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Post by Admin on Oct 23, 2012 19:14:29 GMT -5
A discussion about theatre can quickly turn into a discussion about actors and acting. What about the production values in RVA? How about job availability for design and production positions? Do you think those are on par with other cities that already have an established reputation for being "a premiere theatre destination?"
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Post by rvatheaterpep on Oct 23, 2012 19:36:27 GMT -5
Design jobs by their vary nature at most 3 a show are harder to get. Each company does on average 4 shows a year times say 12 companies. A total of that is only 48 jobs per design type (lighting, costume, and scenic). Companies also to there go to people at least a couple shows a year. I think Richmond does compare at all. There are amazing designers in Richmond but it does not measure up in the job numbers or pay as other cities offer.
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Post by Guest000 on Oct 23, 2012 20:03:30 GMT -5
It seems like very few companies in this town realize that if you want top notch design work, you have to PAY DESIGNERS WHAT THEY ARE WORTH.
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Post by Musician42 on Oct 24, 2012 0:04:34 GMT -5
The orchestras and bands need to step it up in Richmond. I'm tired of hearing people who cannot play the right notes: Trumpet blats in orchestras that are flat or not strong enough; Drummers who don't know how to pull back for a small space and end up over-powering everything; Pianists who can barely play more than chords and end up subbing in. People may not think this matters, but an orchestra or band is just as vital a part of a musical as anything else. We need to start finding a way to hire and use Union musicians rather than just people who happen to play an instrument. And the reason I say that is because Union musicians tend to be better trained than amateur or hobby musicians, and their accuracy is better. That's not to say there are not some "ok" non-union musicians in town, but as a professional musician for the last 30 years, I have yet to hear an orchestra that truly blows me away outside of a national tour that comes through town. This also has much to do with sound design, and microphone control in our theaters as well. Actors need to learn to use proper diction and not scream ("Rocky Horror" cast, I'm speaking to you), otherwise the entire show becomes undesirable to listen to. The band for "Patsy Cline" at Hanover Tavern & Willow Lawn was excellent, albeit small, but they were clean and polished and perfect for that venue. Just something to keep in mind as we talk production values.
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jobm
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by jobm on Oct 24, 2012 1:05:03 GMT -5
Oh if young theatre company's only could pay the designers (and actors) what they are worth...but that is not the case with small budgets. This is a good city to get your teeth cut in design land, but no one other then VA Rep is going to be able to pay seasoned designers/actors what they are worth. But slow and steady wins the race, right? Some of the newer company's on working hard to get to a better pay scale for all.
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