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Community Theatre
For those who know that "amateur" really means "love" and "extreme devotion", and not "of poor quality". We are volunteer actors and techies, not poor ones. We take pride in the craft and probably do it as well or better than most people you know. We just don't (usually) get paid. Not in terms of money anyway.
Network Leader: Ty Unglebower
Ty Unglebower
Recently got cast in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead". The role is Hamlet, which, ironically is a small one in this play. But, all of his lines are actually from Shakespeare, so it's hard to feel bad about a small part, when that small part if Hamlet! You can follow this journey, as you can all of my journeys in the coming weeks over on my acting blog.
Ty Unglebower
I just wanted to share with everyone my latest column over at Showbizradio.net. I talk about the need for all actors to take a few moments alone to focus before they perform. (It's not as common a practice as you would hope.) http://www.showbizradio.net/2011/04/06/get-centered/
44 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Community Theatre, Creating a Life You Love and Art2 more
Ty Unglebower
I'd like everyone to take a look at a piece I wrote for Moxy Magazine that just went live about an hour ago. I write about two local (to me) women who started their own theatre company. (I have known the ladies for several years and have worked with them both.) I'm excited to be a part of the magazine this issue. Check it out! http://ow.ly/4kNYT
46 weeks ago from Community Theatre, Professional Writers and Editors, Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired and Washington D.C.3 more
Ty Unglebower:
Thanks everyone.
Vickie- They are not producing any of those kind of plays particularly, nor would they shy away from them particularly.
46 weeks ago
46 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
The longer I am engaged in community theatre the more I am convinced everyone is doing it wrong, quite frankly.
Ty Unglebower
In one of my recent actor's advice columns on ShowBizRadio.net, I expressed a specific opinion about how to proceed to do something on stage. (That's kind of the point of the column.) I believe there are about 4 trillion legitimate ways to be an actor, and I know not everybody will proceed as I do. But I get steamed when people accuse me of being "irresponsible" with my platform when I give non status-quo advice. It's ADVICE, not an order to an army. It's acting, not medicine.
54 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Community Theatre, Creatively Inspired and Washington D.C.2 more
Ty Unglebower:
Ignoring is best, and tat is usually what I do. Once in a while though, as I said, I mention something. Because while I don't always mind being ...MoreIgnoring is best, and tat is usually what I do. Once in a while though, as I said, I mention something. Because while I don't always mind being told, "you are wrong", I do have a bit of a problem with being told, "you are socially irresponsible for posting such things in a public forum."
You'd think I advocated murder or something.
54 weeks ago
You'd think I advocated murder or something.
54 weeks ago
Paul Balcerak:
I think what I might do is write a whole post on the topic and just link back to it (dryly) in comment threads when I need to.
54 weeks ago
54 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
I saw the movie, "The King's Speech". An excellent film by every metric. But one reason I liked it was that I related to the plight of the protagonist on a personal level. Not because I am royal of course, but because I feel I have been held back at times from my potential greatness by things that are beyond my own control. In fact I think that is one reason why the movie has become so popular. Many people identify with this problem. I expand on this here. http://bit.ly/eHWIgr
55 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Washington D.C., Community Theatre and INFJ2 more
Ty Unglebower
Everything I read online about starting a theatre company, (as is my plan) is geared towards those that are far less modest than I am. Incorporating, filing as a non-profit with state and local authorities, recruiting an outside board of directors, getting a lawyer on retainer. Nobody seems to think I would ever want to have a small troupe that literally spends ZERO outside of gas money, and the occasional rent. All of that extra stuff is seems so unnecessary.
67 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Creatively Inspired, Creating a Life You Love, Arts Marketing and Community Theatre3 more
Ty Unglebower:
Linda- I will check out that website, thank you, though I ought to point out I am not in the Bay area...I am in Central Maryland.
Brigid- Thanks. ...MoreLinda- I will check out that website, thank you, though I ought to point out I am not in the Bay area...I am in Central Maryland.
