Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing)

Subject: Re: Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing) Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:47 pm

QC, my hat (or wig) is off to you for an extremely well devised theatre plan. If you really think that PCP/PPH would actually be open to something like this I'd love to know, because this kind of change (or the ability to MEANINGFULLY work towards it) would certainly compel me to re-join. Is this an actual proposal you plan on presenting to PPH? Do you believe that PPH would be willing to institute something like this? It sounds like a dream come true. I'd definitely be on board.
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"We're only amateurs because we don't get paid."

Subject: Re: Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing) Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:36 am

Definitely a well thought out plan. And I have to admit, although I thought The Sonnets turned out ok, there were definitely a few, hmm, long rehearsals. I really can't speak about "Yes Virginia", as I wasn't involved with it. I wanted to be and was supposed to be, but a nasty little hand injury kept me out.

I too will be at auditions next season, so long as the fun is still there. That's one of the reasons why I want to do it. If it stops being fun, well...

Yes, I want PCP to be given the respect it deserves through out the local theatre community. It has done some great things and has a bright future.

But if I might digress here for a moment, if I may, back to the main reason that I posted here to begin with, it's that future I wish to speak about again. Not only the future of PCP, but other programs as well. To once again state that the playhouse as a whole is under attack by these other 2 groups. And not just the playhouse or the programs, but the personnel as well are being targeted with criticism, suggesting that they, basically are inept and don't know what their doing. Included in that group is someone I've known quite well for the past 23 years. I guess this is why it really 'hits home', and why I'm so upset about it. If these other groups have their way, all of these discussions about the future of PCP may be irrelevant, as it may not exist, along with other programs.

I want to say again that I support Dea and the whole staff and any suggestions that she or anyone be let go should just be dismissed. Let's get through this external issue and come out on the other side unscathed, with all currect personnel still in-tack. Then we will be able to focus inward and deal with the internal issues at hand, which I'm confident, if we all work together, can be worked out.

Subject: Re: Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing) Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:01 pm

I know I stated earlier that I planned to keep my distance from this and other potentially "hazardous" topics on the Forum; however, I've been so moved by the amount of emotion paired with fantastic and workable ideas that I can't seem to keep away.

Ragman, it's so clear how much this topic means to you. I admire your fortitude and willingness to speak up because someone was threatening something you care so deeply about. It speaks to your character and your commitment to doing what is right, and I deeply appreciate that quality in you. It's very admirable.

Perhaps this is exactly the catalyst needed to create the right kind of change. I agree completely that Dea is not the issue, nor is most of the staff at PPH. QC is right when he contends that procedure, not personnel, is the problem. Theatre requires a deep sense of commitment, time, and sacrifice. Nobody I have ever met is in it for money, personal gain, or popularity--that's what film is for! The most hard working and committed people I've met in my life have been theatre technicians. They are a special, amazing, and talented group of people as a whole who work toward a common, and sadly too-often thankless job. The suggestion that personnel and technical crew at PPH are inept is imbecilic at best and a flat-out cruel lie at worst. The individuals I met in my few months there were more than able to perform their jobs accurately and admirably; however, bureaucratic red tape and the adherence to outdated procedure was the problem.

I hope very much that procedural changes (like those outlined by QC) can be made and embraced by PPH. These changes, combined with their existing, able personnel, could make that facility the incredible Community theatre it deserves to be.
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"We're only amateurs because we don't get paid."

Admin Age : 24 Joined : 18 Jan 2008 Posts : 211

Admin Age : 24 Joined : 18 Jan 2008 Posts : 211

What happened at the council meeting last night?
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~QC
"Acting is all about honesty... if you can fake that, you've got it down." --Oscar Wilde.
"You must unlearn what you have learned." --Yoda, Jedi Master.

Subject: Re: Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing) Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:27 pm

Lots of playhouse people were there. Tony, Steve & Cathy Felty, DAS & Tara, just to name of few of the employees that were there. As far as PCP, there was, of course, Karen & I, Susan & Rick, and Dean. There was someone there from the writers round table, and a few of the girls from dance. As far as I could tell, no one was there from either DOT or PRT. I'd say about 10 - 12 people got up to say a few words in support of the playhouse. You can go online to www.cityofpalmdale.org, click on city council, watch meetings, to watch them. I did, and one thing I noticed, boy did I get fat. Time for weight watchers, or something. There was lots of support for the playhouse, it's staff and various programs. It was nice to see.

Admin Age : 24 Joined : 18 Jan 2008 Posts : 211

Subject: Re: Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing) Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:19 pm

I would've been there last night with you guys, but we had already planned for a day at the beach. I will be there with you on the 16th. Looking forward to seeing all of ya again!
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If all the world is a stage, then some roles should be recast.

"Always remember, no matter where you go, there you are."--Buckaroo Banzai

Subject: Re: Playhouse Criticism (Formerly Bashing) Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:52 pm

Just watched last nights meeting. WOW! You guys were to the point, all business, and, in my opinion, very effective. I loved the mayor's comment about "We get it" and "We're going to get this settled." Love it. But let's not let it stop. I'll be there next meeting with my two cents worth as well.

And ragman, you didn't look fat. Any more than I look fat on camera................. Wink

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If all the world is a stage, then some roles should be recast.

"Always remember, no matter where you go, there you are."--Buckaroo Banzai

Wannabe Joined : 04 Mar 2008 Posts : 9

As you all may know the city council meeting went really well last night. Funny how no one from DOT showed up. WE MUST NOT QUIT GOING to the meetings !!!!!!!! Our support is needed!!!!!!!!! I plan on going to as many as I can.