Here I sit after intermission at Lincoln Center Festival presentation of A Winter's Tale. I am one of many that get to partake in the backend of the production... By backend, I mean front of house. I don't have the urge to watch the show, as ironic as that is. (We are given the chance if there are seats avail.)
I am more interested in the construction if the set, the lighting setup along with the magnificent structure itself. When a patron asked me today which my favorite show was, I said that I actually hadn't see any of them. She then asked if it had bothered me, I said no.
I know to most everyone else on the planet might think I am crazy, but I am afforded the opportunity to see theatre from a different perspective, something the audience takes for granted. I wish that I could give the audience members (or students) the opportunity to sit in my chair. I think it would create a whole new dimension to their viewing experience.
How this ties into my thesis? One of the major issues that my theatre faces is creating and retaining an audience. Without the audience, there is no need for a theatre. Pratt is a renowned arts school but lack a performing arts curriculum. Please do not mistake performing arts for performance arts (that is a whole entry in itself). I must be able to prove that there is a substantial need for a theatre on campus.
I think that the key is to expose the students to how their art can contribute to the larger picture (collaboration!) If the exposure to the experience is a positive one, in theory, the audience will gradually develop. Audience development isn't my strong suit, I just know it's needed.
(next show I will try and get a shot of the outside of the RSC structure)
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