2012 ~ Going into Business for ME!

I have seen the light!

Working part-time, on-call, on a temporary basis for minimum wage

is NOT going to fund my theatre company.

Strange.

Earlier this month, I was invited to a business launch party for a local theatre friend of mine, Martha Zimmerman.  Martha is an equity actor who lives in London, Ontario and for as long as I've known her - she's been an actor. Acting is what she loves to do and is something she is truly passionate about. She has been an inspiration to me and others in the local theatre community.  I also attended one of her classes on Shakespeare and was truly amazed at how she got me and the other students excited about a text I never thought I'd understand let alone be excited about.

Martha's business launch party was to announce her start with a skin care company which sells botanically-based, 100% Vegan & PETA-approved products. She has decided that she wants to continue her work as an actor but refuses to work a 9-5 job where she must report to the "head cheese" and do what they say when they say it for as much (or as little) as they decide to pay ~ in order to pay the bills.

I had decided before arriving at this business launch that I would purchase one or two products to support Martha in her new business but that I wouldn't let myself get too excited in the business opportunity.  That changed very quickly.

When I learned that the products were Vegan - at first, I didn't really see just what that meant. Then I learned a company can sell a product which was not tested on animals but still contain animal bi-products. Gross! I am not a vegetarian however the thought of lathering up with a body lotion which contains animal fat, for some reason, grosses me out! I also discovered that none of their products contain artificial colours or frangrances which have always seemed to cause breakouts on my body.

I have decided to join Martha and her team on this journey to something better.

There are 3 reasons why I am sharing this exciting news on my theatre blog:

#1. I want to tell everyone my plans and goals and reasons for joining this company publicly.

#2. I want to set-out clear expectations for myself and keep the goal of improving my theatre company in sight.

#3. I want to ensure all my friends, family and theatre supporters that I will not become a "crazy Avon lady" and I will not knock on anyone's door to join my business or buy the products.

I've tried the products and love 'em and I believe in Martha. That's why I've chosen this fresh start.

Here are my goals I am setting out to achieve:

-be able to offer theatre workshops locally without charging the participants.

-be able to produce (at least) one comedy each year.

-be able to volunteer more time and donate more money to local theatre.

-volunteer more time and money to the following groups and organizations:

Children's Aid, Artistically Speaking Out Against Bullying, PRIDE, Sunshine Foundation & local theatre

-have the freedom to rehearse, direct and teach theatre without "getting time off" from an employer.

-purchase or rent a larger rehearsal space for Maybles' Productions.

-have my choices NOT be limited by my paycheque or an employer.

-never kiss someone's..."feet" or pretend to be grateful again during an interview when they offer me some crap position for minimum wage on evenings and weekends (when I do most theatre!).

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

STAY TUNED for a blogpost about an upcoming production of "Goodnight Children Everywhere" written by Richard Nelson, directed by Elizabeth Newman and going up at the Palace Theatre October, 2012 ~ starring yours truly as Anne.

Characteristics of a Children's Audience

~ the differences between an audience full of adults and one filled with children ~

inspired by the book: Theatre for Children by David Wood with Janet Grant

When performing in a theatre, actors can expect an adult audience to remain seated for the entirety of the show (unless they think the performance is SO BAD or need to leave for an emergency). Actors can also expect the audience to clap and possibly give a standing ovation at the end of the show. The cast can also expect the audience will remain quiet and not talk during the performance.

When performing in front of an audience of children - the game changes.
Children will yell at "the bad guy", leave if they think the play is "stupid" or "lame", they will talk to their friends seated beside them when they are excited or don't understand something on stage AND children know what they like. They will clap if they like it and will show their appreciation only when they truly enjoy the play. If they do not enjoy the performance, they won't clap or cheer "just to be polite".

Indeed when it comes to comparing adult & child audiences there is no doubt that children are the honest ones while the adults are the polite ones.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHILDREN'S AUDIENCE

#1. Children eagerly respond to Justice.

-when one character wrongs another

-what's "fair"

-justice prevails and good triumphs over evil

-gives children hope during times when they are wronged

*adults respond to characters responding to justice (good or bad)

#2. Children like to be frightened - within limits.

-being exposed to a negative force or evil character within the safety of a theatre

-the opportunity to interact with evil, stand up and save the day without being caused any trauma

-the supernatural, monsters make-believe or magic

-introduction of evil realities they may have to face in the future or in adult life

*adults have been exposed to more evil than children and need more "umph" to be frightened

#3. Children are healthily subversive.

-anything rude is found funny

-things that are considered inappropriate by adults in polite society are entertaining

-bodily functions, smelly socks, underpants, etc.

-daydreaming, disobedience, talking back, concealing one's thoughts/feelings & making fun of school & family

*adults are repulsed, turned-off or become disinterested if a production is not "tasteful"

[that is, if the adult audience is expecting a professional & serious show -

sometimes adults also like the crude. Surprise.]

#4. Children are logical.

-children do not enjoy, like or understand sub-plots or loose ends

*adults usually don't either but will be polite and say "nice show" even if they wanted to know what the hell happened???!!!

#5. Children act differently and unpredictably.

-children won't always yell out the right answer when asked for

-children may chant something unexpected like "teach him a lesson!" or "not that way!"

-try to predict what they will say & when but know that may not be the results you get

*adults do not tend to yell out or chant anything during a production and are difficult to encourage to do so

#6. Children make noise during productions.

-children may find the urge to copy a character's movement (ie. hop like a kangaroo)

-tip-up seats are NOT recommended for children's audiences

-children will speak with their friends when they get excited or don't understand something

*adults will sit still and silently to be polite...even if they think the play is awful

#7. Children respond to action.

-conversation must be linked with action or some kind of movement

-characters simply sitting and speaking is BORING

-children don't want a debate, they want things to get done!

*adults can remain attentive to a conversation and follow along more easily

#8. Children don't like being patronised.

-don't speak sweetly or down to them like a dog. Kids will TURN OFF

-if you question the intelligence of your audience you are sure that they will not respect you or the show

*adults don't like to be patronised either. Duh.

#9. Children don't like "lovey-dovey" stuff.

-children are more interested in the plight and challenges of two lovers than how they fell in love

*adults appreciate a good romance or a story of intense passion

#10. Children love animals and toys.

-children often imagine their toys or pets are alive with their own personalities & enjoy seeing this concept come to life on a stage

-children feel safer if the characters are animals or toys rather than someone that looks like themselves

*adults prefer stories about human interaction and relationships as our imagination has more limits than that of a child

#11. Children love stories

-play must have a strong, coherent, logical, basic and interesting plot with well-defined focus and characters

-children understand action & reaction better than reflection

-a journey from A to B is a simple concept but the conflicts amongst the characters and the obstacles along the way are what makes it interesting.

*adults love stories too. That's why we have live theatre!

Remember my friends and local thespians that if we do not cater to our children's audiences today and get them hooked on live theatre at a young age - we will not have an adult audience in the years to come.