Slighty off topic rant follows, forgive me...

 

Originally posted by B-M-D No, no nod to the booth or any other bush league amateur BS like that.

 

BMD is absolutly right when he says that we should all take the time to say Thank You.  Hopefully, regular thanks to all involved is part of all our theater's coorporate routine... And it should take place throughout the process, not just a pat on the back as your closing up after strike..  Unfortunalty, not all theaters are consistant with that kind of recognition. 

 

At the many theaters in which I work there are variations of the cast gift, a card, or some kind of recognition.  Each system is based on the traditions and coorperate mentality of the individual house. EACH one is different from the other, some slightly, others totally.  Which of them is wrong? 

 

I don't think any of them are wrong... Are there some that I personally don't care for, you bet...  But, it's my opinion, thats part of what makes "Community" theater so special. I also think this board is pretty special and gives us a great opportunity to share ideas. Especially when one person asks, "whats your opinion on..." , or "how do you do it..."   Of course when the question is  a cut and dried, "Which house owns the rights to...." or "Where can I buy a..." then the answers are going to be definitive...

 

But if we are going to be able to "share" ideas, and as I said before, if no one has made a set of "Rules for Community Theater" laws, then I think we need to be a little more open to the way OTHERS do things.  No one is asking you to do it their way, but each theater is different. Each audience is different. Each director, each show, each set of special circumstances are all different. 

 

One of the things I like about "Community Theater" (which is where I have my fun, not make my living) is the diversity and acceptance one finds there.. I have also appreciated the openness of this forum.. I often hear great ideas from others that I think I can use in my own theater life.  And I often read stuff I either don't think is right, or wouldn't work for me. Take whats good, leave the rest. 

 

One thing I have noticed creeping in on various posts lately is a "My Way Or The Highway" attitude. I, and this is opinion gang, don't think its necessary to deride what other theaters may do in order to make our points. And I fear that it will stifel future discussions if posters opinions and traditions are catagorized in a demeaning manner. I have my ideas, you have yours... If your so sure yours is the ONLY way, then I envy you your self confidence and theatrical prowess. For me, I'm here to share what I've learned and to continue to learn from others.

 

Amateur: From the French; To do something, not for financial reward but for the "Amour" (Love) of it...

 

Yup, thats me..

 

Rant complete.