The Shape of a Professional
Almost two months later, my work with Mask & Mirror
still has me chasing down the feedback loops that coil through professional and
community theatre. Trying to figure out
the best way to articulate that experience is part of the reason I haven’t
posted anything here in a while. Don’t get me wrong, working with Mask &
Mirror was a wonderful experience that resulted in a lovely essay, but it took
me a little time to fully process what I had seen once the bulk of the work was
complete. Posting here is a way for me to tie up the project so that I can move
on to other things.
My struggle is rooted in my love of theatre, an industry that
I have called home for most of my adult life, having worked professionally in a
number of different capacities over the years. Working with a dedicated group
of theatre fans was different. I will be the first to admit I am a bit of a
theatre snob, the unfortunate side effect of two bachelor degrees in theatre.
An important tenant of that education was remuneration for the work that you
do. Along with professionalism, getting paid for your work is a part of a
college or university’s messaging that echoes into the halls of many non-profit
and for profit theatre companies. Often that message drowns out the simple joy
of doing theatre. The members of Mask & Mirror on the other hand, go about the
physical act of doing a show because they couldn’t imagine their lives without
it; a trait that community theatre participants have in common with their
brethren participating in other fandoms.
Yet the question hangs in the air, is there really a
difference between community theatre and professional? If so, does it matter?
When I have an answer I will let you know.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for future posts with
pictures on the progress I am making building a costume for the Mandalorian
Mercs.
