Monday, August 31, 2009

Jobless in Seattle

"You've Cott Mail" posted a hot-topic article this morning from the Seattle Times about how the larger local theatres aren't hiring as many local actors as in even two years ago, or last year. The article, written by ex-Bay Area theatre writer Misha Berson, indicated that Seattle Rep slashed roles for local actors from 40 last year to 20 this year. Ouch.

Of course local actors cost less overall than out-of-town actors, so on the surface you have to wonder where the cost-savings is. Can we say touring productions, coproductions, touring solo shows? (Since this is Seattle, I'm reminded of Mike Daisey's diatribe monologue against big theatre companies who don't support their local artists, while he was touring around the country with his solo show taking up slots in regional theatres' season. Not that I disagreed with him, but irony can be unavoidable no matter your intentions.)

Might be interesting to compare how Seattle's regional theatres are dealing with the recession as opposed to Bay Area theatres. Last week I just finished editing an article for our October issue (that's how far in advance we work), a discussion about the benefits of hiring local artists--and the possibly surprising benefits of having out-of-town artists here. But anecdotally, I've noticed that San Jose Rep's Rick Lombardo, in his first season, is committed to the local actors, and even Magic Theatre hired mostly local actors in Loretta Greco's first season. (Now, if we can get some more local directors and playwrights in there too.... I did hear that Rick was meeting with a lot of local playwrights.)

The out-of-town casting/hiring is always a hot-button topic. The very first issue in 1976 of what is now Theatre Bay Area magazine had an article about it, and it seems we run an article about it every couple of years. I tried to cast (ahem) the October article a bit differently, holistically if you will. I know it's a month off yet, but I'll enjoy hearing your comments when it comes out.

28 comments:

  1. As a member of the As You Like It cast at San Jose Rep, I can give the details - of 12 cast members, only 2 are out-of-towners - and one has worked with Rick many times before, and the other has performed here locally and hails from Fresno. Chloe Veltman has some interesting insight on the local hiring on her blog - http://tinyurl.com/q65ffd. Thanks for bringing up this topic, Karen!

    ReplyDelete
  2. "(Since this is Seattle, I'm reminded of Mike Daisey's diatribe monologue against big theatre companies who don't support their local artists, while he was touring around the country with his solo show taking up slots in regional theatres' season. Not that I disagreed with him, but irony can be unavoidable no matter your intentions.)"

    The monologue in question, HOW THEATER FAILED AMERICA, is indeed about the failure of regional theater in America to live up to the movement that gave birth to it, but it doesn't shy away from *any* of the details of my work history--I talk at length in the piece about this, so if you are indeed familiar with the work I am not certain how exactly this is ironic.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Dolphins Flag is viewable from both sides with the opposite side being a reverse image.Fly your Dolphins Flag with our tailgate pole or 6' aluminum flagpole and adjustable flag bracket.
    nfl flags wholesale
    nfl house divided flagscheap St.Louis Rams house divided flags
    Falcons house divided flags, House Divided Flags,Sports Flags 3x5, Sports flags and banners,nfl House Divided Flags

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sulla base di aspetto tipico del Galatasaray, metà rosso e giallo a metà, il kit Galatasaray 16-17 aggiunge un modello strisce mai vista prima per la parte anteriore e posteriore. Circa ispira le maniche della mascherina kit Vapor Nike, le strisce offrono una completamente nuova assumere il tradizionale disegno della camicia Galatasaray.maglie da calcio a poco prezzo,
    magliette da calcio poco prezzo, Maglia Barcelona 2017 vendita
    Maglia Deportivo a poco prezzo shop

    ReplyDelete
  5. Get free World popular Game & Apps for Android, IOS and PC.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. very nice post i really glad to read you effective and meaning ful content...kinemaster diamond mod apk download Click here

    ReplyDelete
  8. Iowa has an online form for “employers to report unemployed claimants who have refused legitimate job offers.” Advertisement. Continue reading...Safeway Survey

    ReplyDelete
  9. Betway provides live betting facilities where players can start placing their bets once the match has begun. It also live streams all sports, starting from major to minor ones. A detailed Betway Review here.
    Wild Casino is one of the most current online clubs to enter the space. Set up in 2017, Wild Casino is approved in Panama. While the site itself is new, obviously the gathering out of sight at Wild Casino has significant roots in the business. Read detailed Wild Casino Review here.
    A deatiled 32Red Review here. 32Red offers live tables with HD streaming, proficient vendors, and the absolute most imaginative games available. It is presently truly outstanding around. It likewise offers various bingo rooms, so we can head on finished and play a portion of its bingo games.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey very nice blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to seek out so many useful information right here within the submit, we’d like develop more strategies in this

    regard, thanks for sharing.
    Best Psychics In Philadelphia,
    Indian Astrologer Near Me,
    Ram Mandir Plano Tx,
    Top Indian Astrologer in USA,

    ReplyDelete
  11. اجرای رنگ پلی اورتان
    شما لزوماً نیازی به رنگ آمیزی یک سطح قبل از محافظت از آن با پلی اورتان ندارید ، اما اگر می خواهید یک رنگ ثابت داشته باشید ، رنگ آمیزی راهی است که باید دنبال کنید.

    قبل از شروع ، به نکات ما در مورد چگونگی حذف و جلوگیری از ریختن رنگ مراجعه کنید!

    تا زمانی که سطح را به درستی از قبل آماده کرده باشید ، از پلی اورتان به رنگ لاتکس و اکریلیک می چسبد و از آن محافظت می کند.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for sharing this informative content.,
    Leanpitch provides online training in Agile team facilitation ,everyone can use it wisely.

    ICAGILE ATF

    ICP ATF

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing such a valuable information and knowledge.It is very useful for us.
    Astrologer in Bangalore
    Famous Astrologer in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  14. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well

    Addandclick.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  15. You have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?

    Forum.singaporeexpats.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hiya! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share.

    Appreciate it!

    Wfc2.wiredforchange.com
    Ads.focus-news.net
    3db.moy.su
    Api.buu.ac.th

    ReplyDelete
  17. GoMovies is a web-based film streaming site thought process is to engage all ages individual. Here you will get the most recent and old motion pictures which can convey next level diversion encounters. Watching films on GoMovies helps with setting aside your cash as well as watching your number one motion pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Join The Global Hues in celebrating the individuals who pioneer change, embodying ambition and vision in their endeavors.
    theglobalhues

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for sharing such a valuable information and knowledge. It is very useful for us.
    Corporate Law Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  20. I appreciate how you always back up your points with data and research. It adds credibility to your arguments and makes your blog a reliable source of information. Keep up the excellent work, I've always been hesitant to use online essay writing services, but your tips gave me the confidence to give it a try

    ReplyDelete
  21. Seattle's nearby institutions show the same underlying system for supporting the arts. What could be appealing is to look at how Seattle’s regional theatres are coping the recession as compared to the Bay Area theatres. The constructs for different cultures give the possibility of learning how the arts sector renewed itself. Such comparisons, if you're writing about them, can be particularly effective if performed with the best landing pages for ebooks.

    ReplyDelete