File spoon-archives/puptcrit.archive/puptcrit_1999/puptcrit.9908, message 168


Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 07:34:56 -0700
Subject: Re: PUPT: Puppetry x ? = $$$
From: Mary R Harrison <maryrh-AT-juno.com>


>  I was not disputing the idea that a certain faction of people in 
>the
>theatrical puppet business indeed do quite well for themselves
>financially.  However, I consider 15 to 25 dollars a seat to be an
>exceptionally modest sum to pay for a first rate adult puppet
>show..especially when one considers that the average cost of a ticket
>for a good adult stage show ranges between 50 and $150.

I'm sorry, but where do you live?!?!  The only shows I know that have
those kinds of ticket prices are Broadway shows, and even then not all of
them, or I'd never see anything.  I'd also like to know why you felt it
neccesary to put the quotes around "puppet" in this sentance.  "In truth,
I would venture to say that shows such as "The Lion King" and
"Mummenschanz" are the only "puppet" shows that have enjoyed that level
of financial success."  Does the fact that they are large, popularly
accepted shows meant that the puppetry is quesionable?  Granted, the
average puppeteer does not clear $70K a year, but saying that it is
impossible, as you've been doing, is not helping.  I can think of three
theaters, off the top of my head, that make that kind of money.  Do the
puppeteers who perform there? No- but they do make decent living wages,
and at least two of the companies provide health insurance.  That's
better than most meat theaters.  I'm sorry, that this strikes a strong
chord in me, I have enough trouble with folks being surprised that
puppetry can provide decent living without dealing with peers who think
that.

Mary

Mary Robinette Harrison
Other Hand Productions
maryrh-AT-juno.com
http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Balcony/9662


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