From: LaughingEgg-AT-webtv.net (Stephen Weber)
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 01:42:24 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: PUPT: Striding toward the Millenium..


Dori, in your last post you wrote; " I go to a festival to learn about
puppets and performance and many aspects of the theatre"

Precisely so....and one of the most important "aspects' of modern
theatre technology currently involves the use of computers.  
There is hardly a "legitimate" theatre company in existance  (amateur or
"professional") that is not utilizing or at least EXPLORING some form of
programmable digital control for lighting and/or sound.     

  I've never regretted becoming a member of the USITT ( U.S. Institute
of Theatre Technology) and I always look forward to the trade seminars
and workshops that are offered at the conventions.These are available to
anyone willing to participate.... Whether "sponsered" by a large
corporation ..or a small independent company ....  One has the
opportunity to learn about the about latest and most practicle equipment
and techniques. Whether about sound, lighting, computerized show
control, costuming,make-up... whatever. I think the PofA "Festivals"
would benefit greatly from the USITT "Conventions" in terms of
structure..

Either way...it's high time that this  'artsy fartsy" attitude and
approach to puppetry be abandoned once and for all....along with the
fragile egos that the world of puppetry is so bloody infamous for.  It's
our only hope of being respected and accepted  as a serious theatrical
form on a LARGE SCALE.  

Things like the new theatre technologies offer us ways of presenting our
shows to an audience more effectively AND efficiently....but one must
take the time to learn how to utilize and apply them.  If the
dilletantes cannot or will not deal with that ..then let them stick to
their other lasts.  


                           Peace,

                       Steve Weber
            The Laughing Egg Studio

      



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