What is a Theatrepreneur and Why You Should Be One.
I’ve been reading a ton of small business and social media blogs, lately – ordinary people taking action, making their business lives unfold in the direction of their desires.
I have a great admiration for people who do the same in the theatre world
When I moved back to New York several years ago, I was struck by how the artists in New York’s downtown scene never wore just one label; there were actor-producers, writer-directors, director-producer-writer, actor-producer-writer-artistic directors. Having cut my theatre teeth as a London Luvvy, this was very new to me. In London, theatre artists were defined by one profession– You were either an actor, a director, a writer, a technician, a stage manager, a designer, a producer, etc, etc. No double-barrels. Ever.
To that end, I never quite fit the mould. I was a double-barreled artist from the start.
See, I worked a lot as an actor-musician. (See the photo to the right, of me in Cabaret, directed by John Doyle)
Far from this being considered double the value, and double the talent, it was frowned upon in the UK as meaning only having half the ability of each. Diving headlong into New York’s downtown theatre scene was like finding my home. (I, also, found my husband there)
I am in awe of the producers, directors, theatre company-starters, artistic directors, actor-producers, writer-director-producers (you get the picture) who actually make theatre happen. By that, I mean, the business part of the business. I know, I know, ‘business’ is considered a dirty word for some of us industry folks. But it is a business. Yes, as well as being an art and a center of creative expression, theatre IS a business. A business based on an art form, a communal art form, but a business, nevertheless. A business for which people feel great passion, take huge risks, win big or lose big. I am not saying business is what drives and motivates this industry but I am saying that it is the shadow half, the part no-one really likes talking about.
‘Theatrepreneurs’, in my definition (and I think I may have created the word), means: People who Make Theatre Happen.
They are visionaries, in the true sense of the word – they see a future they want to create and take the action to get there.
I have been fortunate enough to interview some amazingly inspiring theatrepreneurs; people who have made theatre happen. Please check them out, and do let me know if there is anyone you would like me to interview (along with their contact info, if possible)
Whom, do you think, is the most inspirational Theatrepreneur? Who would you like to see interviewed on this blog? Tell me in the comments below.