Dougherty Arts Center
Support Austin Theatre Financially!
RECEIVED Mon., Feb. 16, 2009
Dear Editor,
I fully believe that Karen Sneed writes with the best intentions ["Theatre Artists Please Volunteer," Postmarks, Feb. 13] when she asks theatre artists to forego reimbursement for a single show this year. However, her request propagates the myth that artists, particularly practitioners of drama, should be willing to work without compensation for their efforts. Such thinking is a fallacy, and it has hobbled the Austin theatre scene for years. Theatrical designers, technicians, and actors are craftsmen and should be treated as such, no matter the state of the economy.
Let me be frank: There are too many theatre venues in this town, diluting audience numbers across the city. There are too many theatre companies producing mediocre work, thereby scaring off potential long-term patrons. A purge, followed by a better consolidation of talents and effort, would improve the health and viability of the scene.
Furthermore, Austin citizens need to realize that buying a ticket at a local theatre does just as much, if not more, for our local economy as eating at Mother's or shopping at BookPeople. On at least one weekend out of the month, please skip the latest formulaic Hollywood release at a national movie chain, and head to an Austin theatre. There is magic happening on our local stages. It won't be available on DVD in six months, and it deserves our attention and support.
I fully believe that Karen Sneed writes with the best intentions ["Theatre Artists Please Volunteer," Postmarks, Feb. 13] when she asks theatre artists to forego reimbursement for a single show this year. However, her request propagates the myth that artists, particularly practitioners of drama, should be willing to work without compensation for their efforts. Such thinking is a fallacy, and it has hobbled the Austin theatre scene for years. Theatrical designers, technicians, and actors are craftsmen and should be treated as such, no matter the state of the economy.
Let me be frank: There are too many theatre venues in this town, diluting audience numbers across the city. There are too many theatre companies producing mediocre work, thereby scaring off potential long-term patrons. A purge, followed by a better consolidation of talents and effort, would improve the health and viability of the scene.
Furthermore, Austin citizens need to realize that buying a ticket at a local theatre does just as much, if not more, for our local economy as eating at Mother's or shopping at BookPeople. On at least one weekend out of the month, please skip the latest formulaic Hollywood release at a national movie chain, and head to an Austin theatre. There is magic happening on our local stages. It won't be available on DVD in six months, and it deserves our attention and support.
Scott Daigle
