Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:15:32 -0800
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Difficult Workshops


Charles,
I remember the write-up in the Orange County Guild's Newsletter about  
your workshop, and I remember thinking,"Man, I wish I had been  
there." I have been reading your posts with interest, and I am so  
sorry about your reception. As I read through this last post, I  
thought it would be great for you to do the same workshop for the LA  
Guild. Then I read what you had to say about paying the artists, and  
I thought," well so much for that". But I still think it is a good  
idea. I am very curious about how you teach, as I have been thinking  
of putting together a class for my son's school. Not to menntion that  
I would love to see your techniques for myself.
If you would have any interest, please let me know, and I will talk  
to some of the board of the LAGOP about it and see what they think.   
I think we can get you interest and appreciation.

Greg Ballora


On Jan 25, 2009, at 8:33 PM, Charles Taylor wrote:

>
> But recently I didn't  have that success.  In November of last year, I
> presented a workshop about papier-m=E2ché to our local puppet guild.  I
> prepared for weeks even e-mailing you, Mathieu,  for  helpful
> information. I thought I did a cracking  good job.  The main  
> problem was
> that it was presented on President Obamma=92s election night, the first
> Tuesday of November.  Only twelve people showed.  I had set  up a  
> table
> for people to practice after my presentation.  Only three sat down to
> apply what I taught. The rest were more interested in soup and
> conversation.  I was deflated.  No one thanked me for the hard work my
> wife and  I did.  It took two hours to set up and one hour to pack up
> after the workshop. These are people who supposedly are interested in
> puppetry but showed little appreciation or enthusiasm.  No one thanked
> us.
>
> I vowed not to be involved again with a group that merely wants to be
> entertained without serious interest in learning. It=92s too much  
> work and
> there are just too many other things to do in life.
>
> For all puppet Guilds, I strongly urge them to PAY puppeteers and
> instructors a fair and reasonable fee ABOVE a stipend when asking for
> professionals to share their abilities. Other wise it becomes  
> difficult
> to get professionals to share their knowledge and skills at guilds.
> Meetings become less interesting, members lose excitement and drop  
> out.
> There is a big and unnecessary turnover in membership. I have heard it
> is a growing problem throughout the country and some guilds no longer
> are active.

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