October 2011
A Little About Me
Saturday, October 22, 2011
I am part of Philadelphia Social Media Moms - a group of mom bloggers that regularly post to a Facebook Group for all sorts of stuff - advice, promotions, tech info, you name it. I've had a chance to offer my business insight to this community and learn some tricks and tips along the way. Last week another blogger started a feature whereby she'd interview a few of us each week. I thought you'd enjoy learning a few things about me. Here are a few of my Q and A's. Read the entire post here.
Favorite BAD band (boy bands, one hit wonder, etc)
The Spice Girls, hands down. LOVE THEM!
Best place you've ever vacationed
Syros, Greece. I left the day I graduated college in 2000 and went for 3 glorious weeks. It was a study abroad program through our Art department: Pit Firing in Ancient Greece. I still have some of the pottery I created there. Whenever I’m in a mood, all I do is think of that trip – the raw beauty, the culture, the sense of wonder and peace I felt, the sense of adventure, the sense of inspiration and creation.
How long have you been blogging?
Since 2005. A good friend had suggested I try it because I was always sending mass emails to friends, bringing them up to speed on my life. There were always tons of crazy stories and my writing style is very literary. So – lots of adjectives.
Thanks to Stephanie Anderson in Chester County, PA for highlighting so many of us. Stephanie's blog, A Modern Day Donna Reed is a humorous take on one mom's modern day life.
Piccadilly Arts and Betsy DuBois Agency to Merge
Monday, October 10, 2011
It is with much excitement that The Betsy Dubois Agency and Piccadilly Arts announce a merger of agencies and rosters starting January 1, 2012. Both agencies represent a roster of family and education focused performing artists.
Starting this fall, you will see both names and logos and both Chrissie and Betsy at the exhibit booth. We look to provide more service and a broader offering of high quality artists, more choices and more service.
As of July 1, 2012, Betsy DuBois will retire and the Betsy DuBois Talent Agency and its roster of artists will officially become Piccadilly Arts. Piccadilly Arts will see through all contracted dates that occur after July 1, 2012. Piccadilly Arts currently represents four imaginative theater and dance companies: Do Jump! Extremely Physical Theatre (Portland, OR), Treehouse Shakers (New York, NY), VonOrthal Puppets (Chicago, IL), and Zany Umbrella Circus (Pittsburgh, PA). The Betsy DuBois Agency represents eight theater, dance and music artists: Alex the Jester, Ball in the House, Catskill Puppet Theater, de Stilte dance Company for Youth, Leland Faulkner, Lyle Cogen, Robert Post, and ShaeLaurel. A final list of artists for the remainder of 12/13 and beyond will be available by January 1, 2012.
About Betsy -- After more than 25 years as a presenter, board member, agent and volunteer in the business of arts in education and family programming, I have decided to pursue other interests. In planning an exit strategy, I looked around for a smart, enthusiastic and ethical partner and VOILA! – There was Chrissie. After spending much of the summer in detailed discussions on our vision for the future, worth ethics and dedication to the field, it became clear that we were headed in the same direction. This move is a win-win for everyone and I could not be happier with the upcoming merger.
About Chrissie – Over the last 8 years, I have truly enjoy this industry and working with both artists and programmers. When I started my agency 18 months ago to be a voice for the family and education programming niche, it was my personal mission to educate family audiences and educators about quality programming and how as managers, artists, and organizations we are in a place to be a vehicle for social change. That’s pretty ambitious but so am I. I was beyond excited – and honored – when Betsy approached me about joining forces. I’m not one to shy away from change or challenge so after initial discussions, I felt this merge made good business sense; we share a similar approach, work ethic and dedication to our field, and our roster artists complement each other. This was the perfect opportunity for Piccadilly Arts, the business, to grow. Moreover, Betsy has been a wonderful mentor to me this past year and I know she’ll continue to be a sounding board as things transition and move forward.
Please feel free to contact either or both of us:
Betsy: 315-402-9809 | betsy@betsydubois.com | http://betsydubois.com
Chrissie: 267-671-7451 | chrissie@piccadillyarts.com | http://piccadillyarts.com
Contemporary Circus
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I have heard the term Contemporary Circus thrown around in recent years about as often as I hear curation. Another term that I felt needed some clarification.
Wiki defines it as a genre of performing art developed in the later 20th century in which a story or a theme is conveyed through traditional circus skills. Animals are rarely used in this type of circus, and traditional circus skills are blended with a more character-driven approach. Compared with the traditional circuses of the past, the contemporary approach tends to focus more attention on the overall aesthetic impact, on character and story development, and on the use of lighting design, original music, and costume design to convey thematic or narrative content. Circus skills include acrobatics, juggling, trapeze, acting, music and aerial silk. For aesthetic or economic reasons, contemporary circus productions may be staged in theaters rather than in large outdoor tents. Music used in the production is often composed exclusively for that production, and aesthetic influences are drawn as much from contemporary culture as from circus history.
