Our extensive theatrical research as we prepped for Project Knowledge and our recent viewing of Mike Daisey's monologue "How Theatre Failed America", opened our eyes to a wide variety of issues that affect the health of artists and institutions. We will be delving into these issues during our "Transcendence Talks" to gain a better understanding towards the ways in which we can create and explore a healthier model for American Theatre. We do not intend to use our blog to declare all the solutions. At this time, our blog will serve as a means to document our journey and to explore key issues that are at the heart of the unhealthy aspects of American Theatre.
Our discussion topics will include, among many, the challenges of modern theatre, the effects of ensemble collaboration within a community, and out of the box thinking in regards to theatrical business models and creativity. Some common ideas that keep surfacing in regards to improving the health of American Theatre are the reemergence of more resident acting ensembles, raising endowments for artists over endowments for buildings, creating innovative ways to fund theatre, and exploring new ways to integrate a community into the life of the theatre. Our nation wide dialogue will inform and inspire us as we work towards building our holistic theatrical model which aims to overcome many of the current challenges.
On Day 9, we had a great talk with Bonnie Cullum, Artistic Director, and Jessica Ryan, Managing Director, of The Vortex Theatre in Austin, Texas. The Vortex is a pioneering leader in Austin's alternative theatre scene. Part of our focus during our discussion was to explore the concept of artistic health in relation to theatre companies who have been committed to ensemble collaboration within a community. We learned extensively about The Vortex's collaboration process. We also explored the challenges of maintaining and funding an ensemble focused on the continuous development of new work. Bonnie told us all about the Austin theatre scene and how many of the theatre companies are finding ways to collaborate with one another in order to create a stronger theatrical community. The Vortex has a beautiful space with a charming indoor and outdoor stage. We thank Bonnie and Jessica very much for taking the time to share their theatrical work and experiences with us. It was a very insightful discussion! Tomorrow, we are enroute to The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta (via New Orleans!)! All of us are having an incredible time on our adventures.
After our meeting, we were so excited to visit the flagship Whole Foods in Austin. It's so cool visiting the spot where it all began. And wow... what a store!!!!!!
We concluded our night by visiting with David Favor, the creator of Chocolate Bliss, who was one of our "Transcendence Artist Project" sponsors last year. We had a great evening drinking Chocolate Bliss and watching our Chocolate Bliss Video. If you haven't seen it yet... check it out!
After our meeting, we were so excited to visit the flagship Whole Foods in Austin. It's so cool visiting the spot where it all began. And wow... what a store!!!!!!
We concluded our night by visiting with David Favor, the creator of Chocolate Bliss, who was one of our "Transcendence Artist Project" sponsors last year. We had a great evening drinking Chocolate Bliss and watching our Chocolate Bliss Video. If you haven't seen it yet... check it out!
Today was a great day and tomorrow is going to be even better!!!!! New Orleans here we come!
You guys visiting was awesome! Drop by our home anytime.
ReplyDelete- David Favor