Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Recycling Initiative Focuses on Broadway Sets and Props
NYTimes.com: "EVER wonder where the levitating tire from “Cats” went? The helicopter from “Miss Saigon”? How about the millions of dollars’ worth of scenery, props and costumes associated with the more than a dozen Broadway shows that have closed since late December?"
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8 comments:
Funny, Jeremy and I were just talking about this the other day. More specifically why we as a school throw out all of our scenery. Clearly major pieces wouldn't want to be given away or sold because of the issues of design integrity but things like studwalls or pieces that could easily find a home in another one of ours or another local groups production, why do we find it necessary to simply toss (rather artfully pack) into a dumpster? It's not economically or environmentally conscious of us.
While I understand what Berger is saying, and believe that the theatre is one of the last groups of people to jump on the green train. However, the first factor is space... with carts being stored in the hall, where else could things go. Second, as this is a school, we learn from having to create these pieces rather than just pulling them from stock.
I am really happy and excited that the theatrical world is starting to think about the environment. The structure of the theatre means we are constantly using resources for a short period of time and then trashing them. It is so important that the theatre begins to think of the environment.
I am also excited about the Broadway Goes Green movement. The theatre produces so much trash at the end of one of its runs, I'm glad that people are starting to realize that these are materials that could be put to other purposes.
I agree with Megan and Brooke. Broadway going green is very exciting. It has taken a while for them to catch on to the green movement, but now that they have it will definitely help make a difference.
On another note, I found it very interesting that actors like to keep their shoes from shows. I never would have thought of that to keep as a memento.
I would like to say: YAY! ENVIRONMENT! My high school theater would throw out our scenery after shows for lack of space. I almost salvaged our scenery from Into The Woods to decorate my room.
This seems like a positive and also plausible step. I often hear of ideas for radical changes in how big theatres work, and I think the industry probably isn't nearly responsive enough for that to be practical, but this is a simple, relatively low cost option that could really make a difference.
This is flipping fantastic. I just wish we did it AT CMU!!!! I know where are all sorts of factors, but there's no reason why all theaters on the commercial, regional, or university level cannot find avenues to recycle or donate their scenery. Other non-profit theaters, other universities or regionals, high school, etc could all benefit from recycled or reused sets. Now I understand there are issues with artistic integrity and licensing, but that needs to be looked at incredibly critically when it comes to the overall use of global resources and the health of our planet. I hope this Broadway initiative spirals down to other parts of the industry.
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