Friday, March 22, 2019
Backstage with Quantum Theatre’s T.J. Parker-Young
Backstage | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper: Quantum produces in a new location each show, typically spaces not traditionally used for theater. How is this job different with this company?
Every site is a restart with its own challenges and complications; how to create the most comfortable patron experience within the limitations of the space. I look at the capabilities of the site, and every possible aspect has to be thought out every time we move a show.
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3 comments:
I found this interview very interesting because people are generally less inclined to ask about what a Patron Services Associate does as opposed to people actors, designers, and directors, who get interviewed constantly. I thought that TJ Parker-Young did a fantastic job of encompassing the motivations, goals, and challenges of his work, and allowed me to appreciate a position in theatre that I had never once heard of or thought about. He seems to cover a wide range of concerns, from purely logistical (such as making sure there’s available patron parking) to issues surrounding sensitive content. Especially within a company as fluid and ever-changing like Quantum Theatre, I can imagine how important it must be for everyone to be flexible given a wide variety of tasks and circumstances, and Parker-Young is no different. I have yet to see a show by Quantum, but I hope that I get to very soon.
This is a very interesting article. I really like the Quantum Theatre’s philosophy, and how they change the space to fit the show, and vice-versa. While this is anything but the first article about the Quantum Theatre that I have seen on the news from the real world blog, I think that this interview is much more insightful into their thought process. Unfortunately, due to the very busy schedule presented by being in the School of Drama, I have not had a chance to see any of their productions, but I would absolutely love to, if given the chance. Unfortunately, it does look like their next show is King Lear, and I am a relatively active critic of Shakepeare in general, especially reimagining such traditional shows. In the end, it is more likely that I will end up seeing one of their productions in the future years, at least hopefully.
I find it very interesting how dynamic the theatrical experience can be for Quantum Theatre’s audience members. But the way the creative and management team thinks builds the production does change significantly from the traditional proscenium, or even black box space. Just by understanding a bit of T.J. Parker’s role in this company, I can get a glimpse as to how the rest of the team must collaborate. Stage management must have to pay close attention to the details of the performance space and ensuring the safety on the stage as well as backstage and any designated greenroom area. This may seem like a detail, but when entering a new location, surely there are additional concerns. I was surprised to read that the patron services associate focuses on details and logistics, but also has a creative input. I suppose this speaks on the values of the company—for everyone to contribute to the fresh, innovative theatre.
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