Wiki also shares this compare/contrast table so we can get a better idea of traditional vs. contemporary
| Traditional circus | Contemporary circus | |
|---|---|---|
| Typically performed by | Circus families | Conservatory-trained artists |
| Typical staging format | Tiered seating around an oval or circular arena called a ring, under a large tent called the big top | Auditorium seating in front of proscenium stage, although some companies perform in the round and/or under a tent |
| Typical production format | Series of spectacle-oriented acts presided over by a ringmaster, who has a role similar to a master of ceremonies | Series of theatrical, character-driven acts tied together by a central narrative or theme |
| Typical music | Uptempo marches, waltzes, etc. Music's purpose is to raise the energy level and create a sense of spectacle. | A variety of genres and moods. Music also assists in dramatizing the show's themes, characters, and/or narrative. |
Within the umbrella of contemporary circus there are myriad of different styles: I have seen a very polished "European" style, Extreme Circus or Physical Theatre, Whimsical/Folkloric for example. But all have the aforementioned contemporary characteristics. So -- Ringling Bros in your local arena is NOT contemporary circus. Check out your local Children's Festival and see what circus or physical theatre companies are part of the line-up. Chances are those companies are contemporary circus companies.
Fall Round Up -- Performing Arts Picks
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I'm a little behind here but there are SO many terrific performances on the horizon between now and the New Year. It is necessary to share the good stuff and know that I will add to this in coming weeks.
For Families and Children
Philadelphia
World Cafe Live (Philly and Wilmington) - I'm not sure one can really go wrong with any of the musicians on the Peanut Butter & Jams line up. I prefer theater and dance to kid's music but WCL always picks good ones. Every Saturday at 11:30am, they have a great time slot for young ones and moreover, they give you the option to buy the whole package -- ticket and a kid friendly buffet. I took my son at 7 months with his cousins (2-8 years) and everyone had a rockin time. I really need to get us back there. A few I'd like to see: Kidrockers and Gustafer Yellowgold. Also a brilliant way to engage kids and teens -- the Rockdale Music School Showcase.
http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventcategory.asp?c=45
Philadelphia Orchestra - Despite my feelings on their organizational structure and business planning, this is a hidden gem. The Orchestra produces two series - the Family Concerts (for children 6-12) and the Sound All Around (for children 3-5). Saturday, October 22 they offer Simply Spooktacular for the older crowd. Starting at 11:30am, they run just one hour (love). And what better way to get your child exposed to classical music? And have an experience in Verizon Hall?
http://www.philorch.org/families.html
Penn Presents at The Annenburg offers the Student Discovery Series and there isn't one "meh" performance on this series. Chunky Move and RUBBERBANDance Group are on the fall docket. Perfect as a mainstage event or with your elementary (or older) child. But who am I kidding? I would bring my 3 year old.
http://www.pennpresents.org/tickets/discovery.php
The Arden Theatre produces Charlotte's Web this holiday season. I am usually drawn to more original productions but I've been wanting to take my son to an Arden production for a long time. They are such a polished theater company and always produce with high production value -- you and your little one will love the performance. Sometimes Philly Fun Saver has deals for the Arden.
http://www.ardentheatre.org/2012/charlottesweb.html
Elsewhere
NYU's Skirball Center opened its Big Red Family Series last weekend with Dan Zanes & Friends. Treasured Stories of Eric Carle by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (this month) and the Dinosaur Petting Zoo (just after the holidays) are good picks. Last year I saw the amazing Mumanshanz at Skirball and even sitting in the balcony was awesome. It's an intimate space. In the past I have found discounts online at Theater Mania.
http://skirballcenter.nyu.edu/events
The off Broadway staple for children and families - The New Victory Theater - presents a host of wonderful performances for kids and caregivers. I will seeing local to Philadelphia Bristol Riverside Theater's production of The Little Prince before it wraps mid-October. In November I am taking my 3 year old to see White, a theater piece for little ones by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company from Scotland. Untapped is another one that I would suggest for an older child and whole family outing. The New Vic brings in a wealth of overseas work and it's a wonderful way to introduce children to age appropriate performance. They are trend setters in the quality of work they present - it's always thought provoking and poignant.
http://newvictory.org/shows.m
Princeton's Mccarter Theater has an amazing education component to their mission and if you have an older child (13+), any of the classics here would be amazing - on their own or as part of a school trip. I am a classic literature lover and lit play lover so if I could afford it, I would see every one of these - and insist some of my jaded teen cousins come in tow. Various plays throughout the fall.
