at the regal, Jesus Christ Superstar at the subi theatre. Act One Scene One did Chicago at the Bridge(which has been closed down – a huge shame due to the fact is was a beautiful venue and one of a very few in Perth) and then again at the Regal.
Big risks. Big Money. A lot of which is due to venue hire and it is funny how difficult it can be to get a booking of a venue when you are willing to pay the money. But the money from those shows can go on to improving the condition of the company and funding the next show as we are aware.
Generally each of the shows has paid off. Not just monetarily (is that a word) but also for the experience of the cast. Big Casts given opportunities. They don't need to be paid, though it would be nice, they need the chance to perform. And these companies have given them that chance to show off their talent and put their abilities to good use – with a fantastic reception by the public.
The problem I see is that the government will give money to sports foundations and other government departments but will not put it into the arts. They put money into the handful of professional companies in Perth. They will not (on a totally different topic) put money or property toward a film company in WA which can do nothing but Promote WA as a holiday destination and a centre of arts.
Why not subsidise some of the community companies so they can afford to pay the high venue rentals and put on decent shows at places such as the Regal, Playhouse, Subi Theatre Centre where the populous will actually pay money to go see shows regardless how bad they might be - look at Puppetry of the Penis for goodness sake. How many tricks like that can the audience stand to watch and yet they pay top dollar and go again the next time they are in town.
My point is, though, that shows done in Perth wonÂ’t BE bad. There is far too much talent out there that can be utilised to ensure a good show every time.
*The issue there is who will decide which shows and which companies will receive the funding? Why should one company have rights over another. Thus a brick wall we find our heads banging.*
We have A world renowned drama school with WAAPA and brilliant Drama courses at Curtin and Murdoch which are spewing out talent left right and centre. We have schools dedicated to drama – one that’s opened up a million dollar venue (is this venue open to community theatres to use? Cos it’s what we need). We have beautiful weather and beautiful people that deserves to be used and shown off.
Sure. We canÂ’t keep doing Grease or Les Mis over and over again. (or could we after completing Chicago 3 earlier this year..) But what about Phantom? Mamma Mia with our own talent? The money makers. It is a fact that the musicals draw the crowds. So lets do Jekyl and Hyde, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors (Rocky Horror is just too tied up in rights hell I believe), Cabaret, Joseph, Jesus Christ, CATS(hmm), Into the Woods. And these are just the better known ones. Big Chorus Shows allowing people to work (paid or unpaid cos a lot of people would do it for love of the experience and the show).
We as Perth Artists need to build Perth up somehow to show we mean business and we have the people in Perth to back it up. My family are gonna do our best with Pageant later this year – Venue Permitting (hopefully details soon). Playlovers have made a showing with Grease and JC.
Where do we go from here?
That’s the big question. Do we just sit back relax and enjoy the show or do we pull our fingers out and start a movement that gets Perth Put on the Arts World Map as we damn well deserve (I bet you are picturing me standing tall, cape waving behind me and hand on chest. – not quite but close)!
Heck we were mentioned in Kill Bill Vol. 2 as a silver mining town.. we deserve more than that!!!!
Once we have established ourselves here, we can look at moving on from there. Perhaps if a show is successful enough it could make the move to the eastern states and see how they like it for once receiving our shows and seeing that there is far more talent this side of the country than over there. (mind you so many people move over there or to England it won't be long till Sydney is populated by WA actors)
Take Care,
Anthony Harwood
[%sig%]
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