My view from Seattle: theatre, life, soul and stuff.

DOUBT is in its second week and has been a hit with the critics of our two daily newspapers. That’s tremendously affirming for the actors, designers, crew and myself — now to see how audiences respond. And buy tickets. Hmm: why is the box office phone a tad too silent for a critical hit?

It’s amazing to have over half the audience stay for a post-performance Q&A. The hands shoot up fast for questions and comments as rapidly as I point someone out. But why was the theatre only 60% full to start with? (or on that night at least)

Is it a good show?

Will we meet our budget goals?

Therein lies the double-mindedness that artist/producers grapple with: maintaining integrity of artistic mission and keeping an eye on the box office stats. Taproot Theatre Company is no different in this regard: my peers at other Seattle theatres (and those across the country and up in Canada) sweat the details of Art & Dollars or run the peril of being financially kaput and gone. We don’t create in an environment of being entitled with vast financial underwriting. Artistic Risk - which is important to foster new work, nurture young talent and invest in mature talent, respond to a changing world, and to keep the audience’s imagination and spirit lively - is mostly burdened by that last word: RISK.

What’s to be done? Is imaginative, invigorating, “new”, challenging and vital theatre doomed to minuscule audiences (and ticket income)?

My insight, for now, is the need to create a community that will allow for risk: Artistic and Financial. Not irresponsibility or vanity though. Within the context of subscribers and financial donors, we need to strengthen a sense of mutual Trust and Loyalty. Presumably they’ve chose this theatre (i.e. Taproot Theatre Company) with some assumptions about artistic quality, mission, core values, and the performance experience. Have we educated them as to who we are and what we stand for? If we give our audiences our best shots at respect, creativity and quality, I think they’ll allow for the occasional play they didn’t care for - let alone the one(s) we think misfired! - and remain committed subscribers and donors. It’s a different scenario, less transactional and more relational.

In the meantime…you’ll find me at the shows of DOUBT whenever I can make it, talking in the lobby with our patrons, and thanking them for taking a risk on Taproot Theatre Company.

PS: DOUBT is a beauty of a play and the audiences are enjoying the performances and leaving pleased, challenged and chatty!! I’m proud of the cast and crew’s hard work and commitment to serve our audiences.  It’s a night out that proves how powerful and illuminating good theatre really is.