Pittsburgh Arts, Regional Theatre, New Work, Producing, Copyright, Labor Unions,
New Products, Coping Skills, J-O-Bs...
Theatre industry news, University & School of Drama Announcements, plus occasional course support for
Carnegie Mellon School of Drama Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni.
The Boston Globe: As I sat in Emerson College’s Colonial Theatre on Sunday, it was hard for me to enjoy the hysterically funny musical “The Book of Mormon” without wondering whether this is the end of the Colonial as we know it.
I’m glad to read that the Huntington has potential partners lined up to help them buy their space, but all these places closing does actually sound a bit scary. Like I mentioned in a previous comment, I don’t know what Boston University is going to do about attracting students if they have no major space. I know that having the Huntington has done a lot for my friends who went there in terms of giving them experience and connections to other theaters in Boston. Looking at the issues facing the rest of the city of Boston, I agree with the writer, Boston should not be having so many issues in today’s economy. I am interested to read more into the economy of the entertainment business in Boston, because it is such a major city I have a hard time believing that it is as “screwed” as it may seem.
It is really sad that theater is suffering so much, but it is extremely understandable. I don’t go to shows unless they are free because often times I hate the production or it’s just too expensive to see. This problem cannot be solved because there is such inflation on ticket prices due to the lack of audiences. The other large issue is that theater-goers are mostly white middle class women, and it is hard to make good art when your audience just wants to see Mama Mia for the four hundredth time. Emerson was my top choice when I applied to colleges, and it was because they had the best theater spaces of all the colleges I visited. The Colonial is an incredibly beautiful theater space, and I wanted so badly to design for that stage. The fact that theater in Boston is dying is not surprising, but it still breaks my heart.
I had read and heard about BU parting ways with the Huntington Theater, and I had heard vague comments about Emerson considering changing the Colonial as well, but I wasn’t aware that all of this was happening alongside other major changes in the Boston theater scene. I live 30 minutes outside of Boston, so I would go into the city pretty frequently to see shows, usually ones my friend who goes to Emerson was working on, whether it was with the Emerson Arts company or not. It’s not immediately clear to me why all of these changes are happening now. Boston is a very culturally diverse and artistic environment, and there are such a range of shows you can see in the city, ranging from travelling musicals at the Boston Opera House to smaller shows with Company One. The changes it seems Emerson is planning to make don’t seem as drastic as the recent big Huntington/ BU news, but it’s still a shame that such a big, beautiful space could be converted into a dining hall. I’m not sure how I feel about the idea of a small, convertible theater. I was very close to going to Emerson, so it’s sad to hear about these developments in Emerson and Boston in general which seem to be reflecting on the state of the disintegrating theater scene.
My Boston heritage aside, reading these articles make me really sad about the state of the arts, especially for large cities like Boston. Here's the thing, though: Boston has always been a big arts city and if it wasn't for it, there would not be the amount of young theater artists that we have today. If you look at the numbers for incoming classes, there are always a big contingency of people from Massachusetts. Yeah, there will always be huge numbers from places like Florida, California, and Texas, but in terms of state size, you're getting more people per population from the Boston area than you are from bigger states. In the class of 2017, there are 3 people from Texas and 2 from Boston. Due to our geography, Adelaide and I have had similar theatrical upbringings working in various Massachusetts-based festivals and such, which is what makes smaller states like Massachusetts and cities like Boston so crucial for the development for young artists. Seeing institutions like BU and Emerson suffer these kinds of losses makes me worry about the future of theatrical education. Boston has always been a place for me to experience excellent theatre, and even though a lot of it will remain after these changes, a lot of it will be lost, at least in the upcoming years. Saying that we need to protect the theaters is a step in the right direction and I hope to see a plan in the near future to sustain something that millions of young Bostonians hold so dearly.
I didn’t go see much theatre before high school. The fact that Cleveland had such a thriving theatre scene that I could enjoy just went right over my head. As my love for creating theatre continued to grow my family and I decided to pick up two season passes to Cleveland’s touring series shows in the old downtown playhouses. While I must admit I love the intimacy of spaces like our own Chosky theatre and there are certainly benefits behind a modern space designed primarily for function over aesthetics even though they are still often beautiful. There is something special about these huge playhouses. Maybe it’s the intricate and beautiful architecture. Maybe it’s the feeling that you are experiencing something so similar and yet so different from people in the 20’s and 30’s in those same buildings. Cleveland was lucky, our theatres closed, some even burned to a crisp, but they came back. In one of the defining moments of our history a small group of people led their renovation and have reignited the spark of theatre in those spaces. Reading about the Boston theatre scene’s struggles makes me think about all of the people who will never get to experience what I did the first time I sat down in one of these beautiful theatres to smile, to love, to cry, and to be inspired.
