The Opera risk

dlincecum — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:20:00 GMT

Terry Teachout wrote a piece in the Wall Street Journal about the New York City Opera taking the big risk - a year off with practically no performances while their home - the State Theatre is renovated. Not only are they taking this year off - but the schedule in 2009 will include six 20th century operas! The season includes Einstein on the Beach! I haven't seen a live performance but have watched a film study of the opera which was extraordinary.

It made me think about the changes taking place in the Opera-going public. I have never enjoyed Opera even though I have seen a few. I wonder how the art form will hold up as the boomers retire and a new audience moves in? I guess I am relating this to my post on the changes in the High School musical choices these days. It occurred to me that these types of changes will be occurring throughout the entire spectrum of the arts. I guess we are seeing the very traditional forms begin to alter themselves just as we see music and film move - although the latter moves much more quickly.

We've seen a shift in the local Madison community with some theatre groups struggling to stay afloat. Some say it is the expense of operating in the new arts center here in Madison - or competition with broadway tours coming into the same facility. Some might argue that the play choices and production quality have not been up to par. I wonder what the real deal is?

I'm curious if you all in the biz - still producing shows - have begun to study this change in audience makeup and preferences? WHat will your theatres do about this? As one who relishes good market research - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

David

High School Theatre moves on

dlincecum — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:05:00 GMT

I've been to the dentists a lot lately. As my colleagues at ETC know - I've been having tooth pain - Glad to say it is now gone - along with much of the tooth.

Anyway, the point is I have been browsing through magazines and saw this article in Time magazine. It about the evolution of the High school musical. They are not talking about the blockbuster Disney musical - a topic discussed weekly at my home. The article is focussed on what High schools are producing now. The shows are big. So I say "more power to you high school drama teachers. Keep it coming!" This trend in the US is a big driver of ETC's business.

So - "Every high school needs 2 racks and 150 Source Fours I say! Think big teachers! Go for it!"

David

Light Minds Think Alike : high school musical

The Opera risk

High School Theatre moves on