I was reading on Artsjournal.com the other day about Stolen Chair Theatre’s model of new play development based on community farming and I was intrigued. This morning I was reading some discussions taking place in our community about spaces and I started wondering if there isn’t something there in the Stolen Chair Theatre’s model that we could apply to theatre spaces. What if we created condo/coop type theatres? For some people renting space is what they want and need and the spaces in Chicago that rent to small theatres are invaluable to all of us. But, lots of companies yearn for their own space where they can create a community and have a place that their audiences recognize as their own. Maybe four theatres could buy a building? That way each company is only burdened with the extra expense and staffing of one quarter of a building. The onus is not on any one company to rent the space, all expenses are shared equally and space is allocated equally. And when the time comes, a company could sell their share to another company. Collaboration is always super hard, but the reward can be well worth the effort. It would take lots of lawyers and a fairly substantial initial investment. Do I hear four volunteers?
Deb
8 comments:
oh deb - this has an air of INTERESTING about it...be intrigued to hear if there are specifically 4 takers!
Deb this idea makes sense, particularly if the theaters do not have identical needs but similar ideas of structure. I spent a long time (before Prop thtr's present digs) trying to form a consortium to save the old Blue Rider theater space. I was talking to Curious Theater Branch, Theater Oobleck, Hermit Arts, Trap Door and we were pretty close to agreement but Pod Majursky (owner) tried to change spaces on us. The trick to this, I think, is that one company has to kind of take the lead and administer the place while the others either pay more or some other trade off. There are things done well cooperatively and things which have to just be done executively (like keeping a calendar and paying bills) Either you hire an outside 'administrator' or one of the companies does that. I have a lot of experience with these type models, if anyone wants to have a discussion about it, I am most happy to talk about it.
I have long thought that taking a large building and dividing it into several theater spaces would be a good idea. However, it needs to be done not only in a theater consortium but with the blessing of the city and/or the alderman. Dealing with the city codes and permits can be a nightmare and often is the factor that ruins plans like these.
Deb: We have been working on this idea recently and are ready to push forward with it in Chicago. I own a company called Insiders Entertainment and our model for this idea would include many more benefits for the theater companies than just a performance space alone. Please email me at Brandon@insidersinc.com if you are willing to discuss this idea further. Stefan, if you have any more words of wisdom I would love to hear what you have to say as well!
hi deb,
this project has been undertaken by a group of theatres in new orleans. there's a great paper on it here:
http://ensembletheaters.net/2009/11/new-orleans-feasibility-study-2009/
enjoy, and good luck!
Ruth Stine
It seems as though this is kinda what Theatre Wit is doing in their new space. Like Stefan suggested Theatre Wit is the owner/administrator over the building as a whole, but with Stage Left, and I believe Shattered Globe as the other theatres in the space. Using the three performances collectively. I think this will be a great first step to see if this model can work on a large scale. But it would sure be great to be a part of such a venture.
Things like this have been tried in the past and never worked. The problems arose when either a play was successful but could not be extended because of commitment to the other theaters or a company shut down leaving a heavier burden on the remaining theaters.
I admit it would be a great solution to the problem of finding space.
I think this is a very interesting idea. I would also loved to be involved to see how it turns out. Although I am not a company member of any one theatre, I work with and know many who need space.
I am a production manager, with a bit of building consultant experience, so if this does go into a discussion, please keep me informed. My email is production@justinargenio.com
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