Booking dates.

Someone mentioned how there were 7 community shows on last week in Perth. This week nothing new.

This site has a very good 'Whats on' section, why don't groups pencil in a date that they are considering months ahead, as this will stop duplication of identical shows - sometimes on in the same week. They could always put (pencil in) at the end of the play title.

I picked up a leaflet promoting a show in a couple of months and as yet it hasn't been listed on 'Whats on'. If you want to get the best audiences and as little competition as possible, please plan ahead.

I have a great deal of respect for the people who have replied on this tag and the other link, and they know more than I do about organising a show.

However, if there are several opening nights on the same week, would it matter much if a couple moved forward a week and a couple moved back a week?

This would surely allow actors to see other shows and be better for their ticket sales.

Pencilling in would not tie them to booking with the play's agent, but would let others see what was coming in the distant future.

Gordon,

Most Independent Theatre groups really only focus on their own local demographic and rarely consider further afield as a potential revenue, and they'd have a point. The general public (as I am aware) that are prepared to travel great distances to see specific shows are in a distinct minority. With this mindset, worrying about what another theatre might be showing is irrelevant.

That is not my opinion of course, just a reflection of my observations. Not all theatres operate with this mindset, but again I believe these to be in a minority. Some theatres band together to collectively pool their demographic in to a larger catchment area.

Further to this, some theatre groups will try an plan their schedules, but there are a number of factors that can impact on timing, including the one that Jess has mentioned - availability of the director. There is also planning around local events and the year long schedule. Each production must have enough time to bump in a new set and rehearse, and this alone can be a major influence in timing. Those clubs that try to pitch the same number of shows in a year will often double up in this way.

Regarding double ups of actual plays, well there in itself is another problem. How do you communicate with other clubs about what you would like to put on in such a way as to still keep it a secret until you have a final plan? Companies do not want other companies to know what they are doing until the last second, lest another club decides to race them for the rights. So a lot of this arranging is done in secret. You may think that the Rights Owners/agents may be able to coordinate to some degree, but as it is independent theatre, not professional big bucks, many do not see the need.

While this does nothing for the Gordon's, Julia's, Jarrod's and other patrons willing to go to great lengths to see a show, keep in mind another comment that I have heard made in these circumstances: The show runs to three weeks. They should be able to see both if they really want to.

Not very helpful observations on the state of Theatre in and around Perth.

My personal solution to this issue would require the creation of a new body or sub/body whom would arrange the schedules and royalties in a private and confidential manner, but I fear that this would be seen as taking away the sense of Independence from Independent Theatre groups.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

I am not too sure it would change much. Some groups may take such a release into account and adjust accordingly. Others would not. Still, some effect is better than none I suppose. Then there are those adjustments that occur after the fact...

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins