scenic painting
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Topic: scenic painting
Posted By: artlover
Subject: scenic painting
Date Posted: 11/03/05 at 2:05pm
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I am a former art major in college who has discovered technical theater only recently. I volunteer at a local community theater and have done so now for a few years. I started initially because I am a painter and I wanted to learn and do some scenic painting. The problem I have run into is the resident scenic designer (who is a very talented artist) prefers to do everything himself. All other aspects of producing a show are open for people to be involved, but unless all you want to do is prime flats and such, nobody ever gets a chance to lend a hand w/ painting. Is this normal? Or should I look to another area theater to get involved? This is especially frustrating because I know I have the skills to help (just help, I'm not looking to impinge on his design) and the sets are NEVER complete by opening night. Often many of the SD's design ideas (which again, are brilliant) get left in his head or on the drawing board because as 1 person working alone, he never has time to get it all done. |
Replies:
Posted By: Shatcher
Date Posted: 11/03/05 at 4:47pm
| I have seen this happen often. often times designers feel to get their true vision they must do it themselves. or he may not be used to haveing a talented artist on hand to help or he doesn't like to let others "play in his sandbox". Has he seen some examples of your work? I would talk to him and tell him you would like to help out more on the next show. Show him what you can do and see what happens. If it turns out to be a case of him not wanting to let anyone else play in his little sandbox, check out some other theatres. A good scenic artist is hard to find and worth their weight in gold. I am sure you will find a place to use your talents good luck! |
Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 11/03/05 at 5:57pm
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I hate to say this, but this is life & he probably views
everyone as a threat, to his perceived empire, status &/or standing
within the group. Which is very sad, when one becomes to believe, the place will fall down without you! I think we all can be indited & found guilty of varying degrees of this from time to time! I only hope I will have enough sense to pull the pin, when I indulge in this type of caper! May I suggest it is not a situation that has an instant fix, by pressing a button or mixing with water! Therefore test the value to you of the water else where, without burning your bridges in this group completely. Unfortunately I doubt intervention by the board or a crusade will have much of an effect, or you will even dent the barricade, as it does take time before he will eventually implode! Which is a great pity, as he possibly whole heartedly jumped in to get it done from day one. With no assistance or support of the group & has been used & abused ever since. One thing that could work, is for the group to pass around the hat or club together, to send him on an extended long service leave holiday trip! I doubt my drivel will help you what so ever, as I only tend to run up against this situation, with dragons that run the front of house & rarely with techies, who are always perfect to work with!  ------------- Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house} |
Posted By: Joan54
Date Posted: 11/04/05 at 8:01am
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I don't know where you live but I wish you were in my area....I am up to my elbows in half-painted backdrops and would welcome you with open (painted) hands. I really think that a lot of the petty misunderstandings that happen in theater groups is because people harbor their grudges and don't talk about it. Try a straightforward and none-threatening approach. Tell him the truth..that you have more to offer and you want to get the best backdrops painted in time for opening night. If he panics and won't share his crayons..move on...life is too short to argue with idiots. I painted for several community theaters in this area and now have part share in our own baby theater. It's a thrill to have the design work all to myself...to oversee all of the visual aspects of a show from beginning to end - but I would still welcome anyone who could paint a straight line and I would worship someone who could straighten out my perspective. Have fun..... ------------- "behind a thin wall of logic panic is waiting to stampede" |
Posted By: Aimee
Date Posted: 11/04/05 at 2:26pm
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I agree with Joan54! Just state it up front you want to help. If you get a "no thanks" time to try elswhere. At the school I work at I NEVER have enough painters. We are currently doing Cinderella (Shows are this weekend!)and did almost no building, all painting, I would have loved more painters! Best of luck!
------------- Aimee |