Be Noble and Get Some Parasites in Your Life/
Hi everyone. This is your long lost blogger here, finally back after being bogged down by the six-day work week (which I secretly love) and opening a show (which went very well).
This will be very, very quick, because I am meeting two fantastic people for breakfast in 26 minutes and I have to make my hair look less like wet fur and more like...wet hair.
Here's the thing: my friends at Unspun Theatre did a show a few months ago which was creative and amazing and fantastic. But it was incredibly disconcerting to find out that there was hardly anyone in the audience. We are having the same problem with Noble Parasites, and when I ask around the theatre community, the general consensus is that tiny audiences are now the norm.
I am concerned that people don't go to the theatre in Toronto any more -- really concerned -- because the arts in this country seem to be in real trouble. If even Lord of the Rings has trouble staying afloat in this city, what does the future hold for the rest of us? I don't know enough about politics to blame anyone in particular (!) but I think it's a really, really sad state of affairs. Being flat broke, I understand that high ticket prices could be one of the factors keeping people away from the theatre. So could bad weather, better TV, no money going into the arts, etc. but I really hope it changes soon. Noble Parasites, on at Theatre Passe Muraille right now, is a mainstage show at a major theatre in the theatre capital of Canada....and we had fifteen people in the audience last night. Eleven the night before. Ten the night before that.
So...I am sending out a plea!! If you're broke like me, come and see Noble Parasites TODAY at 2pm. It's pay-what-you-can (same as next Sunday and the Sunday after that) so you can enjoy a funny, smart show for a price you can handle. If you're not interested in Sci-Fi (even though the play also addresses some very pressing issues in the world today and is FUNNY!), then please go and see SOMETHING ELSE! SOMETHING LIVE! SOMETHING WONDERFUL! There are tons of shows happening in Toronto right now by up-and-coming companies that represent the future of Canadian theatre. Just pick up a NOW or EYE magazine to find out what's on.
I sound like a salesperson...maybe I should look into vaccuum-selling for my next career...hmm...
See you soon, I hope!
K.
p.s. The make-things-huge button seems to be gone. My title looks so lonely and small and green up there.
Hi everyone. This is your long lost blogger here, finally back after being bogged down by the six-day work week (which I secretly love) and opening a show (which went very well).
This will be very, very quick, because I am meeting two fantastic people for breakfast in 26 minutes and I have to make my hair look less like wet fur and more like...wet hair.
Here's the thing: my friends at Unspun Theatre did a show a few months ago which was creative and amazing and fantastic. But it was incredibly disconcerting to find out that there was hardly anyone in the audience. We are having the same problem with Noble Parasites, and when I ask around the theatre community, the general consensus is that tiny audiences are now the norm.
I am concerned that people don't go to the theatre in Toronto any more -- really concerned -- because the arts in this country seem to be in real trouble. If even Lord of the Rings has trouble staying afloat in this city, what does the future hold for the rest of us? I don't know enough about politics to blame anyone in particular (!) but I think it's a really, really sad state of affairs. Being flat broke, I understand that high ticket prices could be one of the factors keeping people away from the theatre. So could bad weather, better TV, no money going into the arts, etc. but I really hope it changes soon. Noble Parasites, on at Theatre Passe Muraille right now, is a mainstage show at a major theatre in the theatre capital of Canada....and we had fifteen people in the audience last night. Eleven the night before. Ten the night before that.
So...I am sending out a plea!! If you're broke like me, come and see Noble Parasites TODAY at 2pm. It's pay-what-you-can (same as next Sunday and the Sunday after that) so you can enjoy a funny, smart show for a price you can handle. If you're not interested in Sci-Fi (even though the play also addresses some very pressing issues in the world today and is FUNNY!), then please go and see SOMETHING ELSE! SOMETHING LIVE! SOMETHING WONDERFUL! There are tons of shows happening in Toronto right now by up-and-coming companies that represent the future of Canadian theatre. Just pick up a NOW or EYE magazine to find out what's on.
I sound like a salesperson...maybe I should look into vaccuum-selling for my next career...hmm...
See you soon, I hope!
