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So much of this rings true!!!
by
I unfortunately have to say that I understand this situation. In my museum, the theatre program has had its ups and downs. It went from ok theatre with really strong educational goals to really bad theatre with little educational value but more personal commentary on the person in charge's difficult life journey to me. As theatrical programming coordinator, I am at many times a one woman show. I do all of the research and writing, set building, costume creation, prop procurement, stage managing, sound design, directing, choreographing, musical directing, and about 75% of the acting. My school programming brings in higher numbers than any other educator (thus more money) and my weekend ensemble of actors served more people than any other public program offering. My department head thinks it is wonderful that in my less than two years here the program has grown in many ways. But, what does everyone else think? Our director puts the theatre program (Heritage Theatre--it's even trademarked!) in everything because he sees it as a "cuting edge" thing to do (remember, I'm in Iowa!). We performed at a volunteer brunch. The board president said, "This is wonderful. We do this in the museum?" I have asked for more money but like everyone else try and save wherever possible. The end result is I can't get more money. I didn't spend what was given to me the year before so rather than being allowed to do more, I am held to the same or reduced budget figures. About 90% of our staff has no idea what we are doing--and frankly, they don't care.
We were supposed to be getting a theatre space (then maybe we could generate some aditional income--we do have an outreach program which does bring in a decent amount of money) but when budget became a concern we were the first thing cut.
I have surveys, I have published research, I have received media attention for my programs when others could not.
In the end, I have found one of my greatest strengths is being to assist others in their funding needs. For example, we need a grant for a new exhibit being built as part of the Grand Excursion celebration. The building of the exhibit alone is not going to get them the grant. However, my enhancements of this exhibit through theatre help to create a full package of offerings that appeal to grant funders. I am the whipped cream and cherry atop their sundae. In working with these others, I am not getting money for me but I am helping the museum and am getting the chance to prove to these others how valuable my work is to the complete mission of the museum.
Yes, we will always struggle with the "You do what? In a museum?" Yes, we will always need to keep proving our worth when arts and education are the first items on the chopping blocks. But we need to continue to make inroads in whatever way we can. Sometimes you need to start from the bottom. We relieve volunteers and staff so that they can attend theatre productions (how can I expect them to promote things they have not seen?). We try and do our final dress rehearsal and invite staff members. Not many come, but those who do our very vocal. We jump started our outreach program by doing some free gigs and putting ourselves in front of the right people.
I had someone ask me why I put up with all the lack of respect for the program and me and my actors. The answer? We all know it. Because when you watch an audience and see children or adults learning through theatre, experiencing an art form which they themselves may never see anywhere else, and walking away with a smile on their face and discussing what they have just seen, you know what you do makes a difference. You know your program matters. Frankly, I fight so hard for mine and am so passionate about its worth that sometimes that is how I get my money and my ok to go ahead with projects.
Catherine, thank you for starting this question. I think it is wonderful for us to all share and know we all fight for the same things.