From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:26:46 GMT
Subject: [Puptcrit] Discontent with Pof--opening Fest events to the public


One of the biggest problems of PofA is we don't have more man or womanpower available.

The St Paul Festival accomplished a lot in spite of the fact that the Directors did not live in the Twin Cities.  Publicity is done best locally by those familiar with the scene.

But somehow, in part with Nancy Smith's major help and the local Puppet Guild's help and the Festival help, I was able to install an exhibit of 30 puppets at the St Paul Central Public Library in one large and 2 small cases about a month before the Festival began, and the Guild did an exhibit in another display case there. The local hotel TV screens publicized the exhibit---I did not get to see the TV results but some Festgoers did, and certainly hotel guests had that opportunity.

The public was able to attend some Fest shows, but space on campus was at a premium and that limited some options. The Heart of the Beast outdoor presentation on campus and other events outside were accessible to the public.

Every Festival location has advantages and problems unique to the site. Some locations are more cooperative than others. At St Paul, Concordia University's mail room helped people ship boxes back home, and the Puppetry Journal's busy editor took time to get my exhibit boxes to the United Parcel HQ or I would have been in an impossible situation.

What I'm tryng to say is yes, there are always problems, some due to a small pool of workers or a stressed budget, but there are countless (COUNTLESS) examples where indivduals solved  a problem here or there. totally unsung, totally uncredited, which helped great events to happen in PofA history. This sort of thing is why there is still a PofA. Enough people care that at least we limp along. As more get involved, more can be done. 

THAT is one reason I'm still a member of PofA. 

Too often when a mistake is made in PofA
by an individual or even a clique (politics being what politics are), members will blame the whole amorphous organization. Since leadership can change hands abruptly, or not, in a sense, PofA can be hard to pin down. Which PofA are we talking about? The one for this year or 40 years ago? Maybe Psychology Today Magazine could do a report on the Pof A,--- its triumphs and its malfunctions, its unity and its dysfuntions. One thing for sure---it happens in present tense.

So membership needs to take responsibility TOO. There are lots of jobs that need doing. Last I heard, volunteers are still welcome.

If members have concerns, contact Board members. 

I heard George Latshaw say many times that Artists/Puppeteers should be allowed to make mistakes. I think he made one big mistake at the Kent State University Puppet Festival when he put all the marionette variety performers on the same program, without telling the various solo performers ahead of time.  It did not showcase puppetry well and was a disservice to the performers. There were major hurt feelings. Whether we are allowed or not, we all make mistakes. Since we are not perfect, how can we expect an umbrella organization like Puppeteers of America to be perfect.

I am not personally aware that George made a lot of mistakes---I know he accomplisherd much good, was an inspired and inspiring teacher of puppetry,  a brilliant performer, and spent much of his time editing Puppetry Journal for fellow puppeteers. He gave us a lot of value.

In the balance of things he did OK

When life disappoints, it is up to us to pick up the oieces and move on.

The current discussions confirm that.

ALAN COOK


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