It’s incredibly sad that so many theaters in Boston are facing closure. This isn’t like closing a movies theater, these buildings are beautiful intricate examples of architecture and reminders of a different age of theater. Sitting in the house of the Colonial or the Huntington brings you back to the time when theater was the primary form of entertainment. It’s a truly special experience to see a show in that style of theater. Its even more special to be a student and get to work in those spaces. Even if you don’t get to work in spaces like that very often after you’ve graduated its still a valuable experience. It reminds us all of what theater used to be and can still be. At least Emerson has other main stages and a faculty willing to fight for its theaters. BU seems determined to hang its theater program out to dry
This is so sad to read in this century. There’s so much happening world wide right now and art has the responsibility of reflecting that, and the fact that we aren’t I think is part of the problem. As sad as the idea is, I do agree with Emerson’s College President that the key to that theatre’s success is its ability to be manipulated. There is a group of people that want to see every show a company puts on, but that group cannot come to every performance. So if finances is becoming this much of a debilitating factor, we have to appeal to groups out side of that. We have to do ore than entertain, it can’t be something that normal people feel like they’ve seen before, or they won’t buy tickets. We have to bring up the themes of today in our performances so we can intrigue people with the thought that they identify with this art.
I do wish the best for the people involved in these theatre’s, the unfortunate events just seem to keep piling on up in Boston. Stay strong.
Seeing as I live very close to Boston and that much of the city’s theatre inspired me as I was growing up, it’s quite sad to see all of this uncertainty arising for the city’s performance arts. These issues (BU/Huntington, Emerson’s Colonial, Citi Group leaving) would be troubling on their own, but collectively they create significant concern for the future of the city’s theatre and dance scene. Although it has not reached that point yet, one of the largest problems is real estate value superseding arts value of these spaces. I know that many are nervous about the fate of the Huntington theatre, as there is always concern when a space is put up for sale. Which will prevail, the importance of profit, or preserving the arts? The Emerson situation is more nuanced, since both sides of the issue want to support the arts, just in different ways. One opinion is to preserve the historic venue as-is, which makes sense given the theater’s historic value. On the contrary, as an educational institution Emerson wants to prioritize how it can best serve its students. As generational changes affect commercial industries, it’s important to look at ways of adapting. We shouldn’t be asking how professional theatre can adapt, but rather how it NEEDS to adapt to survive, and then work from there. Otherwise, preservation efforts may be in vain.
Yes, reading about these changes is sad and concerning as theatre artists. But I read through all these articles and can't help but think "Is this all just a coincidence?" How is it possible that 3 huge Boston arts institutions released news of abandonment all within a week or two of each other? I want to know what specifically led each of these institutions to making these decisions, and analyze why they all came to a tipping point within a week of each other. Was this just a coincidence, or was it led on by one institutions decision, perhaps Citibank no longer supporting the arts in Boston? Either way, these changes need to not only be mourned, but most importantly be analyzed by our industry's leaders. Boston is one of the most vibrant arts cities in our country, and if it is showing signs of weakness, we need to find ways to keep it strong and build it back up again. I truly hope in the next few months we will hear good news about the Huntington and Colonial. These are two theaters that are not only enjoyed by patrons, but also contribute to hundreds of theatre educations in Boston. Shutting them down will not only rob audiences of great art, but it will be a detriment to BU and Emerson's theatre programs.
What is currently happening in the Boston arts and theatre scene, is really sad. I know I’ve commented on all the articles, but its something I have been following. I am from Boston, and while I’m not sure I want to move back there, It would be incredibly sad I couldn’t because the arts community has almost shrunk in 1/2. I admire those who are crusading against this patten of closing theaters and companies loosing their space. I could not agree with this Author more, you can not call this the golden age in Boston, if what was once a large and thriving community is going though a serious downturn. While Boston has proved its a resilient community and will fight for what it feels is right and feels it needs to, I fear there are not enough people jumping to its aid. I know every community goes though its ups and down, and I hope Boston's theatre community is able to come out of this stronger. I look forward to see how things change and still feel hopeful of what may come.
