JZ wrote:
>>I'm curious... why are all these troupes falling apart? Is it just drama after drama? I hope people are remembering they should be taking any and all performing opportunities they can.

LRJen writes:
Is the "any and all" part true? Should a student troupe perform in a place with a hostile/apathetic crowd and loud espresso makers?

Which is better, to perform in an undesirable situation or to rehearse and wait till a more opportune situation is found??

This isn't a rhetorical question; I'm really interested in opinions.

Jenn,

Good question. Let's hope my answer helps. As far as any and all... well, I could sit here and list a million exceptions to the rule, so I guess I mean 'within reason'. Obviously, hostile crowds are not ideal, and should be avoided. That being said, some of the troupes I've seen break-up did so, not because of the location. Some groups broke-up with quite desireable locations. Locations that 'suck' add to your performance, if you keep in mind why you are there and you personally are working on your skills.

To this day... my day job is performing. And you know what? The location sucks. Just the other day, I did a show for 5 people. One of those people was a baby breastfeeding at the time. Also, I have a rollercoaster and a thrill ride, both less than 15 feet away from my stage. People are CONSTANTLY screaming on those rides. I know though, at the end of the day, I've racked up more stage time. It all adds up. So let's get back to my question...

Is it drama breaking up the troupes? People seem a little unhappy or something lately. Everyone doing ok?

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice.