Young People
Tue, 7 Aug 2001, 01:31 pmmelissa21 posts in thread
Young People
Tue, 7 Aug 2001, 01:31 pmWith the large numbers of young people now using this site, I felt none should miss out on a post which is now some way down the board (buried by Mr Gambles incessant ramblings, I'm kidding, the boy has now seen the error of his ways). After a lengthy debate about audiences and their leaving in interval, a debate which should remain buried, the following emerged:
'As a rule, we avoid employing the services of anyone younger than 18, simply because people of that age, while enthusiastic, are not usually able to be committed to one project for several months at a time, due to studies, personal relations and the general "finding themselves" issues. We do, however, have an average age of between 25 and 35. An ideal age as such people have well and truly found themselves, and are in theatre for the sake of theatre, and not just for the sake of something to do.
I'm not saying all younger people are unreliable, but I have to say this rule was introduced because there had not been a past production where at least one person of that age didn't decide to quit a show midway because of a relationship breakup! No joke! '
Thought I'd get some other opinions on this.
Melissa
'As a rule, we avoid employing the services of anyone younger than 18, simply because people of that age, while enthusiastic, are not usually able to be committed to one project for several months at a time, due to studies, personal relations and the general "finding themselves" issues. We do, however, have an average age of between 25 and 35. An ideal age as such people have well and truly found themselves, and are in theatre for the sake of theatre, and not just for the sake of something to do.
I'm not saying all younger people are unreliable, but I have to say this rule was introduced because there had not been a past production where at least one person of that age didn't decide to quit a show midway because of a relationship breakup! No joke! '
Thought I'd get some other opinions on this.
Melissa
RE: Young People
Mon, 13 Aug 2001, 05:54 pmHi,
Interesting little debate we've got here. Thought I'd add my five cents.
Personally, I have never encountered an age restriction rule (the obvious exception being youth theatre)- actually I have experienced quite the opposite with people usually being extremely supportive of any move I've made in theatre in my part of WA (though often you can sense the doubt about my age somehow affecting my level of experience)... However I would be a little freaked out by an age rule because many of the best, most experienced and enthusiastic actors and directors I have worked with have been quite young, though I've also worked with great older actors and directors.
Really though, age shouldn't be a factor when one decides who one is going to work with - it's quite a surface consideration really (actually I find it quite nastily discriminatory). Funky (and reliable) people come in all ages. To me, all that should matter is that you're working with people who you create good work with and thay you can enjoy creating said work with them.
Is creating a youth theatre company the best way to work around this though? Youth theatre companies are good, but by working in a youth theatre environment, you are kind of taking away your opportunities to learn skills from people who have been around the industry/scene for yonks. At the same time I suppose it has it's advantages though 'cos you get to throw yourself in the deep end... but it depends on the way you prefer to learn, if it's from other people or from trying to figure it out yourself. Good luck anyway...
Tom Ford - 18 (if that's important to you at all :P)
Interesting little debate we've got here. Thought I'd add my five cents.
Personally, I have never encountered an age restriction rule (the obvious exception being youth theatre)- actually I have experienced quite the opposite with people usually being extremely supportive of any move I've made in theatre in my part of WA (though often you can sense the doubt about my age somehow affecting my level of experience)... However I would be a little freaked out by an age rule because many of the best, most experienced and enthusiastic actors and directors I have worked with have been quite young, though I've also worked with great older actors and directors.
Really though, age shouldn't be a factor when one decides who one is going to work with - it's quite a surface consideration really (actually I find it quite nastily discriminatory). Funky (and reliable) people come in all ages. To me, all that should matter is that you're working with people who you create good work with and thay you can enjoy creating said work with them.
Is creating a youth theatre company the best way to work around this though? Youth theatre companies are good, but by working in a youth theatre environment, you are kind of taking away your opportunities to learn skills from people who have been around the industry/scene for yonks. At the same time I suppose it has it's advantages though 'cos you get to throw yourself in the deep end... but it depends on the way you prefer to learn, if it's from other people or from trying to figure it out yourself. Good luck anyway...
Tom Ford - 18 (if that's important to you at all :P)