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NOTE: The writing below does not necessarily reflect my current views. I include it to show where my mind was at the time and share those views with you.

THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE-GOER

An essay by Brad McEntire (October 2001)

Going to the Theatre. What exactly does that term mean nowadays? Is this phrase dying like so many other phrases that marked a more sophisticated, a more culturally-aware time? A time not so fast-paced and technology-driven.

Can it be said that America is, on the whole, an arts-loving society. We are, yes, an entertainment-loving society and a consumer-friendly society, but culturally and artistically supportive? Well, yes… but with stipulations.

Going to the Theatre now implies much more than passive attendance (i.e. the way we file into cinemas) at a performance; it signifies participation in the social life of our cities, our communities. Today, theatre-goers (those brave few who recognize how important it is to feed one's mind and soul as well as one's stomach and investment portfolio) are likely to arrive early for pre-show snacks in the lobby or dinner, perhaps, in the neighborhood. Today's theatre-goer will more than likely stay late for post-performance discussions, attend lectures on a Saturday afternoon, visit the plaza for a midday lunch concert or reading, take a youngster to a children's puppet theatre performance at the informal outdoor amphitheatre at the park. Today's theatre-goer may take in a late-night comedy revue over cocktails.

In short, today's true theatre-goers are informed and demanding. Expectations are high. And well they should be. They are a rarity in this media-saturated society and should be valued. Pandered to? No. But valued and developed.

So should a single theatre company provide all the services listed above? Ideally, yes, but when the cold light of reality shines on the financial resources of most theatre companies, this is hardly possible or practical. But, that is what an arts community is for. A bunch of theatres sticking close to their guns and mission statements share the burden… no not burden… responsibility of supplying for the needs of a modern theatre-goer.

Audacity Productions is proud to part of such a community. The North Dallas area is well-off in the arts, if not quite rich in it. But the true value of this loop is that with the variety and (fingers crossed) ever-increasing quality of theatre activity will not only meet the needs of demanding contemporary theatre-goers, but hopefully, develop new theatre-goers. There is an audience out there. They just don't know it yet.

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