Survey Comments: Part 2

Today I'm going to respond to comments concerning some things that were suggested that we can't do, aren't able to do, or weren't able to do.

Comment: Cut out the foul language. The dialogue can be just as powerful without the cursing.

I agree! The cursing spoils many shows for me. However, with most shows we have to purchase a license to be able to perform them at NCTC. It is in violation of our licensing agreement to alter the plays in any way, shape, or form. A missed line or word by an actor happens and the licensing companies forgive a theatre for that. Taking out curse words is not allowed. Yes, we could choose plays with no foul language at all. But that certainly would limit us. If the licensing company finds that we have changed their play, they could pull our licensing rights to all of their shows. It happens a lot. This would limit us even more and makes it very hard on a theatre to survive.


Comment: I think NCTC should do Wicked and Chicago.

Wicked is not yet being licensed to community theatres. Because Chicago is also on Broadway, I don't believe it's open to being licensed to community theatres either. I could be wrong - the script and license is currently available for purchase. However, I could find no theatre other than the large Broadway-sized ones, that is performing it. That means that you can apply for the rights, but the company would most likely turn you down because it's on Broadway.

Comment: I would have liked to see Misery.

Us too! But here again is what happened. When a large theatre company decides to bring a play to Broadway, or back to Broadway, the licensing companies restrict all smaller venues from performing it. This is because they want you to go see it on Broadway, of course, or at larger for-profit theatres like the Fox in Atlanta (NCTC is a non-profit theatre. Everything we earn goes back into the theatre). Well, someone has decided to bring Misery back to Broadway. Therefore, the licensing company revoked all rights of the smaller theatres (profit and non-profit) to perform it.

All this licensing stuff is pretty boring, isn't it? Most people don't realize we have to purchase rights to put on most of the shows. Shows we don't have to purchase rights for include public domain shows, Shakespeare, and NCTC originals.

Comment: More musicals!

Normally we do only one musical a year. The reason for this is the musicals cost five to ten times more to produce. The licenses are much more expensive. Many musicals cost $250 per performance, whereas a straight non-musical play will cost, on the average, of $60-$75 per performnace. Then you also have to pay for the music rights. The costume needs for a musical are also often greater. Therefore, a play might cost around $500 to produce, but a musical will cost around $3,000. We cannot guarantee a full house for every show, even if every one were a musical. So for us to pay the bills, we have to limit the number of musicals we do per year. Although right now we usually only do one, it would be wonderful to continue to be successful and to have more musicals. We love them and we know you do too!

Our success is dependent on you. On your volunteering in any area, seeing as many shows as possible, purchasing a season ticket, making a donation, telling your friends about the theatre -- doing what you can to invest in NCTC. The theatre has many great opportunities for all ages and we want everyone to be a part of it. If you can't afford to invest any money in NCTC, then can you afford to invest your time? Your talents? Because that's what community theatre is all about! And I thank everyone who invests their time, talent, and money in NCTC. You're helping to provide great shows to Newnan and the surrounding area.

Comment: Hire Lane Davies.

I love this comment! I'm sure Mr. Davies is a wonderful actor, and I do believe he's a Georgia native, but NCTC is an all-volunteer theatre. This means that everyone - including the actors - volunteers their time and talents to bring you great local entertainment. No one gets paid a dime. Mr. Davies is more than welcome to come on down to NCTC and audition for a show in-between his paying acting gigs.

And if anyone is getting paid, I'd be the first in line!

When I did the survey, my intent was to not include questions about last year's shows, but I did so at the last minute. I put the selections in by memory. I missed putting in two special events - Fully Committed and Everything Is Not Enough. This wasn't intentional, just a slip of my mind. Handling publicity for NCTC, I'm usually working 3-4 months ahead and not a year to 18 months behind! I enjoyed both shows immensely. Trey Stephens brought NCTC our first one-man show with Fully Committed (Jeff Allen will be bringing the second with The Santaland Diaries in December).

The teens did an awesome job with Everything Is Not Enough, and they have an incredible amount of opportunities to shine this year (with major roles available in Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Dog Sees God, Fuddy Meers, and Romeo and Juliet). Those who go over the survey results at NCTC will know these two shows were missed. I'm sorry they were overlooked. It means nothing more than I don't have the best memory.

Thanks to everyone for continuing to respond to our survey. The survey is still open, so please, respond today, and keep those comments coming. It's anonymous and short and your replies really do help us out.