So I'm a trained actor, right? I've been doing this thing since I was a little girl. I've gone to school, I've done the classes, I've won awards.
But I have to say... nothing has broken me open like ZJU. And I've seen it have the same effect on countless actors and artists that have gotten involved there in the almost 10 years I've been around it.
So a few thoughts on a dear home (in no particular order)...
A) We don't fuck around. This little company with a current house of about 50-70 (depending on if they're packed into the lobby as well) produces around 14 shows a year on average. Average rehearsal time is about 3 weeks, show run 2-5 weeks generally, and almost all of it is completely original material created by artist in and around the company. The way we survive is by producing material and collecting the same $10 a ticket we've always collected. We get no funding. We work our tails off and create some of the most ballsy theatre around.
B) No commercialism. No pre-show fundraising plugs, no merchandise (much to the dismay of some of the members of our loyal following who want ZJU t-shirts), no nada. Just a ten dollar bill at the door.
C) As little ego as I've ever seen in the theatre. There are no headshots in the lobby, no bios in the programs, no industry comps and no agent mailings. You want to see the show, you fork up the $10 like everyone else and have a blast. You want to showcase your talent? Pay for your agent's ticket and put their name on the reservation list.
D) The work's the thing.
E) We are a family of theatre warriors with open doors. You come, you work, you love or hate it and you leave or you stay. But if you're sincere and dedicated and love the art of theatre, you'll have a home at ZJU.
F) Artistic freedom. We can do (and do, and have done) anything there.
G) As an artist, working at ZJU will make you step up to the plate and walk your talk. I've seen endless "Hollywood Actors" walk in and think they've got this little theatre figured out, only to be knocked to their senses as they scramble to keep up. Best place to test your mettle...
More thoughts will come, I'm sure, but this is a start...
Rock on ZJU...
But I have to say... nothing has broken me open like ZJU. And I've seen it have the same effect on countless actors and artists that have gotten involved there in the almost 10 years I've been around it.
So a few thoughts on a dear home (in no particular order)...
A) We don't fuck around. This little company with a current house of about 50-70 (depending on if they're packed into the lobby as well) produces around 14 shows a year on average. Average rehearsal time is about 3 weeks, show run 2-5 weeks generally, and almost all of it is completely original material created by artist in and around the company. The way we survive is by producing material and collecting the same $10 a ticket we've always collected. We get no funding. We work our tails off and create some of the most ballsy theatre around.
B) No commercialism. No pre-show fundraising plugs, no merchandise (much to the dismay of some of the members of our loyal following who want ZJU t-shirts), no nada. Just a ten dollar bill at the door.
C) As little ego as I've ever seen in the theatre. There are no headshots in the lobby, no bios in the programs, no industry comps and no agent mailings. You want to see the show, you fork up the $10 like everyone else and have a blast. You want to showcase your talent? Pay for your agent's ticket and put their name on the reservation list.
D) The work's the thing.
E) We are a family of theatre warriors with open doors. You come, you work, you love or hate it and you leave or you stay. But if you're sincere and dedicated and love the art of theatre, you'll have a home at ZJU.
F) Artistic freedom. We can do (and do, and have done) anything there.
G) As an artist, working at ZJU will make you step up to the plate and walk your talk. I've seen endless "Hollywood Actors" walk in and think they've got this little theatre figured out, only to be knocked to their senses as they scramble to keep up. Best place to test your mettle...
More thoughts will come, I'm sure, but this is a start...
Rock on ZJU...
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Portland
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