K.
p.s. The make-things-huge button seems to be gone. My title looks so lonely and small and green up there.
posted by katehewlett at 10:00 AM
66 Comments:
Oh, would that I could! Sadly, Chicago is too far to go from. Or away. Or something like that. Hopefully the citizens of Toronto will come to their senses, soon.
A friend and I are going to see it on Tuesday and it looks great! It's a little scary that Toronto isn't much of a theatre town, but at least Stratford is still thriving, right? It actually weirds me out a little that people will drive to Stratford to see a play but not see one downtown. (But of course, they've got the Festival Theatre and some truly spectacular cast and crew.)
Can you post some links to the show please?
Work sucks I've been looking for an excuse for a road trip. Toronto is not that far from Michigan and if I can swing it, I'll check it out. I just can't find any links to the show (admittedly, my mind is addled today).
:( It's unfortunate that you're having trouble filling the seats, especially since I'm bitter that *I* can't make it there. I find it frustrating that the more interesting productions in cities I can't make it to often enough aren't thriving. It's disappointing.
But in all fairness, I thought that the Lord of the Rings production was horrible and I'm not at all surprised that its run ended early. I get your point, but you don't give yourself enough credit - I think LotR is far from the best that Toronto theatre has to offer.
FWIW, DC theater boards are talking about the same slowdown over the last year or two, and I keep hearing that film/DVD numbers are down, too. I'm not sure what that's about. DC theater always has to play off what's happening in NYC so we tend to blame everything on that. And scapegoats are useful (Stratford, I'm guessing?) but hardly solve your problem. :(
I wish I could go (in fact everyone I know wishes they could-one actually is going! When I don't know) but it was either Toronto or Vancouver for vacaction and Vancouver won. Sorry! :(
Alas, if you are in production in NYC or Washington, DC-I'd be there!
Hope the cats are ok!
I'll go next Sunday!
Kate, if I lived anywhere near there, I would SO go. I have never been to the threater, but I think I would enjoy it. Its a shame the audience has been so small. I do like the 'pay-what-you-can' though...lol
Awwwwww - if I weren't stormbound in NYC, and if there were a way to get to Toronto from here in 10 minutes, I totally would. Where are the Asgard when you really need them?
Wish I could help! *sads* But I won't be in the country until June and can't afford to come over any earlier. Sorry! Good luck... I'll pimp it to my friends in Toronto to see if they'll go.
:(
Were I in Toronto or nearby area, I would definately find a way to go andsee Noble Parasites and whatever other plays I could manage to get to.
Unfortunately, living near Halifax, it's a bit more than a short jaunt. I definately understand your plea, though, and it makes me sad to hear that the arts community is having such struggles - I always assumed that especially in Toronto, there would be a healthy community and decent sized audiences.
Should I ever find myself in Toronto, I'll be sure to catch a play, though I don't see that happening for a fairly long time.
Keep your chin up, hopefully things'll swing back up.
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
I'm so sorry that I can't go! Believe me, if I could get up to Toronto, I would!
Sometimes smaller theatre groups suffer from lack of theatre interest in their towns. Is there a way you can put the word out to the theatre departments of your local colleges? That is a built-in audience there! I'd also see if you can't spread the word to the Science Fiction clubs and maybe posters in bookstores?
Good luck! And if NP comes to NY, you can count on my attendance!
I have the answer! You must move to the UK! we love fringe theatre.
Maybe you should become a travelling theatre group?
Have you seen 'The league of Gentleman'? I'm thinking about the 'Legs Akimbo' drama group.
Is the play likely to cause small children psychological damage? ;-)
I think perhaps there isn't enough exposure of theatre to children anymore. The best they can hope for at school is a usually over enthusiastic, brightly dressed, slightly odd, Drama teacher telling them to act a tree!
What I find even more bizarre is, you could easily charge double that for a ticket in London. As you know tis expensive!
I'm trying to get up there Kate, I really am. Darn my renters for not being able to buy my house yet! I was hoping to be able to pay off a couple of credit cards and make a trip up out of that money. Aarrrgg!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dear Kate
It is sad to hear that live theatre is getting such small audiences in Canada particularly in the capital! I know we all love our TV series and movies but ... live theatre is so very, very important. Sadly, I think that many do not believe that you have *arrived* as an actor or actress until you are in film. But live theatre is magical, so much relies on the talents and presence of the players and a beautifully executed lighting scheme can impose a sense of drama that sometimes millions of dollars worth of CG fail to achieve on film. And you are right there ... in the moment.
