I was going to post this on Facebook (and I still might) but I figured I'd post it here first....
What has happened to community theatre? The joy of auditioning, getting cast, rehearsing, camaraderie, building friendships, everyone coming to the theatre after an 8 hour day job to do something that is a hobby and that you love to do. The joy of building a set, painting, sewing, playing for fun in the pit, sharing between show dinners, striking the set and then sharing a meal afterward???
Theatre companies in the Bay Area are closing their doors left and right. Others are struggling to keep them open. Because what's mentioned above is a lost art in the Bay Area. Everyone expects to be paid for their time. Theatre companies gives stipends to their actors for whatever... There is a mentality that actors should be paid for their time, even if it's just $150. Some amateur actors won't do a show without a stipend. Look, if you want to be paid, then work hard and earn equity points and perhaps someone will give you an AEA card. But don't forget, what you did for a hobby, now becomes a job and don't expect to make a living in the Bay Area doing theatre.
What I did for Love... what does that mean anymore?
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