So, the artistic veracity of institutions ebbs and flows. For years, a company can be motivated by core values that put artistic quality first and, then slowly over time, can be more and, then, solely motivated by the social experience - more of a club. Either is fine. No judgement here. But, let's say the idea of artistic expression is paramount to you: a theatre club may not be your cup of tea. Or, let's say you're tired of busting your ass for thankless arteests and want to have some fun? Maybe a theatre club might be a better bet.
So, how can you tell? Is it a Company or is it a Club? Well, gosh. They often look and smell the same but really the core values of the two are completely different. Some ways to tell...
It could be a Club when....
1) They spend a lot of money on a nice clubhouse. (Don't confuse this with groups that have been gifted space.)
2) Casting decisions are based on friendship or who has done the most work for the group.
3) Artistic staff are hired based on friendship or who has done the most work for the group.
4) Every show is considered the best show ever. No criticism of the shows is allowed.
5) Artistic Staff tends to stay the same.
6) Significant resources go into parties or other social events.
7) Decisions are made with the comfort of the club members as primary.
8) The amount of resources thrown at a show is dependent on who is most popular.
9) Most of the members are in all of the shows.
It could be a Company when....
1) They have no or minimal resources going to permanent space, using space only when absolutely necessary.
2) In fact, all resource decisions are based in the needs if the show.
3) Casting decisions are based on who performs the role best in auditions.
4) A Company will hire pro directors whenever possible and only occassionally hire a (very) talented amateur.
5) Artistic Staff can be the same (especially if they're good) but there is always new blood coming and going.
6) Shows are internally critiqued and effort is put into getting better.
7) There may be a lot of going to the bar after rehearsals and shows but not a lot of social events, otherwise.
8) Membership grows with the needs of the show and members come and go. But there is often a dedicated core membership.
So, if you are looking to join a group that is all fun, join a club. If you are looking to win some awards, join a company. Don't go in and try to change everything; one person cannot change the culture in a group. Just go and find a group that suits you best. The end.
Jacqui
Burke is
a freelance director, writer, and
theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is
currently
directing
Lend
Me A Tenor
for Scarborough
Theatre Guild, directing The
Wild Life (a Kidsplay
production), and prepping for the all female version of Taming
of the Shrew
for
Jaybird Productions going up in
the fall of this year. She is,
also, serializing The
Pretender,
her first novel, online at
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/.
Jacqui
Burke
talk/text:
647-292-0210
twitter:
@jaybird01
skype:
Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
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