Unforunately I am here in the UK and can only offer you good vibes from a distance and the random posts and reminders about your play which I have left on the ADB website, and anywhere else I can think of.
Hope it goes better ....
AMx
It really is sad how Theatre has gotten lost in todays world of movies and tv. (Though, can't lie, I am all about movies and tv.) I work off and on in theatre (techie!) in AZ and it is like pulling teeth to get a full house for shows that are SO VERY great. Though I can't go because... well.. even WITH pay as much as you can tickets I would have to pay for a PLANE ticket... I just want you to know how awesome I think it is that you have that option for people. Two claps!
I'd love to be able to go, if only I wasn't on this side of the Atlantic!! My dad has some relatives in Toronto, I'm afraid nudging them is going to be the closest I'll get!!
I'd make my cousin go to a show, but she never does what I tell her to do. :-( If I ever manage to visit her, I'll insist on taking in a show, though.
If I weren't in Scotland, and if I weren't a penniless student, I'd come and see the play!
Sadly I think there's similar things happening in theatres all over the world. I'm feeling guilty that it's been several years since I was at a play, but I really can't afford it (I don't go to the cinema either). In my neck of the woods (Glasgow) the only shows that still get a high amount of bookings are Christmas Pantos and such...anything outwith that seems to get bypassed almost entirely.
I live in upstate NY (massive storm coming!), but I'm actually going to be in Toronto for a meeting in 2 weeks. Will it still be running by then?
I swear i am going to see one of your plays if it kills me! Though being in England (which by the way has been hilariously hot the past week! Global warmings plus side =D ) it gets hard. I'm saving up already i promise!
And well, i guess people don't know the talent that they're missing out on! Talking about missing out on things; season four of Atlantis can't come any quicker for me, i miss it badly, and you need to be in it again!
Lots of love!
[J]oe xx
OK, I just checked the website and saw that it will be running until April 29th.
I now have tickets for the April 28th performance. (Looks good, and I love sci-fi!) :-)
I was just thinking about you yesterday, and wondering if you might post again soon. I'm sorry to hear that the crowds have been so sparse for NP. If I lived closer, I would certainly see the show, but Phoenix, AZ is a bit of a haul. Since I can't make it to Toronto, I think I'll check out the local theater scene here. If I can't support your show, I can at least support something in my own city.
In other news, Joe Mallozzi has been posting a few tidbits in his blog about a season 4 SGA episode provocatively titled "Miller's Crossing". I am keeping my fingers crossed that this title refers to my favorite Miller. :-)
If I was anywhere near Toronto, I'd be there like a shot. In keeping with the spirit of your post though, I resolve to check the local listings and go out and see something live in my local area asap.. we keep saying we should go see more live shows and we just don't seem to get around to it.
Consider this reader inspired and support of the performing arts boosted - at least a tiny bit - on a worldwide scale by your post!
you know, i haven't been to the theathe for about 8 years^^ I love it but just never seems to go. but i'm going into town tomorrow and i might pop in the little theathe and see what's on (and how much). I really wanted to go see sound of music at the west end and couldn't get the time off work, i wanted to see Daniel Radcliffe, got the time off work but my mum booked a holiday instead *sigh* nothing ever seems to come together :(
I would love to see your play, but Kansas is just too far from Toronto. I'm sorry to hear the attendance isn't good, but I hope at least the reviews are. It must be awfully discouraging.
Hi Kate
I am in the process of twisting my husband's arm and will try and come to see you..he is almost convinced- I think.. I can only hope.. Oh and I found 2b theatre and will be going to see a production of their's in the fall- your friend was very nice in calling me personally.
Dianne Hemming
CFB Greenwood
I wish I could head into Toronto to see "Noble Parasites", but I live on the opposite side of the continent. I really hope the folks there in Toronto start supporting the play, because I'd love to see it hit the road and head out here to Seattle, where I have a chance of actually seeing it. I live over on the Pacific coast, but I would so make the drive into Seattle for that!
