A Life in Theater
The inspiration for this blog came from a column in the San Francisco Chronicle by Lily Janiak, called “Theater workers, let’s reject ‘happy just to be here’”
There is an idea that people involved in theater should be grateful that that they are allowed to be involved in theater at all. That it is a privilege to be involved. So we work long hours for not much money, primarily in not for profit organizations.
The question is, why is this a prevailing belief?
You Can’t Make a Living, But…
The first answer is an old joke. “You can’t make a living in theater, but you can make a killing.”
If you have written a play, or have performed on Broadway to sell-out audiences, you have the potential of making three million a year. Three million a year! There are very few careers where this is a real possibility. Theatre is one.
Another reason for staying in theatre is that theatre offers psychic benefits lacking in most jobs. A life in the theater is never dull. And there is that chance for fame – to inspire and to have the admiration of total strangers.
Finally, there is the ability to make a difference. To make the world better, one person at a time.
How many times have you heard people say that a piece of theater changed their life?
Should You Be Grateful?
All these things are true. But are they enough to say that people in theater ought to feel grateful?
If you are rich, famous, and making the world a better place, then the answer is yes.
If you’re not? I can only say, ask me that question when I am. 🙂