T.M. Christian
Denver
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Man in the MiddleRegarding Jim Lillie's "Life in the Middle," in the January 13 issue:
I would like to thank Mr. Lillie for researching and writing an article on the climate and ambitions of the local theater community. Short of profiles of teenagers and features concerning an abstracted New York, coverage and support for the local community is slim. I encourage anyone employed to cover theater in Denver to take up this cue and explore, rather than dismiss (as is often the case), the difficulties and triumphs that occur inside our long-suffering theater scene. To critics, reviewers and commentators of any kind, I say your support and interest is vital to this community and its often predicted, always waylaid growth. And to the community itself, I would like to say: "Get it together!" For a community this small, there is far too much political bullshit and far too little mutual support. The producers' guild is a fine beginning, but it hasn't closed the tremendous gaps that exist in this community, and it shouldn't fall on the shoulders of one organization to inspire camaraderie in such a volatile group. We're going to have to work together not just to survive, but to create a theater-arts community worthy of recognition.
There are talented people aplenty, but lack of compensation, professional pettiness and isolationism steer them toward greener fields in other cities. I don't think we'll have a real community until we decide to have one, and unlike some producers, I don't think the answer lies in lowering our expectations. I doubt anyone has the time to pull off professional-quality productions when forced to dedicate forty-plus hours every week to outside interests. Would you ask a ballet dancer or opera singer to start his or her career in accounting? There are a thousand reasons the community at large suffers: lack of time, funding and commitment; a thin and fickle theater-going audience; football. The current population explosion and the number of truly talented theater artists in this city could foster a focused and professional theater community and help it thrive. It starts with the community itself: the producers, directors, administrators, designers, technicians, actors and critics. Equity didn't create Steppenwolf. Funding alone won't magically fashion a strong, focused voice for our theater community. The art and respect for the art begins with its practitioners.
Name withheld on request
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