My friend and I will be there on the 28th. Looking forward to seeing you and the play.
I used to see plays (and work behind the scenes on them) all the time, but for some reason kinda got out of the habit. Looking back, I wonder why. I blame those tiny theatre seats. At those Broadway theatres you're lucky you have a place to put your feet!
Hope more people get off their butts and come see your play. Best Wishes!
Oh man, I totally would be there if I wasn't in the US! *pouts*
That made me want to move to Canada. Are there any good places to take a master's degree in computer science in Vancouver or Toronto?
It's sad that the people up there in Toronto don't appreciate what they have right there. I would love to have access to the arts any time. Here in Florida you can only see University plays like two weekends a year or Broadway tours which one must buy tickets for months in advance to get a seat. Unfortunately Toronto is way to far for me but if you ever do a play in a Florida city (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, even Miami) I'd defiantly be there.
I would love to attend your play! Sadly I haven't been to the theater in years. Unfortunately Toronto's too far of a drive from Oklahoma. :( Maybe one of these days I'll be able to take a vacation up in that area while one of your plays is showing. :)
One another note, I asked Joe Mallozzi about the episode he's tenatively named Miller's Crossing to see if that had anything to do with you. He answered one part of my question, but not that part I'm afraid. :p I'm really hoping to see you on SGA next season!
You would think that in such ugly times people would be more inclined to want to be entertained. It is a really strange era in which we live.
It's the same here in Atlanta. You can get tickets to just about any show. That was unheard of just a few years ago.
I'll keep thinking good thoughts that your run will start picking up an audience!
I have to admit I haven't seen something "live" in a long time. :-( I don't know what it is... maybe laziness, maybe after being at school or at work for soo many hours, at night people just feel like staying home sitting on their couch...
Also, I know I don't see a lot of "live stuff" advertised, maybe that's a problem there too?
Anyways, I definitely can't help with the Toronto plays, though I'd love to see your show. :-(
Uh, at least the number is rising since those 10 :/ I know it's not much for a bright side of things, but I got nothing else :(
Anyway, I think that it is happening everywhere. Today, there's not much people seeing any play, even if its the most brilliant thing out there :/ I'm afraid to say, I'm included. It's been like 2 or 3 years since I've seen anything... Even movies, the last thing I've seen in a movie theater was "PotC: The dead man's Chest". I don't really know why, but believe me, if I was anywhere near Toronto I would see "Noble Parasites" or any other play you were involved in.
Sadly, I'm the whole Atlantic Ocean away from Canada and being a student, even if I wanted to take some vacations there, it would be complicated :/
Sorry :(
Oh, and about the make-things-huge button, check the right side of the screen, and see if you are in "HTML (something)" or "Compose" mode. The mode you want is "Compose". Once you are there, the button should be side by side with the "Font" button.
Bye, and I really wish you get more public next :/
Oh, what a shame so few people go to the theatres. I shouldn't blame people though because I didn't use to see live shows that much but I go more and more now. I live in Paaris and enjoy going to the theatre or to concerts, especially when the performers are not well known. it is so refreshing to see there are a lot of talented people but you always end up seeing or hearing the same celebrities, many of which seem to be interesting more because of their fame than their talent. Anyway there's a possibility I will move to Canada before the end of the year, so if that is the case I will make sure to see one of your plays. Good luck for the rest of the performances, I hope more people will show up. :-)
If I can manage to talk my boss into giving me two consecutive days off this month (I work in a grocery store slinging clams), my wife and I will definitely drive up and see the play. I've always wanted to visit a "foreign" country anyway *G*, and the play is a very good reason.
If it was summer, I'd be there (I really wish I could see it), but alas, I have to keep teaching all the way to the end of May, and St. Louis to Toronto isn't really a quick trip. I love the town, though.
I hate to hear that there's been such a small turnout. I have to agree with the Brit above about them loving fringe theatre. I only ever go to see my students' productions here, but I had great fun when I was at the Edinburgh Fringe last August - so much creativity & fun!
