...But only if said fight choreographer is paid minimum wage.
By Joanna Syiek (Director/Producer/Blogger)
The backstage war rages on over in LA. For those that may have missed it, AEA and the LA theatre community are currently going to head-to-head in a battle of bureaucracy. (See this post for more.)
To be honest, it's hard to watch. There's been a lot of name-calling from both sides, dissemination of misinformation, and childish behavior from folks who are understandably passionate about their beliefs. People who do theatre should be passionate about it. The field produces its most revelatory work by those that have a heart for it, versus those that set out to make a quick million in it.
The most heartening part of the past few weeks has been watching admirable creatives step out of the woods in deep support for #Pro99 (Pro-LA's 99 Seat Plan). A few glimpses below:
"But if the 99 Seat Theater Plan as we know it didn’t exist, there never would have been the versions I know of the Fountainhead Theater Company...Reefer Madness... Jewtopia...Sneaux...Heathers...and that’s just my personal story. The city is full of wonderful theaters, weekly providing amazing art. Those too would have ceased to exist."
"Now lets lower our weapons and our anger...and remember we are all artists...striving to find a way to do our art."
"I don't think I would be the artist I am today without that theatre. And I don't think the theatre would be able to survive with the proposed new union rules. #pro99"
So many wonderful actors, directors, and creatives have shown their support. You may recognize a few:
If you are an Equity Member who will be voting on the proposed regulations this spring, I strongly urge you to educate yourself on the legislation and what it will mean for you and your opportunities in Los Angeles. A great jumping off-point for information as to why LA's intimate theatre is worth saving can be found here.
JOANNA SYIEK is a Los Angeles-based music junkie with a penchant for long road trips, original theatre work, clean graphic design, and really good Indian food. She directs around the City of Angels and writes about nourishing creativity, Broadway favorites, and talent obsessions over on her blogging home. www.thoughtsontheatre.wordpress.com
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