Brigid- Thanks. I don't feel I will be charging for admission in the near future. Especially since there is no one specific venue. Unincorporated non-profit status is possible, because from what I learn here, you can solicit "pay what you like" donations, so long as it is made clear that said donations are not tax deductible.
From the information I get, getting the right lawyer, accountant, and paper work, plus fees, to declare something an official non-profit with the state and the federal government can cost up to 800 dollars or more. I simply do not have that kind of money, and nor do I feel it would be worth it for what my mission is. 8 people with a passion for acting taking a show to various local community centers just doesn't warrant that kind of red tape and financial investment at this time. This is about art for me. It is not a business investment.
67 weeks ago
Brigid- Thanks. ...MoreLinda- I will check out that website, thank you, though I ought to point out I am not in the Bay area...I am in Central Maryland.
Brigid- Thanks. I don't feel I will be charging for admission in the near future. Especially since there is no one specific venue. Unincorporated non-profit status is possible, because from what I learn here, you can solicit "pay what you like" donations, so long as it is made clear that said donations are not tax deductible.
From the information I get, getting the right lawyer, accountant, and paper work, plus fees, to declare something an official non-profit with the state and the federal government can cost up to 800 dollars or more. I simply do not have that kind of money, and nor do I feel it would be worth it for what my mission is. 8 people with a passion for acting taking a show to various local community centers just doesn't warrant that kind of red tape and financial investment at this time. This is about art for me. It is not a business investment.
67 weeks ago
Linda A. Hamilton:
Ty -- for some reason I thought I read you worked for a couple of San Francisco newspapers, so I thought you in the Bay Area; your profile clearly ...MoreTy -- for some reason I thought I read you worked for a couple of San Francisco newspapers, so I thought you in the Bay Area; your profile clearly states Maryland. Sorry about that.
One thought.. it may be wise to hold onto some of this information or at least look into it so you have an idea of it. Once you get yourself and your troupe established, you may run into a talent scout or agent interested in your company. They may have ideas to throw out and the more you are aware of the background information the better able you'll be to negotiate terms and such. While it's all about art, sometimes art turns very profitable. You remind me of movie stars who return to Broadway and Stage acting; their passion is for the art of acting not so much the money. Their reward goes beyond the money although that's a great by-product of their art.
Good luck, Ty.
67 weeks ago
One thought.. it may be wise to hold onto some of this information or at least look into it so you have an idea of it. Once you get yourself and your troupe established, you may run into a talent scout or agent interested in your company. They may have ideas to throw out and the more you are aware of the background information the better able you'll be to negotiate terms and such. While it's all about art, sometimes art turns very profitable. You remind me of movie stars who return to Broadway and Stage acting; their passion is for the art of acting not so much the money. Their reward goes beyond the money although that's a great by-product of their art.
Good luck, Ty.
67 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
My "other" blog, (The one that isn't Too XYZ. Did you know I had one??) is celebrating 5 years in existence today! It's called Always Off Book, and it has been a place for me to share my thoughts and feelings about acting, as well as relay the specific adventures in any given production. Traffic has never been high for some reason, but nonetheless today I posted about what I hope it has accomplished these last 5 years. http://bit.ly/do1aGL
70 weeks ago from Arts Marketing, Art, Creating a Life You Love, Community Theatre and Creatively Inspired3 more
Lindsey Donner recommended this
Ty Unglebower:
Thanks for the recommend. I never seem to get as much interest here in my older blog as I do in Too XYZ.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
When I am in a stage play, many of my finest qualities come out. not just while performing, but in many other ways during the entire 6-8 weeks of a production. My inner resources increase, certain skills are sharper, and a few talents that I don't usually have access to outside of theatre become available. It's like my superpowers show up when I am in a stage play. What could this say about potential ideal careers for me? Anything? http://bit.ly/bGEODI
71 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, Creatively Inspired, Community Theatre and Arts Marketing3 more
Bryon Ownby:
Ty, check out this website on traning, www.astd.org that will give you ...MoreTy, check out this website on traning, www.astd.org that will give you insight to this field. You might find a company that wants to do something in house instead of paying tons of $ to "training or eLearning company". I would say as an outside consultant, you are less prone to have to deal with corporate politics as being on training staff. Another thought would be to put something to together on how to do engaging presentations on boring topics, etc. While it might be true that they hire professionals in the training field to put the material together, those that put the material together are not always the best presenters.