It is really sad to hear about what’s happening to theatre and the arts in Boston. I have lived in Boston my whole life and grown up going to performances in the Huntington and Colonial theatres. It is sad to hear about the possibility of turning these century-old spaces into dining halls or even parking garages. Emerson was high on my list of colleges, but am I glad I chose to go to CMU, especially because Pittsburgh has a thriving theatre scene. It will be interesting to go home and see what changes will take place in Boston. With any luck, some other company will making an offer on these historic landmarks to keep them intact. I agree with Pelton when he says times are changing and people are looking for different types of theatre. However, I just don’t see the Emerson community saying goodbye to the Colonial for a dining hall.
I wonder what are the reasons behind this situation. I also wonder what is, or are the main industry or industries for Boston. I never been there before so I can’t actually tell but still it’s sad to here such things like that. Also, my guess is that because they may be invest in technology and business and all other things so much they people forget about arts. It’s like Yin-Yang and it happens everywhere every now and then. It’s all about the balance. I’ve been living in a place and had been to places where arts use to be the main, most important thing for people and that’s what they put all the money and support to. Those places are not like other places where they focus on agriculture, not like places where they focus on technology and science, not like places where people focus most on stock market and there’s so little space for arts to exist.
I'm sad to see that many theatre spaces are closing in Boston. This means less performance spaces and companies which means less actors and designers will go there which means that there will be less theatre and culture in Boston. I understand the golden Age perspective of Boston. I've personally never been to Boston but I know they have a very expansive history and a unique culture that I'm sure many would hate to see become lost. In Contrast Fort Worth Texas is going through a huge boost in the arts and theaters are springing up everywhere. A theatre company I worked for has been an integral part in the growth and revival of many broken down parts of the city and transporting them into an artist haven for new ideas and culture. If we compare Boston and Fort Worth we see a very different demographic and audience Base. Many retired people are moving to Fort worth because of its year round good weather, large space and growing community. Boston has become very crowded and focuses on Medical advances rather than the arts. I think this creates a very different sense of how people approach the theatre and how much of a crowd a show generates. I think Theaters will start springing up again in Boston as people continue to move there and The golden age progress starts to settle and even out, Boston has too much culture to let it be forgotten.
13 comments:
I’m glad to read that the Huntington has potential partners lined up to help them buy their space, but all these places closing does actually sound a bit scary. Like I mentioned in a previous comment, I don’t know what Boston University is going to do about attracting students if they have no major space. I know that having the Huntington has done a lot for my friends who went there in terms of giving them experience and connections to other theaters in Boston. Looking at the issues facing the rest of the city of Boston, I agree with the writer, Boston should not be having so many issues in today’s economy. I am interested to read more into the economy of the entertainment business in Boston, because it is such a major city I have a hard time believing that it is as “screwed” as it may seem.
It is really sad that theater is suffering so much, but it is extremely understandable. I don’t go to shows unless they are free because often times I hate the production or it’s just too expensive to see. This problem cannot be solved because there is such inflation on ticket prices due to the lack of audiences. The other large issue is that theater-goers are mostly white middle class women, and it is hard to make good art when your audience just wants to see Mama Mia for the four hundredth time.
Emerson was my top choice when I applied to colleges, and it was because they had the best theater spaces of all the colleges I visited. The Colonial is an incredibly beautiful theater space, and I wanted so badly to design for that stage. The fact that theater in Boston is dying is not surprising, but it still breaks my heart.
I had read and heard about BU parting ways with the Huntington Theater, and I had heard vague comments about Emerson considering changing the Colonial as well, but I wasn’t aware that all of this was happening alongside other major changes in the Boston theater scene. I live 30 minutes outside of Boston, so I would go into the city pretty frequently to see shows, usually ones my friend who goes to Emerson was working on, whether it was with the Emerson Arts company or not. It’s not immediately clear to me why all of these changes are happening now. Boston is a very culturally diverse and artistic environment, and there are such a range of shows you can see in the city, ranging from travelling musicals at the Boston Opera House to smaller shows with Company One. The changes it seems Emerson is planning to make don’t seem as drastic as the recent big Huntington/ BU news, but it’s still a shame that such a big, beautiful space could be converted into a dining hall. I’m not sure how I feel about the idea of a small, convertible theater. I was very close to going to Emerson, so it’s sad to hear about these developments in Emerson and Boston in general which seem to be reflecting on the state of the disintegrating theater scene.
