Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:18:13 -0500
From: Liz Evans <liz-AT-etherboy.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Audiences again


Gregory,

I think I may have missed part of the thread, so if this
is superfluous, please disregard.

I think that on the whole, there is rarely any argument that
"most" European country's audiences are better cultured in
the appropriate way to behave at a performance of any kind,
but in our field especially, as puppetry is better "respected?"
as an entertainment art form there.  Most of what seems to be
being discussed is the average American audience, again
not all, do not respect the art form for entertainment and
so do not respect the same performance audience behavior that
they might afford a traditional theatre production or Orchestra.

But I do believe that Mark's track is on target.  Having seen his
work, I know that when he performs, the show is primarily for
the children, but he never forgets that there are Parents watching
and so their are double entendre, and subject content that can be
appreciated by the older and younger audience, and some things that
may go a bit over the children's heads because they are for the
Parents.

This is also how many other puppeteers write, including ourselves.
We believe that the Parents who enjoy a show, will be a
bit better behaved at the next show they come to, hopefully.

But if you are doing private Birthday parties, I totally understand
Susan giving instructions to the Adults, we even include guidelines
within our contract.  This is because most puppet shows hired for
a birthday party are well intentioned by the parent, but end up
many times being utilized as a babysitter while the parents talk
to each other.

Just another point of view,

Liz
K. Elizabeth Evans, President & Artistic Director
Renaissance Artist Puppet Company
http://www.RenArtPuppetCo.com
610-630-4259
Company performing -AT-
The Montgomery County Cultural Center
208 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA

Renaissance Artist Puppet Company's
mission is to promote excellence in puppetry as a
Theatrical art form and as an Educational tool by incorporating
historical and cultural diversity along with quality performance
techniques to tell our stories.
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
Archives: http://www.driftline.org