71 weeks ago
71 weeks ago
Raquel Elle Bell:
Practice makes perfect. I find when I am teaching others what I already know that my process gets better. We do a lot of role playing here and ...MorePractice makes perfect. I find when I am teaching others what I already know that my process gets better. We do a lot of role playing here and it's amazing how even I get stuck sometimes.. :)
71 weeks ago
71 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
When I am in a stage play, many of my finest qualities come out. not just while performing, but in many other ways during the entire 6-8 weeks of a production. My inner resources increase, certain skills are sharper, and a few talents that I don't usually have access to outside of theatre become available. It's like my superpowers show up when I am in a stage play. What could this say about potential ideal careers for me? Anything? http://bit.ly/bGEODI
71 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, Creatively Inspired, Community Theatre and Arts Marketing3 more
Ty Unglebower
There's this horrible man who insists on changing the script during play rehearsal, without telling anybody, whenever he thinks it "sounds/looks/feels better to me." It throws others off, but he doesn't care. He talks sweet, with a wink and a laugh when he gets whatever he wants, but when he doesn't, it's rage, and throwing things. He is catered to because, "It's EASIER to give him whatever he wants than CONFRONT him." To me, it's a prime example of why the bad guys win so often. I hate it...
72 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Community Theatre, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen2 more
Lindsey Sparks:
I hate that too. I would voice my opinions to the person who can do something about it and ask them if they'd rather lose that guy or the talented ...MoreI hate that too. I would voice my opinions to the person who can do something about it and ask them if they'd rather lose that guy or the talented people who are sick of him? Sometimes people still won't do anything, and you have to decide if you're going to deal with it or remove yourself from the situation.
72 weeks ago
72 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower:
Good and fair ideas, all. Don't think I disagree with you. It's just that nobody wants to organize against him, and the director is the one who ...MoreGood and fair ideas, all. Don't think I disagree with you. It's just that nobody wants to organize against him, and the director is the one who says that it saves time to give him whatever he wants. She makes up for it by not giving anyone else what they want, but that is the point. The authority in the matter doesn't exert authority over him particularly.
As for leaving..I can't. We open tomorrow. But you can be sure I won't choose to work with him again in the future.
72 weeks ago
As for leaving..I can't. We open tomorrow. But you can be sure I won't choose to work with him again in the future.
72 weeks ago
Christopher Olson
Currently, our community theatre is looking at a collaboration with the local high school, which no longer has a strong theatre department (lack of staff support and leadership). I want to make sure that this collaboration benefits both parties, as I am a firm supporter of liberal arts programs in public schools. However, our community theatre needs to also work at keeping and improving the face of our organization. Is there anything we should keep in mind as we move forward on this? Thoughts?
