The state of American theatre in three words - "Shrek the Musical"

The big question I’m noticed being asked in an out of meetings with actors and various professional types is what and what isn’t legitimate theatre? Equity, non-equity, community theatre all these terms are thrown around with varying levels of competence and ferocity. In plain terms it seems that the general consensus that equity means you’re a professional, non-equity means you’re trying to be a professional, and community theatre is hobbyist for the most part. Personally I don’t see the difference between non-equity and community theatre but the population has made up arbitrary terms such as “off off bway” and such, I guess to comfort themselves that they are getting somewhere. In a material sense these terms make sense. After all, with equity you’re getting paid and all the other nice perks of being taken seriously. However, I am beginning to see the big problem with thinking this way. I (and I know countless other people) have seen “non professional” theatres that put much more thought and respect into what they do than some of these cash cow theatres, and that to many is worth more than the weekly check and the health insurance…don’t get me wrong those two would both be a welcome change…I think the point is that equity, non equity, or how ever many “offs” you want to shove in front of broadway doesn’t change the fact that the focus and appreciation for the theatre FROM THE ARTIST should not, can not, and will not be the paycheck. If that were the case one would assume that said ARTIST should join a more rank and file profession. Unfortunately for many people losing that sight and respect for the art gets lost quickly in the pursuit of getting the money – and almost more importantly the respect which comes after, of the community. For as we all no, no actor takes one seriously (at least and fortunately only in NYC) with out being able to “make that skrill.”

The solution – well there isn’t one. I don’t think so (I have been called a pessimist) but I do think we could work on one. Most people who know me know that I am a big opponent of taking work for no money. Let’s face it, I have a degree, I spent four years studying to have a career, which by definition means some sort of monetary compensation, so no thank you – I don’t want to play mean mr. carrot in your elementary school tour. Maybe we need to be flexible, we need to head back to the days of the late night community theatre. Gives us something to fight for I suppose. Theatre is being celebrtized, an unfortunate side effect of the Paris Hiltons of the world, and its causing serious damage. Real actors don’t matter, people are so obsessed over seeing someone who FAILED from American Idol in Grease they pass over the chance to experience and learn something from some one new. Needless to say these things wont change till the evening news stops show clips of “Obama’s rocking beach bod,” and 19 year old cocksuckers snorting coke and twitiering. Once those are gone we can go back to learning from people who have studied these skill and abilities to story tell and not some sad man being forced on Grease’s sparkly million dollar stage because he made a fool of himself on national tv. Besides no one should see Grease anyway.

Love and Licks,

Matt