tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36864475.post6728205155906301893..comments2023-07-02T05:14:05.375-04:00Comments on The Clyde Fitch Report: I Heart Jason GroteLeonard Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14736316792887920991noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36864475.post-68179610292363367602007-06-01T12:35:00.000-04:002007-06-01T12:35:00.000-04:00Why thanks, Leonard!Yeah, I agree with much of wha...Why thanks, Leonard!<BR/><BR/>Yeah, I agree with much of what you say, though a lot of what we think of as "institutions" are in fact only a little more institutionalized than a bunch of recent college grads putting up an Equity showcase. I was amazed to discover how humble Soho Rep's actual material circumstances were, as opposed to their artistic reputation. It is to their credit that they've kept things small and have gone out of their way to treat people well, under 3 consecutive artistic directors, and the Exec Director Alexandra Conley is pretty amazing at stretching a dollar, but really, it's all reputation and no money. Sarah Benson's mandate is to fundraise and produce more frequently, and rent the space less so, but I know for a fact that she is dedicated to holding on to the pillars of the theater's reputation - treating people well and artistic adventurousness. Even the Public is broke these days, rumor has it through an accounting error, which is one of the reasons why they're partnering with smaller companies, which is a trend I like.<BR/><BR/>I've been at the center of the debate about small alternative theaters and institutions for a few years, and like most binary debates, I think it's a false choice. I've had great experiences at massive institutions and have felt totally violated and exploited in collaborations where the piece was essentially being produced by the director and myself. There is still a bit of a stigma in a few literary offices of major theaters around the US - there are playwrights I know who get stuck in the "small theatre" ghetto, which is unfair - but as the years proceed, I tihnk we'll see far more blurring of those lines.<BR/><BR/>But yeah, it's a Hobson's Choice that isn't limited to the Obies or theater in general - just look at Unions, the Democratic Party, the dustup at Pacifica Radio a few years back - it's either, get big by selling out your core values or stay small and get steamrolled. Of course, this isn't necessarily a real choice - again, I hold up Soho Rep as a shining example - but it does make for an awkward tension.Jason Grotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14090513891475658978noreply@blogger.com