From: "Mark S. Segal" <segalpuppets-AT-comcast.net>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:51:07 -0400
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Length of shows


Does any one know of the 20 minute rule? :) Think it was first expressed by 
Anton Chekov "the angles of silence have descended upon us" (or something 
like that).

My audiences generally are between 3 and 8 or there abouts. Over the years 
have seen a decline in attention spans (major). Depending on the audience my 
shows can go up to 45 minute or longer...but actually find shorter -better 
like around 25 -30 minutes.
My workshops which used to be an hour and incorporated 3 puppets (to make) 
years ago are now down to 45 minutes and one puppet (2 if I am lucky).

In any event this past year incorporated (in what I hope was a humorous 
fashion) a "stretch break" at around the 20 minute mark...Seems to have been 
met with some success.
Guess it depends on what your are doing though. The only performer that I 
have ever seen hold an audience without an intermission for close to 2 hours 
was Garrison Keeler.

Have also noticed that during what ever performance I was attending - tended 
to glance at my watch at that magic 20 minute mark.

When asked about how long one of my shows is usually give a range of time 
and say in the words of a friend who is a lawyer - it depends.......
Cause it really does.
Check your own fidget time.

Mark



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Menke" <jim99jr-AT-gmail.com>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:49 PM
Subject: [Puptcrit] Length of shows


> Andrew wrote that the production he is involved with worries about a show
> being one hour without intermission. In the 50 years I have done marionett
> story shows, 55 min to an hour has been the norm. Even in sdhools that is
> the time. Sponsors seem to feel that shorter shows are not giving full 
> value
> for the $. This can be different for something like Punch and Judy where
> slapstick can get a bit much over a long period.
>
> The exception for me is a marionette variety show that is usually 40 min.
> and that is even for preschool/nursery schools. They want a certain value 
> in
> time for the fees.
>
> These are the times that work for my shows and I'm sure others will come
> back and blast me for this observation.
> -- 
> JIM MENKE PUPPETS
> open your mind
> fantasies unwind
>
> www.jimmenkepuppets.com
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
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