What I've learned so far

March 16, 4:57 PMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Cast of Below the Fold: A Blog on Stage
Presented by Equinox Theatre Company

Starting a new theatre company is scary. In this economic climate, the future of the arts is difficult – to say the least. People have less money to spend and the cultural and arts communities are suffering as a result of this. Together, with a group of other artists, I’ve started a new theatre company. The company is called Equinox Theatre company and it is formed with a group of very talented and creative individuals that want to continue working together while performing shows that challenge and diversify the traditional theatre landscape. Why am I mentioning this here? Well I’ve learned some lessons, as a result of this new company, and I would like to share them with you. This is my attempt at sharing my side of the theatre world with you all – in hopes that in this collaboration we can learn from each other and perhaps gain a new perspective on the challenge of running a theatre company.

1. People DO want to see new work
 - I’ve received a tremendous amount of feedback after the performances of our show (Below the Fold: A Blog on Stage) that people have really enjoyed seeing something new and different.
2. People are afraid to see new work
- Truth is, it is also difficult to sell an unknown show
3. A good story can be very simply told
- A simple set or even no set can still tell a very good story if the acting and script are strong enough
4. Collaboration with your peers is incredibly rewarding
- I’ve been humbled by all the people that have come together for the performance and production of our first show. It is an honor to have such support.
5. There is nothing more terrifying than the opening performance of a new show with a new company
- Opening performance I honestly couldn’t even watch the show. I spent entire show pacing in the lobby. Needlessly nervous over our first show and the years of work that lead up to it.
6. Creative arguments can be solved calmly
- This is the wonderful thing about collaboration. With an honest but firm discussion, all arguments can be solved rationally and creatively.
7. Everyone has to start somewhere
- I wonder about the beginnings of all the other theatre companies in town. I know Spotlight started performing in a library in Westminster, and I’m sure all the other theatre companies in town have similar stories of a modest start.
8. You do the same show for 1 or 100
- This is a very common theatre saying, but it rings true!
9. Friends and family can certainly be depended upon for supporting such an endeavor
-And they often really do want to help, but you just have to be willing to ask. They don’t often know what they can do, but if you ask – more often then not – they will be glad to chip in and help run house or make some calls. You just have to ask.
10. This community supports each other
-I’ve said it time and time again, and it is completely true. We wouldn’t have our beginning if it wasn’t for Spotlight Theatre Company, Firehouse Theater Company, Vintage Theater Company and the support of the rest of this community.
 
So that is what I’ve learned so far. I know that there are many more lessons coming up for me as we close our first production and work for our second show. I would like to know what other valuable lessons you have all learned or would like to share. Perhaps we can all come together to help each other continue to bring live theatre to this community.