An interesting phenomenon in Chicago theatre—possibly based on the Steppenwolf model, this town trends towards Ensemble/Company based theatres—groups of very dedicated artists who work together closely and consistantly. Pittsburgh’s scene (at least when I was last in the city) was nothing like this—maybe this is simply a function of size, though I’m fairly sure LA is nothing like this either. Maybe the off and off-off broadway scene in NYC is similar. Chime in if you know.
I guess this is all building up to the fact that I’m starting to crave that kind of artistic home—a place/group/resource base that I can work with consistantly, create an artistic rapport with, and hopefully grow a network around. The security one had in college of knowing there was always a creative outlet available, and a group of people interested in collaborating with you. For many directors, it feels like the only way to do this is to create a new theatre company- which, I suppose, is the reason Chicago has 10,000 small ensembles. Not that this is a bad thing—I’m just not sure it is an efficient use of my time. I don’t particularly want to spend the next half-decade trying to hammer an organization into # 10,001.
Which, I suppose, means I need to go on the hunt for a group that shares my aesthetic and has room for another young director/dramaturg. Not as easy as it sounds. Maybe more difficult than starting from scratch.
I do think it would be worth it, though. I’m missing that “collective” feeling.