Ty Unglebower
My regular acting column over at ShowBizRadio.net is up. This week, I talk about the pitfalls of portraying drunkenness on stage. How too many actors fall into a stereotype when they do so, even if the rest of their performance is stellar. Being drunk is a very individual thing, and therefore there are as many ways to be drunk as there are people. I encourage actors to remember this when they have a "drunk scene". http://bit.ly/9YN3G9
75 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Community Theatre and Washington D.C.1 more
Ty Unglebower
My latest acting column over at ShowBizRadio.net talks about how and why so many otherwise fine actors start to look totally fake once they have to enact talking on a the phone during a show. It doesn't have to be this way! Find out how I advise actors to correct this. http://bit.ly/acA2M9
77 weeks ago from Community Theatre, Creatively Inspired, Arts Marketing, Nonprofiteers and Professional Writers and Editors3 more
Ty Unglebower
My acting blog is up full blast again for the next 6 weeks, as I delve into my latest theatrical adventure; "A Thurber Carnival". Today was our first read-through, and naturally I posted my first impressions. http://bit.ly/aKnEpD
77 weeks ago from Arts Marketing, Creatively Inspired and Community Theatre1 more
Ty Unglebower
I recently agreed to help out a rather new theatre company with getting the world out about their upcoming performances. They are the Wandering Souls, based in Washington, D.C., and they put on professional performances for free in the area for under privileged people who might not otherwise be able to attend such shows. Does anyone know of some good arts or community message boards or other online sources to which I could spread the word about this company? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
78 weeks ago from Community Theatre, Creatively Inspired, Arts Marketing and Washington D.C.2 more
Patrick Pho:
I work in the DC Theatre Scene on the side and I suggest DC Theatre Scene and ShowBizRadio as outlets you should reach out to.
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower:
Thanks everyone for the ideas. I am already starting to put together some contacts.
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for ...MoreThanks everyone for the ideas. I am already starting to put together some contacts.
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for Showbizradio, and they were definitely among the first people I thought of!
Hopefully I can help spread the word about these folks. (And hopefully other people will want to as well.) I haven't seen any of their shows yet, but I was just so struck by their mission, I wanted to help out, even in a small way.
78 weeks ago
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for ...MoreThanks everyone for the ideas. I am already starting to put together some contacts.
And Patrick, it just so happens I am a columnist for Showbizradio, and they were definitely among the first people I thought of!
Hopefully I can help spread the word about these folks. (And hopefully other people will want to as well.) I haven't seen any of their shows yet, but I was just so struck by their mission, I wanted to help out, even in a small way.
78 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
One of my tweets about Shakespeare was just retweeted by the Head of Learning and Research at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford. He is also a deacon and author. I found that rewteet quite satisfying. A few months ago, the Folger Shakespeare Library also retweeted one or two of my tweets. I guess my thoughts on Shakespeare have some merit! I know Twitter should be for networking, but I think I enjoy those types of things more than anything else I'm supposed to do with it.
79 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter, Community Theatre and Creatively Inspired1 more
Ty Unglebower:
I suppose on en ever knows. I don't want to assume it will lead to anything huge, but it is a fun thing to experience. And I got another tweet ...MoreI suppose on en ever knows. I don't want to assume it will lead to anything huge, but it is a fun thing to experience. And I got another tweet directed at me personally from the same person about an hour ago.
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
It's starting to happen in the United States, but other countries are still ahead in their integration of social media with the arts. It's time to accept that the arts are really nothing at all if they can't be a personal experience for everyone. Not just to the actual works and performances, but to the nature of those who produce them. Make the arts personal, and more will enjoy them. My thoughts: http://bit.ly/bjENm8
79 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Arts Marketing, Art and Community Theatre2 more
Shana Ross:
Brigid - it's www.devonvsmith.com - and she's AMAZING. Very ...MoreBrigid - it's www.devonvsmith.com - and she's AMAZING. Very good stuff - from the manifesto to the account of Chad Bauman moving the Arena Stage blog out of communications and into the artistic department.
79 weeks ago
79 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
It had been so long since I had created this group with no takers, I had almost forgotten about it. Plus I thought I would be sent a message when someone joined, but it didn't! So my apologies for not ever welcoming the two of you. Thanks for joining and perhaps we can begin some theatre related discussions at last. We shall see. (I need to start posted my acting blog posts directly to this network.)
Ty Unglebower
I didn't see a group that quite matched this passion of mine, so I made one. I hope other "non-professional" theatre types from all over will join this group, and discuss plays, theatres, acting, and all such related topics. Perhaps even advertise upcoming shows/events. If you have a blog related to these things, tell us about it! Mine is "Always Off Book", and it can be found at www.offbook.blogspot.com. On with the show...
