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 7: Considerations for Art Forms
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YET MORE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
“Spoken word” – unlike poetry – is a relatively young art form. While poetry is as old as the hills, spoken word artists have only relatively recently differentiated themselves. Some still call themselves poets, while others struggle to define themselves under a new label, as spoken word poets/performers. In the meantime, spoken word performers exist in the worlds of poetry, music, stand-up comedy and performance art. As a consequence, they lack a dedicated touring circuit or distribution system for their products.
Finding the right company manager (or tour manager) is particularly important for dance companies. You need a bright, versatile, sympathetic and skilled person to take care of dancers and dance production needs
For an emerging Aboriginal artist or company, touring is an onerous but important endeavour…. The ability to share one’s artistic vision broadly with new audiences and establish relationships in new areas fosters artistic growth and knowledge.
The movement that began more than 30 years ago to make the performing arts accessible to young audiences has evolved considerably in recent years. While today the majority of artists present their works directly in the schools, we must also recognize that there are more and more hosting structures and players who facilitate access to the arts for young people.
Creating and presenting works for young audiences is both essential and gratifying. However, the number of host structures dedicated specifically for young audiences is still modest and we must acknowledge that the presentation of performing arts for children is a difficult undertaking.
Touring as a solo artist may seem relatively uncomplicated compared to the touring and technical requirements of a large theatrical company. In reality, tours are often much harder to manage for a single performer. As a solo, self-managed artist, you have to balance your time between development of your art and the demanding administration of your career.
Ensembles should delegate tasks among the group so that each member is responsible for part of the tour. The process may be as simple as delegating – perhaps on a rotating basis – the task of filling up at a gas station, collecting house programmes from each venue or calling in advance. The pressures of touring can turn the smallest tension into trouble. It is important therefore to share out responsibility for making the tour a success.
The technical requirements for the acoustic instruments of soloists, ensembles, chamber orchestras and choir groups are not as complex as for opera or musical theatre. However, the backstage requirements are just as challenging for popular music (e.g., folk artists, rock bands and amplified groups). Adequate technical set-up time is required.
Touring theatre companies – including musical theatre and opera – face numerous complications in moving from venue to venue. While travelling, for example, they have to find time for daily rehearsals. On arrival, they are likely to be faced with inaccessible loading docks for the set and inadequate dressing rooms for the cast. As well, they probably have to adjust the performance to a different size of stage.
The first rule, in performing outdoors, is not to open your mouth too wide, because insects customarily gather under the stage lights. Keep your teeth tightly clenched unless you like eating mosquitoes. Needless to say, performing outdoors adds a new logistical dimension to touring. |