How we will grow

Today we face the problem of growing with our audience. Theatre was often the entertainment of choice by many until technological advances and social opinions changed all of this. But like the humble book it appears that though seemingly facing annihilation at the hands of superior technology that offers more to the consumer we have stuck around, yes theatre may not be the most popular of entertainments but the fact it remains up there at all is a testament to the survivability of our wonderful industry. Why have we survived? a very interesting question. I personally beleive that it has something to do with its historical significance. This allows theatre a certain aura of power and status. The age of it is self justifying. that's why it remains A key subject in most schools in the country. that is why most high schools have theatres and while most primary schools do mid year and end of year plays. While Film is starting to garner some support you don't see schools building movie cinemas just yet or the end of year movie. and it's this involvement in school that really sinks into you in a crucial developing stage of your life. you often associate it with happiness because its the class where you can muck around a bit more or free yourselves from the rigours of school life. Even the simple act of pretending to be someone else is liberating in itself. That is why, in my opinion theatre is still strong today. submerging youth in it today will assure us of people who are willing to watch, be involved and create theatre for the future. And that is why it is crucial we continue to immerse youth in theatre. Advertise more plays in magazines like Xpress, be more involved on the web, from having your own site to tapping into Facebook, twitter and myspace. But for those who don't want youths involved, at least be accommodating of them so as to not drive them off from our wonderful craft. That's why I think that more community theatre groups need offer more for the younger generation whether its plays with one or two young characters to making it easier for kids to participate in one act seasons and the like. Who knows, you may unearth a gem who will always look back on you and your group with fond memory's. At the very worst you'll probably just leave a little trace of theatre in their blood. but as we all know theatre-much like herion-gets you hooked after the first shot. Tom Camp http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=255728502417&ref=ts#/group.php?gid=255728502417&ref=ts