Is the creation of theatre art hindered or supported by arts organizations? This and other questions as we get down to business.

Summary

This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in the theater industry, focusing on the urgency of theater, the role of nonprofit arts organizations, and the need for supportive spaces for artists. The conversation also delves into the importance of knowing the purpose and vision of an organization, the pitfalls of foundation grants, and the impact of the pandemic on theaters. The speakers discuss the need for collaboration and sharing resources, as well as the need for change in the theater industry.

Takeaways

Theater is a demanding industry with constant deadlines and urgent tasks, which can make it difficult to focus on the larger picture.

Nonprofit arts organizations should prioritize their mission of supporting artists and developing the art form of theater.

The lack of funding and resources in the theater industry hinders the ability to support artists and create meaningful work.

There is a need for more supportive spaces and opportunities for artists to develop their work and collaborate with organizations.

Chapters

00:00 The Urgency of Theater

38:30 The Challenges of Deadlines

39:01 The Purpose of Nonprofit Arts Organizations

40:28 The Vision of Joseph Papp

41:57 The Importance of Knowing Why

42:32 The Need for Artistic Directors with a Larger Vision

43:19 The Lack of Funding for Theater

44:16 The Question of Folding Arts Organizations

45:21 The Need for Mechanisms to Support Artists

46:48 The Pitfalls of Foundation Grants

47:18 The Founder Syndrome

48:32 The Collaboration Between Artists and Organizations

49:21 The Lack of Space for Artists

50:20 The Impact of the Pandemic on Theaters

51:15 The Role of Theaters in the Community

52:16 The Importance of Community Engagement

53:44 The Example of Joe Papp

55:21 The Need for Supportive Arts Organizations

56:23 The Role of Festivals in Supporting Artists

57:32 The Lack of Infrastructure for Artists

58:18 The Limitations of Limited Runs

59:45 The Importance of Allowing Artists to Develop Their Work

01:01:14 The Need for Supportive Spaces for Artists

01:03:03 The Role of Donations in Supporting Artists

01:04:16 The Importance of Collaboration and Sharing Resources

01:06:06 The Need for Change in the Theater Industry

01:07:54 The Call to Action

WORKING TITLE:

WE DO ART

REJECTED TITLES:

Share Those Cots

Mission Drift

Bernie Taupin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Taupin

Down the Yellow Brick Pod

https://www.taratag.com/podcast

“But That’s Not What We Do.” – Indeed. And That’s Why You’re Closing, Nonprofit Arts Organizations.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thats-what-we-do-indeed-why-youre-closing-nonprofit-arts-harrison/

Story of the Week: Movies That Became Musicals Are Now Becoming Movie-Musicals

https://www.theatermania.com/news/story-of-the-week-movies-that-became-musicals-are-now-becoming-movie-musicals_1718508/

DINO! An Evening with Dean Martin at the Latin Casino

https://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/show/dino-an-evening-with-dean-martin-at-the-latin-casino

Ballroom (Musical)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballroom_(musical)

Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater

https://gailpapp.com/book/

FRINGE ARTS

https://fringearts.com/

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