Comment Another Artist Has His Say (Score 1) 278
I'm not a geek. I'm an artist with a deep admiration for the intellectual prowess of geeks.
But enough kissing of butt.
I work as an actor and playwright in (that decidedly old-economy art form, that creaky, mad old uncle) the theater. However, it's no secret that almost no one can make a living in the theater. (I think it was Oscar Wilde who said that while one can make a killing in the theater, one can't make a living.)
Here in New York, as in most places, a theater artists have the grim reality of demeaning day jobs, late rent, etc. Blah, blah, blah. Insert violin music.
I have tried applying the open source model to producing theater. While not an unqualified success, it gives me hope that artists might be able to use it to (finally) find a better way to earn their keep and make their art.
In 1993, I wanted to direct "Romeo & Juliet". I had about $800 to spend. I quickly learned, however, that theater rental would run about $7,000! And that wasn't counting other budget items like programs, costumes, props, fight directors, actors, etc. I quickly despaired.
Then I found out that I could get a park permit for $25. But the catch was this: I couldn't charge the audience. It had to be free.
That was seven years ago. By doing productions in the parks for free, I have been able to raise more money faster than most theater companies. Thousands of people come every summer to enjoy Shakespeare in their local park. They make contributions, as does the government, corporations and foundations. I make a goodly portion of my annual income doing Shakespeare. (How many people can say that?) But it wouldn't have worked if I had charged people money.
How does this relate to MP3? I think that musicians (and the rest of the artists) don't necessarily have to buy into the current economic structure. Maybe there is another way of doing it. Maybe there are other ways to create art and support yourself at the same time.
Maybe you open source guys can teach us a thing or two. Maybe you can help us apply what you've learned to our dilemma.
I would encourage you to do so. The economic model for producing theater, dance, art, music, is old and stodgy. It needs a breath of fresh air.
We would all be better off. Artists and audiences.
(By the by, if you need to make a tax-deductible contribution to a fine non-profit organization, let me know. I can hook you up.)
But enough kissing of butt.
I work as an actor and playwright in (that decidedly old-economy art form, that creaky, mad old uncle) the theater. However, it's no secret that almost no one can make a living in the theater. (I think it was Oscar Wilde who said that while one can make a killing in the theater, one can't make a living.)
Here in New York, as in most places, a theater artists have the grim reality of demeaning day jobs, late rent, etc. Blah, blah, blah. Insert violin music.
I have tried applying the open source model to producing theater. While not an unqualified success, it gives me hope that artists might be able to use it to (finally) find a better way to earn their keep and make their art.
In 1993, I wanted to direct "Romeo & Juliet". I had about $800 to spend. I quickly learned, however, that theater rental would run about $7,000! And that wasn't counting other budget items like programs, costumes, props, fight directors, actors, etc. I quickly despaired.
Then I found out that I could get a park permit for $25. But the catch was this: I couldn't charge the audience. It had to be free.
That was seven years ago. By doing productions in the parks for free, I have been able to raise more money faster than most theater companies. Thousands of people come every summer to enjoy Shakespeare in their local park. They make contributions, as does the government, corporations and foundations. I make a goodly portion of my annual income doing Shakespeare. (How many people can say that?) But it wouldn't have worked if I had charged people money.
How does this relate to MP3? I think that musicians (and the rest of the artists) don't necessarily have to buy into the current economic structure. Maybe there is another way of doing it. Maybe there are other ways to create art and support yourself at the same time.
Maybe you open source guys can teach us a thing or two. Maybe you can help us apply what you've learned to our dilemma.
I would encourage you to do so. The economic model for producing theater, dance, art, music, is old and stodgy. It needs a breath of fresh air.
We would all be better off. Artists and audiences.
(By the by, if you need to make a tax-deductible contribution to a fine non-profit organization, let me know. I can hook you up.)
