Help with failing theater group
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Topic: Help with failing theater group
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Help with failing theater group
Date Posted: 3/15/03 at 10:19am
I am the president of a failing theater group in a small town in Arizona.
The group has been around for 23 years. Many of the original
members do not like to change. The group has been going downhill. We
have tried to revitalize it this year, but without success mostly due
to infighting and lack of interest. We have an incompetent executive
director who does not help matters. Should we just fold and start
over as something else or should we continue to struggle? The group
does not have a reputation of putting on "quality" shows (think cheap sets, etc) and plays to
our "snowbird" audience. We do 3 dinner shows per year. I do not plan
to continue to participate in the group because it is very stressful
without the usual rewards you get from theater involvement. I'd appreciate
any words of wisdom!
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Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 3/15/03 at 11:41am
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I guess you're just venting, because deep in your heart you know you're beating a dead horse. You're saying that the reputation of your theater is nothing to crow about, so what's the harm in letting it go into the good night? If you're not burned out entirely, you may put your efforts into starting fresh with a bunch of more agreeable, knowledgeable people. Bad experiences are good teachers. Use your past experience to learn and avoid the same mistakes in the future. Good luck.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 3/17/03 at 11:31am
I agree with Nick H. Life is too short.
BUT, there may be a reason to try to save the existing group but you did not mention it. Is there something? A wonderful facility that you could not replace? A healthy bank account?
It is hard to start over. I know. It takes a long time to gain a lot of things that you may not even consider - public awareness of your new group, audiences, set pieces, props, volunteers, an ongoing business (likely with 501(c)(3) status), a building (with all of the necessary theater stuff like lights, sound, rigging, curtains) and so on.
As you make a decision to leave (which I think you have already made) consider what the alternatives are and how you would actually start a new group. Make a realistic business plan. Where will your start-up money come from? How long will it take to make a theater out of an empty space? How many volunteers can you count on to make it all happen? How will you pay bills until your first play comes in?
Consider a palace coup. Find out how many others feel as you do. Are there enough to vote in your own slate of candidates at the next election or two? Can you make a recall election work?
Having started an alternative theater, I can assure you that it is a lot of work. It has taken us three years to get to where we are today - known for quality productions, a permanent home (last six months only) and large audiences. When we started we had single digit and low double digit audiences. Now we get 50 to 70 and standing room audiences.
Be realistic about the good things you will be walking away from and how you will replace them.
Good luck. I know how hard the decision is.
Doug
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 3/17/03 at 5:12pm
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I suspect your burned out. It can happen. I suggest you submit a friendly 'best of luck' resignation and go out for every audition within the city limits at other theater groups. You need to get 'on stage' and renew your love of theater.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 4/08/03 at 6:47pm
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Yes, this is a difficult situation. I have been involved in something similar for 2 years. Very disheartening. We've had a number of resignations and 2 other theatre groups open in town as a result of it. Both failed. I don't know what to do either. If I ever start a nonprofit from scratch, it will include a provision for term limits -- 2 terms of three years -- followed by a 2 year hiatus before serving again. Best wishes.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 7/12/03 at 11:15am
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Our community theater is in a small town in central Washington - also supported by "rain birds" from Seattle. What has kept our theater alive is young people! Use teens and college students home for the summer. Youthful enthusiasm and a pretty face can do a lot for a production. We did Man of La Mancha, The Wiz, Scrooge, Music Man, Forever Plaid, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - most of the cast were teens! I also don't rely on auditions of the same old crew. I personally ask people from the community that I find can sing then I give them the opportunity to learn to act. Last year I asked a man to audition just because he rode a harley davidson and has long hair. He turned out to be quite a comedian and added a lot to the production (Man of La Mancha). I've asked high school principals, deli ladies at the store, waitresses. Make the theater group a real community theater group. Don't let a few old fogies railroad the group. As far as cheap - that is fine. Most of our productions are volunteer efforts from the alternative high school and thrift store costuming. Our productions are awesome! I think our theater is well supported because of community involvement. Give those snow birds something to do while they are waiting for the performance. Put them to work painting sets, collecting scrap wood or sewing! They'll appreciate the production a lot more if they get involved. If you care about your theater group - don't let the grouchies kill it. See its potential to bring the community together. Get a volunteer coordinator and have some fun! Good luck!
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