My Boston heritage aside, reading these articles make me really sad about the state of the arts, especially for large cities like Boston. Here's the thing, though: Boston has always been a big arts city and if it wasn't for it, there would not be the amount of young theater artists that we have today. If you look at the numbers for incoming classes, there are always a big contingency of people from Massachusetts. Yeah, there will always be huge numbers from places like Florida, California, and Texas, but in terms of state size, you're getting more people per population from the Boston area than you are from bigger states. In the class of 2017, there are 3 people from Texas and 2 from Boston. Due to our geography, Adelaide and I have had similar theatrical upbringings working in various Massachusetts-based festivals and such, which is what makes smaller states like Massachusetts and cities like Boston so crucial for the development for young artists. Seeing institutions like BU and Emerson suffer these kinds of losses makes me worry about the future of theatrical education. Boston has always been a place for me to experience excellent theatre, and even though a lot of it will remain after these changes, a lot of it will be lost, at least in the upcoming years. Saying that we need to protect the theaters is a step in the right direction and I hope to see a plan in the near future to sustain something that millions of young Bostonians hold so dearly.
I didn’t go see much theatre before high school. The fact that Cleveland had such a thriving theatre scene that I could enjoy just went right over my head. As my love for creating theatre continued to grow my family and I decided to pick up two season passes to Cleveland’s touring series shows in the old downtown playhouses. While I must admit I love the intimacy of spaces like our own Chosky theatre and there are certainly benefits behind a modern space designed primarily for function over aesthetics even though they are still often beautiful. There is something special about these huge playhouses. Maybe it’s the intricate and beautiful architecture. Maybe it’s the feeling that you are experiencing something so similar and yet so different from people in the 20’s and 30’s in those same buildings. Cleveland was lucky, our theatres closed, some even burned to a crisp, but they came back. In one of the defining moments of our history a small group of people led their renovation and have reignited the spark of theatre in those spaces. Reading about the Boston theatre scene’s struggles makes me think about all of the people who will never get to experience what I did the first time I sat down in one of these beautiful theatres to smile, to love, to cry, and to be inspired.
It’s incredibly sad that so many theaters in Boston are facing closure. This isn’t like closing a movies theater, these buildings are beautiful intricate examples of architecture and reminders of a different age of theater. Sitting in the house of the Colonial or the Huntington brings you back to the time when theater was the primary form of entertainment. It’s a truly special experience to see a show in that style of theater. Its even more special to be a student and get to work in those spaces. Even if you don’t get to work in spaces like that very often after you’ve graduated its still a valuable experience. It reminds us all of what theater used to be and can still be. At least Emerson has other main stages and a faculty willing to fight for its theaters. BU seems determined to hang its theater program out to dry
This is so sad to read in this century. There’s so much happening world wide right now and art has the responsibility of reflecting that, and the fact that we aren’t I think is part of the problem. As sad as the idea is, I do agree with Emerson’s College President that the key to that theatre’s success is its ability to be manipulated. There is a group of people that want to see every show a company puts on, but that group cannot come to every performance. So if finances is becoming this much of a debilitating factor, we have to appeal to groups out side of that. We have to do ore than entertain, it can’t be something that normal people feel like they’ve seen before, or they won’t buy tickets. We have to bring up the themes of today in our performances so we can intrigue people with the thought that they identify with this art.
I do wish the best for the people involved in these theatre’s, the unfortunate events just seem to keep piling on up in Boston. Stay strong.
Seeing as I live very close to Boston and that much of the city’s theatre inspired me as I was growing up, it’s quite sad to see all of this uncertainty arising for the city’s performance arts. These issues (BU/Huntington, Emerson’s Colonial, Citi Group leaving) would be troubling on their own, but collectively they create significant concern for the future of the city’s theatre and dance scene. Although it has not reached that point yet, one of the largest problems is real estate value superseding arts value of these spaces. I know that many are nervous about the fate of the Huntington theatre, as there is always concern when a space is put up for sale. Which will prevail, the importance of profit, or preserving the arts?