Anyway, I wish you the best for the rest of the run, and if there are any good plays up there this summer when I'm visiting Toronto, I'll do my bit to fill the theatre.
aw...too bad its not in Vancouver.
Hey Kate.
I soooo wish that I could come and see the show!
It sounds soo cool!
But I think it might be a little too far for me to travel, considering I live in Bristol, England. :(
Shelley
It's sad that the audiences aren't there. I'd come in a heartbeat if it was in the same country (or continent. or side of the ocean).
Though I tend towards dance performances (and if there were plays about archaeology... they would probably be very boring. But I would go) I will try to make more of an effort over here!
Hope things pick up!
Kim
You need to come to England. We have no such problems.x
Actually, I've noticed the same thing about theatre in T.O. lately. (My own home stomping grounds.) I suspect all the reasons you listed are part of the problem -- high ticket prices, weather, tv, lack of money for the arts... all of it, sure. But I also suspect part of the problem is a cultural paradigm shift. We, as a generation, seem to be much more into the plug-in-and-zone-out entertainment thing (tv, dvd, video games, etc) rather than the get-out-and-participate entertainment thing (theatre, dance, concerts, etc).
(I've always thought theatre was entirely participatory on the part of the audience -- which is why I wanted to make a career out of it in the first place.)
I've spent the last few months working on a couple of shows (I stage manage and dabble in design), and have noticed a couple of things about the audiences we're getting... First, they seem to be increasingly falling into the "blue rinse" demographic. Getting people who were born after 1965 out to productions seems darn near impossible sometimes. (Though, given the themes of Unspun's work, I doubt you see the same demographics.) Nevertheless, the younger set seem a whole lot more interested in film and television, rather than live theatre -- which is something of a shame since, as you said, Toronto is Canada's theatre capital. It'd be nice to boast a theatre culture similar to New York's Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway life. Unfortunately, however, for a lot of Canadians (or maybe just Torontonians?), live theatre seems to be something they went to in high school when they were bussed out to places like Stratford, but forgot about once they graduated and no longer had to sit through renditions of the Bard for Grade 12 English. So, there's a complete lack of familiarity with it both as entertainment and as an artistic medium.
Secondly, however, the audiences I've seen are coming in on account of word-of-mouth instead of traditional advertising. (You know, I think A Dog's Breakfast really has a great thing going with the whole viral/internet grassroots marketing thing. I just wish I knew how to translate that into theatre audiences.) Most of the folks I've talked with are actually delightfully surprised to discover there are shows happening beyond the usual King St - Yonge St - Front St triangle. What's more, they're incredibly happy to find stages that charge considerably less than the average $65-per-ticket price a lot of the core downtown theatres are charging. (I tried to hit some shows with a friend of mine when she was up from Indiana. We couldn't find anything advertised for less than $65... and almost nothing advertised outside of King-Yonge-Front.)
So, I don't know. I'm at as much of a loss as you to explain it. I only know that I share your concern and would love to find a solution to it. But, when you're working on a shoestring budget, how do you get the buzz to fill the seats? How do you make it "cool" to go out to see a live show again? (I mean, hell, it costs a whole lot less to see a show like Noble Parasites than it does to go to a movie, these days. So, cost can't be the be all and end all of the problem.) *shrugs* Beats me. But, y'know, if I ever do find something of a solution to it, I'll let you know.
Incidentally, since my current show wraps on Saturday, I'll do my best to hit yours on Sunday or sometime next week before it closes. ;)
If dreaming of the show counts, then I've seen it ;) But seriously, it's shocking to read of those numbers you gave. I can only speak of teh school plays I participated in but we were disappointed if we got less than 30 people in the audience. A fitting quote would be the ironic remark "There's quite a crowd at the front of teh back stalls" out of Michael Frayn's "Noises Off".
About the problems...well, for younger ones it is uncool or to expensive - and cinemas also talk about not getting enough people. I confess, if it's not a movie to be seen on a big screen I also rather wait for it to be released on DVD. Cheaper and easier. With theatre it's the same. Cinemas have at least teh advantage that movies are more popular and get more advertising everywhere. And you know actors. You can say "Oh the new movie with julia Roberts" or whoever...but all the small actors, who knows of them? You sometimes watch a movie which doesn't interest you so much but you see it just because of an actor or actress you like. Movies get ads in tv and the Internet, for theatre productions you must watch out for, you don't get slapped with it everywhere you go.
