When I first read the Mike Daisy interview I dismissed some of it in the name of economics. After all, isn't the balance sheet the driving force for many decisions being made at regional theatres?
For the past few weeks however, I have found myself reevaluating my position on several fronts. Take actors for example. Why don’t we use local or regional actors more frequently in regional theatres today? Weren't actors the driving force for the creation of regional theatres?
If the argument is based in economic reasoning, then how do you explain the extra cost of casting directors, housing out-of-town actors and/or transportation costs associated with bringing actors from out of the area. These expenses don’t include an artistic director’s travel and expenses to go to the casting session.
When we say over-riding economic factors are we really just side-stepping the pay or benefits to actors who might be in a Regional Theatre? Is this 'code' for getting free trips to New York to cast shows perhaps?
And what of Daisey's premise that theatres are losing audiences because they no longer have a connection to the actors. Can't one make the same case in professional sports? How many local sports heroes still drive fans to stadiums even when the team has a bad season? Could the same be said for actors if the audience actually connected to the cast? Would they care for them in the same way they care for sports superstars?
When you look at the outside world and the shifts going on to outsource jobs, this practice is acceptable to shareholders, while deplorable to others with no stake in the game. But in theatre, actors have always had a vagabond existence and perhaps those who want to stay in one region are the exception, not the rule.
I am trying to see both side of this discussion and hope to research and learn of the attempts by theatres to help local actors have access to work on Regional Theatres in major roles. Yes, Mike Daisey’s interview has brought up some interesting issues in the world of regional theatre, but clearly they won’t get resolved today. I do have to give Mike Daisey credit for prompting me to devote a few more brain cells to this topic.
Yours in business,
Thank you for taking the time to read my words.
Yours in business,
Joel
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