Should Toronto theatres be producing edgier content given current economic realities?
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette has a great article by Sally Kalson about taking risks in the arts during challenging economic times.
Here’s an excerpt, a quote from Michael Kaiser (president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.) as part of his Arts in Crisis project.
“Too many groups have reacted to the economy by cutting programming and marketing, which is suicide. It cuts the size of your family. Or they do more ‘accessible’ things that are boring and less interesting to donors and audiences. What they should be doing is riskier, exciting programs, if not now then three, four or five years down the road.
“I do all my arts planning five years ahead,” he said. “It gives me time to find the money and educate audiences to want to see the work.”
Take a minute to go read the whole article at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. It’s a good read, and it’s poking my brain awake. Wondering what all that poking has resulted in? Well, let me tell you…
This week, we feature free Toronto theatre – yes, that’s right: all of our cheap Toronto theatre picks for this week cost nothing at all (well, one costs next to nothing, but it’s worth it!). We also suggest theatre-ish experiences, rather than the usual play. Comedy, readings and talent shows all qualify as theatre in their own way, and they should not be forsaken. Toronto has so much to offer by way of all shows that we figured we should highlight some non-traditional free theatre in the hopes that you will attend one or two of our suggestions, and then keep on going back for more. Enjoy!
Lies, scandal, royalty and great Canadian Theatre!
This Thursday win a pair of tickets to go see The Queens at Alumnae Theatre. This show will be playing Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm with a Sunday matinee at 2:00. Tickets are $20 and PWYC (pay what you can) on Sundays, they can be purchased by contacting the box office at (416) 364-4170 or by email at reservations@alumnaetheatre.com.
Or, if you’re feeling lucky be the 13th person to contact us here at contests@mooneyontheatre.com quoting the subject lineThe Queens. The winner will be announced Wednesday so good luck!
For more information about this acclaimed play please read excerpts from the press release below and visit Alumnae Theatre
Here are all of the shows we wish we could get out and see this week! Take your pick from our list of great theatre escapes for the week of April 26, 2010:
** Shows marked with the double asterisks are the ones that make Megan, our editor, wish she could clone herself so she could check them all out.
Directed by Alan Dilworth If We Were Birds will be playing April 14th until May 23 at the Tarragon Theatre, Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday matinee at 2:30. Tickets are $39, $28 for seniors and $21 for students, and can be purchased by contacting the box office at (416) 531-1827 or by visiting tickets.tarragontheatre.com.
** Shows marked with the double asterisks are the ones that make Megan, our editor, wish she could clone herself so she could check them all out.