File puptcrit/puptcrit.0903, message 66


From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Mathieu_Ren=E9?= <creaturiste-AT-primus.ca>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 22:49:29 -0500
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] free shows - a different perspective


Not in puppetry per say, but I've had two similar experiences to Mark, with 
free shows to an event.


Not too long ago, I was "bodyguard" and interpret for a mascot. We were 
touring various regional festivals in the summer, to promote good practices 
to prevent skin cancer (wear sunscreen, keep out of the sun, stay hydrated).

Since the venues did not pay for our presence, I guess they did not value 
our performance enough.
It was all paid for by the association we were representing (we were 
reasonably paid by them).

At the first two venues, we had a hard time getting to the parking, and 
setting up took longer than planned, for the absence of the coordinators 
that were supposed to meet us. One venue had us park so far we had to walk 
for 20 minutes with the huge mascot body between us, in mind-numbing summer 
heat. I was concerned for my colleague, who would be into the hot costume a 
moment later. She's a trooper, she was great despite everything.
On my first gig doing this, we were forced to take matters into our own 
hands, and setup shop temporarily at the baby changing area, to hide the 
performer when she got in and out of costume.
We had to go out of our way to get the right info to get our supplied meal, 
which was part of the deal.
At the second venue, my colleague would have been forced to change in front 
of the public, if we had not thought of using a tarp and close-by colleagues 
to hold it up. Even with this innovation, the mascot's limp body would stay 
in full-view, breaking the illusion for so many.

Despite all this, we managed to have fun at all the venues, because we're 
just crazy about this kind of work...or just plain crazy. Too much sun?

Still, these experiences have put "warning messages" into my mind. They 
automatically start playing when people ask me to perform at free venues, 
wether I am paid or not. It helps evaluating if the pay is worth it.  I am 
often swayed by the fun aspect of performing. I love it too much I guess.

_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
Archives: http://www.driftline.org

   

Driftline Main Page

 

Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005