Additionally you could say that with movies, you like to see new ones whereas with plays...you'd rather stick to the old ones. Like: "Oh i always wanted to see a production of Shakespeare or Brecht or whoever!" Ads for theatre aren't so much in advance of the actual play time and often enough the play vanishes again before you took notice of it. It's a fact that famous names make things famous. Can you stick a "Brad Pitt, James Cameron" or other name on the ads you get peoples attention but what with a theatre production of a play, nobody ever heard of by a writer nobody ever heard of, played by people nobody ever heard of? I don't mean this insulting, because we obviously heard of you and in the scene some names may be very popluar but for the big masses it means nothing. Who ever heard of a famous theatre star before he came to tv or film?
For me it's a bit difficult. I'm studying Theatre, Film and Media so I should go and watch plays. And I also do occasionally but my problem is that Frankfurt, Germany where I live is famous for it's very modern productions and I'm sorry but I just can't find any interest in 12 men on a stage throwing raw eggs at each other. Or actors being pushed from the stage by some sort of folding-chair-machinery (however that is supposed to look) while being forced to say their text by some clown so that you can't understand the text and that every actor will fall from the stage in the end! I like productions with a text and costumes of any sort and such things ;)
About NP, I love the concept of bringing SciFi and theatre together! It's really very interesting and I wish I could see it! I must have a look at the web site and see by whom it is! Or can't you get the text as non-actor?
But now: I cross all my fingers and toes that you will get more audience and that word will spread to attract more people to see it!
Love, Yeo
I so know how you feel with the live theatre. My theatre company, filled with non-professionals, has gone through the same thing, we did a show, by the very tallented Tim Kelly, called Run for the Money, and our audience was the same size. Though every time we do a more high class show, like the one we're doing now, Grease, our audience breaks the 500 people mark for a show in the middle of the week.
People just need to get out into the arts, because if they dont, I have no idea what I'm going to do to make a living!
~Melissa
Sorry to hear that things have taken a lonely turn in the arts world...if I could get over to Toronto I would love to see the play (or any play for that matter) I could really, really use a break from student life right now too!! That pesky puddle, otherwise known as the Atlantic ocean, kind of gets in the way a little however.
Thanks for the update.
hey, I just saw Nobel Parasites yesterday with my school and thought it was great. I Thought I might ask for some general advice. My george Brown audition is in a week do you have any general tips? I get mixed comments on whether to look my auditioner. Thanks a lot
Stephanie
right umm you could e-mail me at stef_e_b@hotmail.com
Stephanie
I'd LOVE to see NOBLE PARASITES, as it sounds fascinating and it's got you and Julian Richings (whom I met years and years ago when he worked on War of the Worlds and he played the evil alien scientist). But darn, can't get away to do it :(
If I ever make it to Vancouver I PROMISE that I will go see something, and if you're in it THAT will be the something. On the subject of theatre, though, I DID see a very good traveling production of Rent on Wednesday.
I am heading to to Toronto from here in Nova Scotia
Road Trip- 23 hours of driving.. this will be fun( I hope) anyone else that is seeing it email me and maybe we can hook up . Will be getting tickets the minute that box office opens for Tuesday night.. see yu there!!!!!
maple1962@eastllink.ca
Kate,
If I could, I'd come to see your performance, which I'm sure is fantastic. I'd love to support your project, but color me broke in LA.
If you do a play in LA on the weekends, then color me there.
That really surprises me that arts are struggling, especially theatre plays. Since I was little, I remember my schools taking kids to plays, especially when it connected to curriculum. In college too it seemed that a ton of people went to them. I'll gladly see one of your plays, especially if I can find the money. Toronto's not a great distance from me (Chicago area). Good luck!
[possible spoiler ahead]
We (husband, 2 kids and myself) saw your performance last night! We loved it! The cast did a great job and it was a very interesting play. Our favourite was 'Bookworm'. As my daughter remarked - we'll never look at Reader's Digest the same way again! My husband felt the play would have worked equally well if the order of the acts had been reversed. I have decided that I need to go on the 'Happy in my hunger' food plan. My youngest daughter has now declared her intention to write a play.