http://www.mccarter.org/Education/matinees.aspx?page_id=73
RVCC Arts at Raritan Valley Community College has a great line up of family programming. Shape of a Girl is a darker edgy piece for teens that walks us through one girl's struggle to do the right thing. http://rvccarts.org/12/12Events/Family.htm
RVCC arts also has a school time series and sampler series that feature a few childrens books classics as well as Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, an African folktale. http://rvccarts.org/12/12Events/Sampler.htm. There are several programs on the School Time series that look enchanting: The Princess and the Pea (the puppet element of this sold me) on November 14, Down These Mean Streets (literature!) for high schoolers on November 15, and The Dave Leonhardt Jazz Trio (I have Dave's CDs -- he's wonderful) on December 16. http://rvccarts.org/12/12Events/SchoolTime.htm
For Adults
Danu - one of my personal favorite Irish bands ever - will perform at Annenburg in early December. I am never fortunate enough to score a comp or deal for this one but honestly, it's SO worth every penny. I saw them showcase in early 2008 when I was 5 months pregnant and emotional. Yeah, I was a wreck. A few years later I saw them at Annenburg for their St. Patty's Day celebration and they just tear the house down. You feel like you are in the Titanic scene where Kate and Leo are dancing and drinking. Sans the beer. I have no doubt their Christmas celebration will be just as awesome.
http://www.pennpresents.org/tickets/?id=175
Penn does world music, jazz and theatre very well and you can't go wrong with any of the wonderful artists on their 11/12 season.
Philadanco's fall home season at The Kimmel Center -- 'You thought Flashdance made you want to be a dancer? Philadanco is explosive, powerful and athletic. 'Nuff said. They kick a$$.
http://philadanco.org/events/
At NYU's Skirball Radio & Juliet will be amazing. Radiohead, Shakespeare, and classic ballet are all at work here. With a narrative told from Juliet's perspective, epic sounds of Radiohead couple with an expressive mix of Ballet Maribor's minimalist forms to intensify the universal themes of seduction, love, friendship, and violence. The electronic edge, pulsing beats, and ardent melodies that inspire and underscore Clug's tight choreography and talented company remake the world's greatest love story into a brilliant new experience.
http://skirballcenter.org/calendar/radioandjuliet
I mentioned my love of literature? Right. This is a no brainer - not just because of it being a drama about Gatsby but because the cast. See GATZ at McCarter in Princeton.
http://mccarter.org/ticketoffice/eventdetail.aspx?page_id=7&event_id=6846
Disclaimer -- I work in the performing arts. I'm an artist manager and it's part of my job to see as much programming as possible. While I do know many programming directors and their aesthetic, I am not paid to write this. The opinions and suggestions above are my own. For discounts, I have tooled around on Theater Mania, Philly Fun Guide or performed a simple Google Search for a discount code.
A Jaded Idea: Engaging Teens and Tweens
Monday, October 3, 2011
Last week at Performing Arts Exchange (PAE), I participated in a discussion on the topic of family programming. A recurring theme in any presentation on family programming is how to involve and engage the teen audience. Is it what we program? How we market it? How much say the audience members have in the decisions?
This is a tough market to reach but it is not impossible. First and foremost, remember that tomorrow's teens are today's toddlers and preschoolers. Do you have something for them and their caregivers? You have a moment right now to get into their psyches and let them be lifelong arts patrons. How are you taking advantage of that opportunity?
As elementary and middle schoolers, you need to appeal more to the children and their interests (less the caregiver) but keep in mind the caregiver is still the ultimate decision maker/spender/mode of transportation. Can you curate a season that has a mix of popular with edgier programs? Recall my post on curation and how each should stand alone but still work together. Ideally, one show can help attract audiences to the other. Don't rule out your bus-in performances. While these tend to be more education related, they are still exposing young minds to the arts. How much are the schools really doing with the children before and after the program? That translates into eager minds if schools are doing things right.
Now you have a teen...a jaded know it all teen. I raise my hand loud and proud because I was that kid. Essentially from the time I was 12/13 through 16/17. My high school helped me embrace my artistic niche and it really made a difference in how I treated others - mostly elders. I saw that they were there to teach, empower, excite and move me forward. There is still a lot of peer pressure but the second you give a teen some respect and ownership, the more willing he or she is to engage and be respectful in return. So to my programming and marketing friends, it does involve understanding. A couple ways to do so:
- Envision a teen series
- Invite some local teens to be part of a focus group for this series
- Once you've collected your data on potential performers, ask for their input
- Explain curation and why it is important and ask the group to consider that when offering their opinions
- Ask them for suggestions - new bands, performers, etc.
- Consider the Friday night open mic/coffee house/talent show - peers (and family) love seeing each other on stage. It's that simple. And coffee? It's a trend that will never die.
- Remember what else is going on in their lives - proms, dances, sports, schooling/tests, etc. Consider how to program around all that.
- In terms of marketing - again, get them on board but educate them. Let them know that an occasional FB post isn't enough. Show them how a marketing plan with integrated communications tactics can work. They can divide and conquer with social media, PR, simple advertising, and word of mouth.
The main thing is to try. Try with sincerity. And keep trying. It is a tough group and there is a ton of competition out there but there are folks doing it well so keep asking for feedback and for ideas from your peers. Don't assume that because the first time bombed that "my audience doesn't respond to teen programming." I can't tell you how often I hear that. What if every sales person said that with each rejection? We are ALL selling something to someone. So remember that people are on bell curves. It may take several tries to get that audience's attention and then get them engaged.
