The Show Must Go On...

Recently, the Connect Savannah published a pair of articles questioning the future of Savannah's theatre community.

The Final Curtain?
Stages of Grief

To say that these articles have rocked our community would be a fairly accurate description, and anybody who has not (and is capable thereof) can see this for themselves on the facebook discussion of Mr. Ryan McCurdy's status. Some 39 voices have chimed in, in various capacities, to lament these articles, dispute these articles, or simply to ask "what can be done?" So, even though venues may be lost, there appears to be some level of life in our community nonetheless.

Quite simply, because of the nearly compulsive nature of the dramatic arts, the show must go on. My mentor, Dr. John Hanners of Texas A&M, wrote perhaps the seminal work about 19th century entertainers. The title of his book is, It Was Play or Starve. And this is the attitude that is perhaps the most healthy. If we are to be thespians, if we are to work in the theatre, then we must do this, must support this. While the need for a day job will continue unless someone manages to hit the lottery, it must never be forgotten that the moment one gives up on doing shows... one has essentially left the theatre behind. Quite literally, the show must go on.

If we are to find some sort of sustainable model, we must do more than simply close ranks around ourselves. While we should most certainly do this, we also need the support of the wider community. However, thespians have little in terms of monetary resource, as a general rule. Yet if a way can be found to hit up those doctors, lawyers, and bank VPs that work downtown... for substantial support, then maybe a step forward can be made.

While I hate to sound like it is all about the Benjamins, monetary support could do much to help free up some time, as people might not need to hold down 40 hours a week in order to keep body and soul together.

I do not think we are in crisis, and this too shall pass. The question is one of sustainability.