Local arts a good value
Paul Power
The Telegram
“That’s way too expensive.”
This is the response I received recently when I suggested to a friend that she check out a play I was working on this past month. Despite the keen interest she exhibited when I described the tale of jealousy, betrayal and murder, I lost her when I mentioned the astronomical ticket price of $12.50. Apparently there is a value placed on art, and for many the it isn’t that high.
Our province has one of the most dynamic and diverse arts communities in the country. Besides the handful of large productions that take place at the Arts and Culture Centre, amateur theatre is also in abundance in St. John’s. A variety of producers including MUN Drama, Shakespeare By the Sea, First Light and the Resource Centre for the Arts give us great productions throughout the year. And while these productions may be labelled ‘amateur’ anyone who has seen shows over the past year has discovered they are anything but amateurish. On a more regular basis the St. John’s Lane theatre offers a regular serving of dinner theatre productions. This is all on top of the thriving local music scene that usually has something for everyone and the specialized art galleries.
As the saying goes, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts scene. So, then, why are our local arts projects not valued more?
The friend I mentioned wouldn’t pay $12.50 for admission into a local play. However, she will pay close to $25.00 for a night at the movies when you add in the culinary delights of soggy popcorn and flat soda.
The answer to the common perception that local entertainment, especially theatre, isn’t worth the time or the money lies in our current attitude towards how or where we want to be entertained. In our pop culture crazy world, the opportunities to lose one’s self in a fantasy world of amusement are endless. We now have more television channels than one can possibly ever watch. Our cinemas in the city have gotten bigger and choices wider. And then there’s the cyber world of saving the earth, downloading the latest toy or even replacing the world of dating with the more personal and passionate keyboard and times roman font.
Obviously, it’s hard to compete in a world of endless entertainment selections. This is probably why, from personal experience and after talking to colleagues, those who take on their own theatre productions are more concerned about 'breaking even' than becoming rich and famous. Adding to the competition are those who value the latest Hollywood blockbuster or small screen reality show much more than the live stage.
It’s a shame - because live theatre - especially the projects taking place here in St. John’s, have more to offer than your nearest two dimensional screen.
Local productions are a collaboration of fellow city and provincial residents. People give their time, energy and talent in endless hours of rehearsals. Months are spent on set construction, lighting design, sound, promotional materials and prop searching. Surprisingly, all this effort in amateur theatre is usually done voluntarily with little expectation of payment. Instead the investment comes from the passion and desire to entertain and the pay-off is a receptive and appreciative audience. What a great personal relationship between performer and audience.
The rewards and benefits of being a patron of local productions are numerous. As an audience member you support artists in your community, expand the professional and artistic goals of those involved, encourage future projects which leads to an even stronger and diverse arts community, and of course enjoying some fantastic performances. You won’t get this kind of appreciation or positive community rewards from the latest Julia Roberts vehicle or tribal council.
Too expensive? All in all, $12.50 seems quite reasonable.
The Telegram
“That’s way too expensive.”
This is the response I received recently when I suggested to a friend that she check out a play I was working on this past month. Despite the keen interest she exhibited when I described the tale of jealousy, betrayal and murder, I lost her when I mentioned the astronomical ticket price of $12.50. Apparently there is a value placed on art, and for many the it isn’t that high.
Our province has one of the most dynamic and diverse arts communities in the country. Besides the handful of large productions that take place at the Arts and Culture Centre, amateur theatre is also in abundance in St. John’s. A variety of producers including MUN Drama, Shakespeare By the Sea, First Light and the Resource Centre for the Arts give us great productions throughout the year. And while these productions may be labelled ‘amateur’ anyone who has seen shows over the past year has discovered they are anything but amateurish. On a more regular basis the St. John’s Lane theatre offers a regular serving of dinner theatre productions. This is all on top of the thriving local music scene that usually has something for everyone and the specialized art galleries.
As the saying goes, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts scene. So, then, why are our local arts projects not valued more?
The friend I mentioned wouldn’t pay $12.50 for admission into a local play. However, she will pay close to $25.00 for a night at the movies when you add in the culinary delights of soggy popcorn and flat soda.
The answer to the common perception that local entertainment, especially theatre, isn’t worth the time or the money lies in our current attitude towards how or where we want to be entertained. In our pop culture crazy world, the opportunities to lose one’s self in a fantasy world of amusement are endless. We now have more television channels than one can possibly ever watch. Our cinemas in the city have gotten bigger and choices wider. And then there’s the cyber world of saving the earth, downloading the latest toy or even replacing the world of dating with the more personal and passionate keyboard and times roman font.
Obviously, it’s hard to compete in a world of endless entertainment selections. This is probably why, from personal experience and after talking to colleagues, those who take on their own theatre productions are more concerned about 'breaking even' than becoming rich and famous. Adding to the competition are those who value the latest Hollywood blockbuster or small screen reality show much more than the live stage.
It’s a shame - because live theatre - especially the projects taking place here in St. John’s, have more to offer than your nearest two dimensional screen.
Local productions are a collaboration of fellow city and provincial residents. People give their time, energy and talent in endless hours of rehearsals. Months are spent on set construction, lighting design, sound, promotional materials and prop searching. Surprisingly, all this effort in amateur theatre is usually done voluntarily with little expectation of payment. Instead the investment comes from the passion and desire to entertain and the pay-off is a receptive and appreciative audience. What a great personal relationship between performer and audience.
The rewards and benefits of being a patron of local productions are numerous. As an audience member you support artists in your community, expand the professional and artistic goals of those involved, encourage future projects which leads to an even stronger and diverse arts community, and of course enjoying some fantastic performances. You won’t get this kind of appreciation or positive community rewards from the latest Julia Roberts vehicle or tribal council.
Too expensive? All in all, $12.50 seems quite reasonable.