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The Heart of the Matter
by
This is a discussion which strikes me very deeply as I have experienced this issue on a personal level. Let me respond first to where the thread has lead, and then come back to address Catherine's orginal questions.
I ran successful Museum Theatre program. We made in excess of $400,000 from our programs with a very good net profit. By all standards were were a model program
with great worth to the organization. We were very much in line with the the mission of the organization. We were active in participating in large events. We provided training to other similar institutions. And yet this program was essentailly cut.
I will not go in to details but simply state the evident that money did not bail us out. This issue was less about money and more about our percieved worth. I would like to put forth that the success of program may not be dependent on studies, or audience satisfaction, or smiling faces. It may be dependent on someone with in your orgainzation who believes in theatre so passionately that he or she will fight for it to the bitter end. It really is an all fight sometimes to maintain your program. While money may win people's minds, the belief in theatre to touch and tranform will win people's hearts.
In regards to creating worth for Museum Theater programs I propose the follwoing ideas:
1. Yes, make as much money as you can by developing a diverse array of programs that uses your performers and talents.
2. Have an active evaulation program. There are those in your organization who will be able to relate to your program in this way.
3. Without being a pest, invite as many people from your orgainization to see and help in your art as possible.
4. Listen to those around you and be willing to make changes if they do not compromise the heart of your art.
5. Have at the ready a list of other institutions that have successful programs. This cross-pollinazation can only strengthen the overall reputation of Museum Theater.
6. Never ever take any aspect of your program for granted. Work hard...work hard. And finally and most importantly...
7. Create the highest art that you possibly can...period.
Well, after all that I have been through, I believe now more than ever that theatre is an awesome tool for revealing the stories of a fish, a rock, a painting, a man, a woman, a culture...