File puptcrit/puptcrit.0709, message 134


From: Monica Leo <goodfolk-AT-avalon.net>
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:29:00 -0500
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Getting Gigs


Our approach, which has resulted in more, not less, work, has been tp 
produce the shows we feel like producing, then look at them very 
carefully to find connections to the curriculum and to character 
education.  We then write study guides to codify these connections and 
provide the study guides to all of the schools we visit.  This way, we 
still get to do the shows we want to do, and I think it enhances the 
quality.  I won't deny that we choose our material with sales in mind 
(in other words, all other things being equal, we choose the story 
that's easier to connect), but we never do something simply because we 
can sell it.

I've been amazed by the ways we can connect to the curriculum.  What I 
assumed to be our most frivolous show fits perfectly into the first 
grade curriculum (does that mean my sense of humor is on the level of a 
6 year old??).

Monica
Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre
319 N. Calhoun, POB 330
West Liberty, IA. 52776
http://www.puppetspuppets.com

On Sep 12, 2007, at 9:06 AM, Michael Richardson wrote:

> Lisa,
>
>        Let me add my two cents on this one.....
>        Puppetry, like other creative endeavors, offers more than one 
> strategy to obtain $$$$.
>   For example,  you can produce a show that you feel is a good choice 
> ( for your own reasons ) put it out there in the marketplace, and see 
> what happens. I know this is what I did for the first part of my 
> career in the field. However,  there is another approach, and that is 
> to examine first what the needs/goals of your client(s) might be, and 
> develop a show to specifically address them.  Personally, if MONEY is 
> the primary goal you are seeking, then I would be more inclined to 
> consider the latter at this point in my life.
>
>        Here in Mississippi and Alabama, budgets are much tighter than 
> I had when I lived in Maryland. Schools remain the best market here... 
> but one needs to be aware that the decision in more and more cases as 
> to picking how money gets spent on the arts ( who gets hired ) is 
> increasingly based on being able to justify a program in terms of 
> connections to the school /grade level curriculum content areas.  Art 
> for art's sake ( sadly ) is not enough
>   in many cases.  If you are not aware of trends in education these 
> days (  state standards, integrated curriculum, etc., )  and you want 
> to get gigs in schools, you may well be at a distinct disadvantage 
> over those artists who have learned how to connect to the mindset of 
> school administrators.... who are holding the purse strings. Libraries 
> also are increasingly looking for similar kinds of justification in 
> some cases.  Contact your state arts council.... and tell them what 
> you are up to. There will likely be a person there in the Arts 
> Education program who can save you a lot of time understanding this 
> world.
>
>         In the first phase of my career ( 1976-93 )  I had one set of 
> conditions. Now, in this second phase ( 2001-present )  I am seeing an 
> entirely different mindset than what we had before. I myself have had 
> to get days and days of training in things related to No Child Left 
> Behind  ( free, from our arts council... )   before I could "talk the 
> talk " with school people about all this stuff.  No, its not my 
> favorite. Yes, I liked it better before.  But its simply the way it 
> is, at least for productions that aren't about doing what I personally 
> most enjoy doing...
>   a strong believer in art for art's sake !   But one does have to pay 
> for those boxes of macaroni and cheese with something !
>
>   Michael
>   Red String Puppet Theatre
>
>
>
> Lady Raven <ldyraven-AT-cox.net> wrote:
>   Being an extremely new participant in this wonderful world of
> puppets, I would like to ask you veterans how you started out getting
> gigs.
>
> What types of venues/schools/festivals/etc. did/do you try to get in 
> to?
>
> Thanks so much! I'm REALLY learning a lot from everyone.
> Lisa
>
> Looking Glass Players
> Wichita, Ks. USA
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