Re: RAT Rental spaces vs. production-by-theatre producer/company

[Cat Hebert <virtualdrama@juno.com>]

Yeah. One of *the* factors reducing rehearsal time nationwide is the cost
/ availability of shrinking rehearsal and performance space in urban
areas.  [In the early '90s I could get Upper West Side [NYC] rehearsal
space for $15/hr.] That's where shared rehearsal facility arrangements
become critical.  But... with casts who work 9 to 5 that puts enormous
pressure on the 6-11 rehearsal slots. And.... urban casts aren't used to
driving 30 miles to rehearse in less expensive surroundings.

Example: With the rapidly expanding theater company situation in
Philadelphia [85 official companies and growing] and re-urbanization
[trickle down IPO money?:)]  producing a hot club/music scene and
scaled-up condos -- inexpensive, centrally located rehearsal space is
practically nonexistent, and so a number of companies are working
together through a shared venue called Theater Catalyst, and a couple of
companies rehearsal out-of-town. But it isn't remotely enough space. 

This really calls for pooling resources to buy/renovate rehearsal spaces
out-of-town, but it also means that you need some sleepover to
accommodate casts. Unfortunately, capital expenditures like that aren't
often on the funding organization horizon for small theaters-- even in
Philadelphia, where the PEW Foundation lives and where tourism has become
the major goal. Insurance is a major factor in zoning for use in a lot of
places.(Looks like Nick F. and Wally will be moderating a discussion
about related matters at PhilaRAT.)

Cheers,
Cat



On Wed, 16 May 2001 00:41:49 EDT Impacttheatre@aol.com writes:
> 
> In a message dated 5/15/01 6:38:03 PM, MFarkash@aol.com writes:
> 
> << Rental spaces tend to attract vanity, poor-quality productions, 
> as well as 
> the occasional gem. >>
> 
> Whoa there, cowpoke!  In super-high-priced markets like this one, 
> where you 
> need at least a million bucks for a down payment to buy, and there 
> are WAY 
> more companies than spaces for permanent rental/residency, just 
> about 
> everyone rents various spaces.  There's even a group out here called 
> "Nomadic 
> Theatres."  We support each other in doing good theatre in rental 
> spaces.  So 
> until Regis kicks down, we're stuck.  But I like to think that the 
> 35 or so 
> Nomads do more than the occasional gem.
> 
> Skol!
> 
> Melissa Hillman
> Artistic Director
> Impact Theatre
> P.O. Box 12666
> Berkeley, CA 94712-3666
> 
> (510) 464-4468
> http://www.impacttheatre.com
> 
> "Planet Janet" plays through June 10!
> 
> 
> 
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