From: Jimsan777-AT-aol.com Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 17:27:47 EST To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org Subject: [Puptcrit] Other Puppetry Festivals Dear Friends, Having attended (and performed for) festivals in iran, Israel, Belarus, Korea, Japan, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, France, Russia, Hong Kong and Siberia, I have observed that most are NOT directed by puppeteers. They are mostly directed by organizers who might manage a puppet festival this year and an art festival, drama/theater festival, or maybe even a trade fair next year. They are professional, capable directors. They put festivals on a financially secure and even money-making basis, inviting vendors and others to help support the event by purchasing booths offering merchandise and skills to festival participants; they offer performances to the general public and organize other profit-able aspects. When performances are offered, they choose companies and programs that appeal to the general public (in most cases) and entertainers or puppeteers who have an appealing program and "name." Directors "market" the event. Usually, programs are not chosen to be "payoff" for political reasons. I believe a permanent festival site would be to the detriment of the entire membership. This has been talked over as long as I can remember...my first festival was Bowling Green in 1955...for a while Archie Elliott was one of the dedicated organizers insuring that all aspects were covered...and he was not a puppeteer. As I remember back 50 years, I think the best festivals were not organized by performing puppeteers...who were usually too busy earning a living to give the time and effort necessary to organize a national festival...obviously there were outstanding individuals who could and would "step up to the plate." My estimate of the time and effort necessary to do a really good job of directing a national festival is a $75-100K consulting job. Just my opinion. Sincerely, Jim Gamble _______________________________________________ List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org Archives: http://www.driftline.org
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