As I have been talking to a lot of people in my
network, as a whole I have noticed people are not returning to
regional theatre.
People got laid off, had more time than they thought they would have to think, then decided not to come back.
I attribute this to the abusive relationship that exists in that world, labor is expendable and you do it for “the art” or this is not a job it’s a “lifestyle”.
Those in my
network have told me many of these organizations have been having conversations concerning these issues to
address them, a few have even posted written statements on their websites.
In my opinion those statements are glib at best and hold no real accountability to the organizations
power structure.
I have been hearing these discussions for 20 years, I don’t believe the
current financial structure will give any incentive to change their practices.
Universities will continue to crank out kids who are taught not to value themselves.
I’ll just sit around here in the for profit side of the industry, I’m good.