Due to the 'bioapocalyptic' theme of the play, I was glad we had chosen to take environmentally friendly transportation to the theatre. We live in Hamilton, so we went via Go Train, subway, followed by a very intersting stroll down Queen St.
Other than the transportation costs, the price of the outing compared favourably with takng us all to see a movie (particularly if you add in all the snacks).
In summary, We had a great time! We highly recommend the play. I'm so glad you and your brother told us about it (living in Hamilton we probably wouldn't have known about it otherwise) Please keep us informed about any future productions.
Yay, I saw the show today! Great stories, and excellent performances - thank you for posting this! I'm going to go hunt down some John Wyndham to read.
Oh, and I was so happy to find other people that appreciate pigeons, even if said people are fictional. :-)
I hear you on the theatre thing. I'm a playwright in New York City (the supposed cultural capital of the United States!) and I had a show go on at a First Look theatre connected to the Public, and ... Friday: 28 people (18 of them related to me). Saturday: 12 people. Sunday: we closed the show a day early because no one showed up.
This was despite papering the East Village and Union Square and Washington Square Park with flyers advertising the play. We even promised free beer! (Hey, it worked for Humans Anonymous.)
I'm ... yeah. I feel you. I try and go to as many shows as I can, but I'm a student and we're notoriously poor. I don't feel so bad for not supporting Shakespeare (he doesn't need the money) or Broadway (neither do they), but the little guys really, really need more audience members.
So if someone is reading this far down in the comments and still isn't convinced: please! A writer (two, even, counting Kate!) pleads with you: GO TO THE THEATRE.
It'll make your karma good.
How about you take the show on the road? We'd love to have you here in Chicago! :D We love theater here and I'd even pay full price for a ticket (how's THAT for enticement?)
Not trying to be snotty, but did you ever consider the fact that Toronto itself might be the reason nobody wants to go there to watch a show? I know if I had a choice between watching a show in TO, Hamilton or St Kitts, I'd definitly go to the Hammer or St Kitts. Niagara is also a huge improvement over TO.
I really need to stop hovering around gateworld, but apparently I came across an episode title for season 4, called "Miller's Crossing." Are you coming back to Atlantis?! Even if you aren't, hope things are getting better with the theatre.
omigosh, i just saw the play today! it was great! so funny! we sat in the front row, but my friend is scared of birds, so when at the very beginning you started the rhyme about pigeon-birds she kinda freaked out a little... anyways, it was awesome! And the theatre looked pretty full
Chère Kate Hewlett,
je m'appelle Mélissa Vliers j'habite en Belgique à bruxelles j'ai 17ans et d emi. Je tenais à vous dire que j'ai baucoup aimée l'épisode ou vous jouez votre propre rôle avec votre frère David Hewlett. J'aimerais tellement avoir un authographe de vous et le reste de l'équipe de Stargate Atlantis. Je suis devenu fan de stargate atlantis il y a pas si longtemps que ça le seul personnage que j'aime beaucoup dans la série c'est David Hewlett il joue superbement bien son rôle très talentueyx et très drole. mon adresse c'est gilmore_girls07@msn.com
I just came across your blog from your interview on GateWorld. I'm sad to hear that theatre is not doing well in Toronto. I am a HUGE fan of live shows. There is really nothing better than live theatre.
I wish you the best of luck!
If all else fails, everybody needs a vacuum...
Hi Kate :)
So, I was one of the ones that was 'stalking' you outside the theatre on Sunday (um, I was the one that braved the gummy worms first). We had a great time as we told you, but I wrote up a little thing about what I thought seeing as I used up all my intelligent words about the play with Julian Richings =P And I had a few friends who didn't get to go and wanted to hear about it as well.
Anyways, I don't know if you're interested in reading it, but if you want to kill some time, it's Here :)
Oh, kate.
I just moved to Toronto from Edmonton, and coming from an indie theatre background, I feel your pain (I've been there).
I thought things would be different here in the Big Smoke. This is very depressing.
Post a Comment
<< Home