You will notice in this week’s centerfold a story rounding up the many theater productions scheduled in our area over the next few weeks. Over the years, we have had weeks where there are a fairly high number of shows being staged at the same time, but we have not had a concerted effort to draw attention to them, like there is with this particular grouping.
At least we’ve not seen this kind of cooperative effort from the groups involved.
Some years ago, then Chattanooga Theatre Centre director Jeffrey Brown organized an informal group of theater people in hopes they could share ideas and resources. As often happens, enthusiasm and attendance came and went.
A few months ago Missy Crutchfield, city administrator for Arts, Education and Culture, put out the call to re-energize the group, and according to CTC Producing Director George Quick, the group averages about 12 people in attendance at its semi-monthly meetings.
Quick said the meetings are informal and designed for theater and performance people to share experiences that might help others.
“It’s really more about things like, ‘We’ve noticed that when we use Facebook, we get a good response. What have you noticed that works?’ “
He said he is aware of similar groups in other cities that take it a step further and share resources but said this group is not to that point. One big advantage, he has noticed, however, is that the willingness of the key players to be involved.
“For me, if you do this in a large city, you really don’t get the large presenters or decision makers at the table,” he said.
It was through one of these meetings that someone in the group noticed that at least a half dozen groups had shows planned around the end of March. It was decided to use that “kizmet” as a way to draw attention to the theater.
In my mind, such a group makes perfect sense. There is no point in reinventing the wheel, and in the end, a healthy theater environment helps everyone.
* I got a call and then an e-mail from Dennis Haskins this week with some updates. He’s been busy lately with a recurring role in “The Acting Academy,” an online reality comedy. He plays Marty DeWitt, the guru at the academy. The show itself is a satire of life at a Los Angeles acting school.
You can watch episodes at www.actingschoolacad emy.com.
Haskins also recently signed on to do a recurring guest-star role on a Spike TV pilot called “Back Nine.” It stars John Schneider and Miguel Nunez Jr., and Haskins plays Carmen Electra’s husband. She is Schneider’s ex on the show.
“A little history for you. Thirty-one years ago John Schneider and I worked together on the very first day of the very first ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ in Conyers, Ga.” Haskins said. “Given time, all things come around. And Carmen was wonderful.”