A letter from the Independent Theatre Coalition of Washington
We support theatreWashington’s decision to set compensation requirements for their professional theatre awards because we believe ALL artists are entitled to better pay. It is unfortunate, however, that tW’s approach to industry leadership and reform so often serves to filter and exclude the lower economic demographic of artists and their audiences, whether intentionally or not.
To that end, we are forming the Independent Theatre Coalition of Washington to promote and support the work of non-union independent professional theatres. We define “Independent Theatre” as ARTIST-DRIVEN ART. We believe that a professional artist must receive compensation, but recognize that professional artists choose differing career paths, and professionalism can not be defined merely by rate of pay. Some artists work their way up the ranks of the union theatre structure, while others prefer the freedom to pursue a unique artistic vision and make a long-term investment in their art.
DC small independent theatres are those testing new waters and molding the future of our city’s art. It is time for our companies to stand up proudly and show DC the exciting work we are doing. We must celebrate our excellence and innovation, embrace new artists and new audiences, and grow our theatre community in fiscally responsible and sustainable ways.
All non-profit companies located within a 30 mile radius of Washington, DC, who employ a majority of non-union artists, and whose tickets prices don’t exceed $50 are welcome to join. As a member, your voice will help shape the mission and projects of the Coalition.
Please visit us at indietheatredc.org for more information. We hope to hear from you.
Whatever happened with this? The website the group created has never been completed, let alone updated…
Thank you Lorraine for providing the link to what records were preserved of the Mary Goldwater awards archive. This morning when I wrote the post I couldn’t find the old notes in my disorganized filing cabinet, and I had misplaced the link when my old computer died. We had nearly 20 years of wonderful theatergoing while the group was still giving awards. Both my late husband (who served a term as president) and his sister were also members of the original Theatre Lobby that produced plays for many years in a renovated carriage house on St. Matthews Court. II didn’t join until the 1950s. (You might ask Bill Largess, a two time award recipient, what he remembers of those early days)
Kathryn
I don’t want to “speak” out of turn for the coalition that is forming, Kathryn, but I personally agree with you!
I’ve been thinking of the Mary Goldwater Awards lately. Thanks for writing, Kathryn.
Before they closed,, the Awards organizers allowed us to preserve their history on our site.
Here it is:
https://dctheatrescene.com/2011/11/15/mary-goldwater-awards-preserved-on-dc-theatre-scene/
To me this is like “deja vue all over again”. It is now decades since Theatre Lobby’s Mary Goldwater awards group started encouraging quality in local theater. Our mantra was to reward “excellence against odds”, and we celebrated a long list of emerging actors, designers, directors, playwrights and theater companies.. Many of our adwardees have gone on to expanded successful careers in DC theater. It is long overdue that some other group continue what we did — it is so important to nurture and recognize the contributions of our small theaters — as well as those with big budgets, permanent performing venues, and prestigious professional histories.
Well well, this little letter sure made a splash and got some attention! I’ll be first to say I support what it says and will be participating in building this Coalition. tW is an excellent organization and I hope the small theatres that are concerned about meeting the new requirements are able to negotiate a way to stay in the HH system… but in a city of 90 theatre companies, an additional small theatre advocacy and promotion entity can do no harm, and is long overdue. I’d like to see our group help the small theatre scene become more visible, more connected, and more financially sustainable. Please contact me via the website (indietheatredc.org) if you’d like to join us. The Coalition won’t claim to speak for every small theatre, but we will work to represent those that participate.
To be clear, the Coalition is in a formative stage at this time. We have a diverse “starter” group of companies (who may or may not wish to be named) with various intentions drawn together by the ideas set forth and ready to talk about the possibilities. We welcome all voices to the table.
Our “anonymous benefactor” has requested that our future press releases be first sent to Lorraine to thank her for her support, so look to DCTS first for developments. Now enough theatrics, let’s work to elevate our arts community.
Hi, Daniel –
Yes, many in the community were upset that I would have posted an anonymous letter. I wrote this response yesterday to explain this unusual decision.
http://t.co/uAP453Rl1Z
Hey Dc theatre Scene. How about actually reporting here? You got a letter? From who? Anyone can make a website in a few hours, and send a letter? Maybe do some fact checking? If the most vocal advocates for such ideas have no knowledge of this group, maybe thats news???
FYI, whatever/whoever this is, it isn’t related to the digital ad network I’ve been in touch with some small company folks about. In case you were wondering.
Who is the “we” in this article? The anonymity of this press release is unsettling. No one at Pallas Theatre Collective has heard of this group, nor would they even consider joining before the meetings with theatreWashington on the new requirements.
This is an odd announcement. A quick survey of a number of my fellow indie theater ADs indicates none of us have heard of it or know who the person behind it is.
This organization doesn’t speak for me or any other theater group I know of, so I don’t want to have theatreWashington, HHA, or any other news publications to think that it does.