The Emerson situation is more nuanced, since both sides of the issue want to support the arts, just in different ways. One opinion is to preserve the historic venue as-is, which makes sense given the theater’s historic value. On the contrary, as an educational institution Emerson wants to prioritize how it can best serve its students.
As generational changes affect commercial industries, it’s important to look at ways of adapting. We shouldn’t be asking how professional theatre can adapt, but rather how it NEEDS to adapt to survive, and then work from there. Otherwise, preservation efforts may be in vain.
Yes, reading about these changes is sad and concerning as theatre artists. But I read through all these articles and can't help but think "Is this all just a coincidence?" How is it possible that 3 huge Boston arts institutions released news of abandonment all within a week or two of each other? I want to know what specifically led each of these institutions to making these decisions, and analyze why they all came to a tipping point within a week of each other. Was this just a coincidence, or was it led on by one institutions decision, perhaps Citibank no longer supporting the arts in Boston? Either way, these changes need to not only be mourned, but most importantly be analyzed by our industry's leaders. Boston is one of the most vibrant arts cities in our country, and if it is showing signs of weakness, we need to find ways to keep it strong and build it back up again. I truly hope in the next few months we will hear good news about the Huntington and Colonial. These are two theaters that are not only enjoyed by patrons, but also contribute to hundreds of theatre educations in Boston. Shutting them down will not only rob audiences of great art, but it will be a detriment to BU and Emerson's theatre programs.
What is currently happening in the Boston arts and theatre scene, is really sad. I know I’ve commented on all the articles, but its something I have been following. I am from Boston, and while I’m not sure I want to move back there, It would be incredibly sad I couldn’t because the arts community has almost shrunk in 1/2. I admire those who are crusading against this patten of closing theaters and companies loosing their space. I could not agree with this Author more, you can not call this the golden age in Boston, if what was once a large and thriving community is going though a serious downturn. While Boston has proved its a resilient community and will fight for what it feels is right and feels it needs to, I fear there are not enough people jumping to its aid. I know every community goes though its ups and down, and I hope Boston's theatre community is able to come out of this stronger. I look forward to see how things change and still feel hopeful of what may come.
It is really sad to hear about what’s happening to theatre and the arts in Boston. I have lived in Boston my whole life and grown up going to performances in the Huntington and Colonial theatres. It is sad to hear about the possibility of turning these century-old spaces into dining halls or even parking garages. Emerson was high on my list of colleges, but am I glad I chose to go to CMU, especially because Pittsburgh has a thriving theatre scene. It will be interesting to go home and see what changes will take place in Boston.
With any luck, some other company will making an offer on these historic landmarks to keep them intact. I agree with Pelton when he says times are changing and people are looking for different types of theatre. However, I just don’t see the Emerson community saying goodbye to the Colonial for a dining hall.
I wonder what are the reasons behind this situation. I also wonder what is, or are the main industry or industries for Boston. I never been there before so I can’t actually tell but still it’s sad to here such things like that. Also, my guess is that because they may be invest in technology and business and all other things so much they people forget about arts. It’s like Yin-Yang and it happens everywhere every now and then. It’s all about the balance. I’ve been living in a place and had been to places where arts use to be the main, most important thing for people and that’s what they put all the money and support to. Those places are not like other places where they focus on agriculture, not like places where they focus on technology and science, not like places where people focus most on stock market and there’s so little space for arts to exist.
I'm sad to see that many theatre spaces are closing in Boston. This means less performance spaces and companies which means less actors and designers will go there which means that there will be less theatre and culture in Boston. I understand the golden Age perspective of Boston. I've personally never been to Boston but I know they have a very expansive history and a unique culture that I'm sure many would hate to see become lost. In Contrast Fort Worth Texas is going through a huge boost in the arts and theaters are springing up everywhere. A theatre company I worked for has been an integral part in the growth and revival of many broken down parts of the city and transporting them into an artist haven for new ideas and culture. If we compare Boston and Fort Worth we see a very different demographic and audience Base. Many retired people are moving to Fort worth because of its year round good weather, large space and growing community. Boston has become very crowded and focuses on Medical advances rather than the arts. I think this creates a very different sense of how people approach the theatre and how much of a crowd a show generates. I think Theaters will start springing up again in Boston as people continue to move there and The golden age progress starts to settle and even out, Boston has too much culture to let it be forgotten.
Post a Comment