The United States Theatre Project
is a non-profit collaboration of professional artists
committed to the development of epic dramatic experiences
-- created through a process of in-depth field research
and unique community interaction -- that examine a human
event, condition, or phenomena intrinsic to our social
and political fabric as Americans.
Purpose
Currently,
the American theatre culture is made of two bodies: non-profit
producing organizations and commercial producing organizations.
Throughout the United States, hundreds of non-profit
organizations are producing from three to ten plays a
year in their respective communities. An artistic force,
an individual who creates a particular aesthetic for
the community, runs each one. These organizations raise
millions of dollars of private and corporate funding
to keep their operations alive, operations, which include
administrative and production staff, facilities, production
expenses and artistic salaries. Most theatres rely ticket
sales and subscriptions for 50% of their operating budget.
These organizations become valuable beacons for their
specific communities. These theatres are places where
social issues are discussed through classic and contemporary
plays with rotating companies of actors, based on local
talent or what they can afford to bring in from out of
town.
Commercial
producing organizations like any business are geared
to make money through presenting theatre. These organizations
rely solely on each individual project, its marketing,
selling, production value, and all elements money can
buy to create the perfect product to sell. That product,
good or bad, is marketed and presented to the public
in large cities such as New York or Los Angeles in its
original form, and then reaches out to the rest of the
country with touring companies with replacement casts.
These productions are created to make money although
they sometimes discuss important issues have certainly
inspired and entertained Americans for the last sixty
years.
What
the American theatre does not have is an organization
that is solely committed to produce one piece of theatre
that is created by a group of dedicated theatre artists
sensitive to the country’s needs around the substantive
issues that lay on the minds of Americans. A group of
collective artists, engaged not in sustaining their individual
careers, but in using their talents to help solve personal
and national issues. An organization that creates new
work around a current topic and presents a piece that
stimulates both mind and heart for the purposes of discussion.
What
was concluded is the nation needs a theatrical place
to discuss current social, political, and national issues.
News is fact. Entertainment is fiction. Art is the reflection
of fact through fiction. We need a place where current
events can be discussed in an artistic way, where Americans
have the chance to express and engage their personal
feelings on today’s subject matter through art.
Art, therefore, becomes an immediate necessity, a staple
food for a community. As individuals we are personally
affected in the events that interest and engage our nation.
A place is needed to discuss those events, by listening
to many voices and opinions and then leave with a better
understanding of our diversity as Americans.
The
combination of these talents for this purpose would be
a great achievement and the greatest task that any theatre
artist could do for themselves and for their country.
Process
Selection
The
United States Theatre Project is a group of artists
dedicated to presenting theatre. Thus, it is comprised
of actors, directors, designers, writers, technicians,
dramaturges, managers and administrators all with the
sole function of creating one piece of work with the
charge of the mission statement.
A
core group of the above individuals will select a project
to be produced that is either an existing work that
meets the national criteria or whether an original
work will be created. USTP produces one work at a time,
so the focus is never split. All its energies are focused
on the development, producing, marketing, and distribution
of that single project until its fruition.
Development
Campaign
Once
the project has been selected, a project proposal will
be created outlining the process, goals, and budget
for the project. Once the literature and supporting
materials are created, USTP will pursue corporate and
individual donors. An initial contribution would insure
the stability of the product while the search for a
presenting organization begins.
Search
for a Presenting Organization
While
a significant percentage of money is raised, the company
pursues a presenting organization. USTP’s goal
is to target an initial community, with possible tour
extensions. An artistic director or executive directors
of presenting organizations are contacted to hosting
a USTP project in their upcoming season. USTP would
be responsible for producing the project in terms of
actor and artistic staff fees, production materials
and staff fees. The presenting organization would provide
space, equipment, operational staff, and ticketing
services. Both organizations will share marketing,
box office, publicity, and/or rehearsal and performance
housing depending on the particular project. It would
be a joint venture with each organization getting a
predetermined percent of the box office.
Once
the organization has been chosen, USTP will publicly
announce the project and the capital campaign to secure
its completion.
Research
Once
a project is selected, the company will engage in a
period of research. First, the facts surrounding the
event will be gathered. Not only does that include
published materials and visual and audio aides, but
also one on one discussion with people involved. Interviews
and site visits are types of activities that will lead
to a well-rounded product.
Social
Interaction
Where
the company can get feedback and create a piece geared
to the needs of a community. USTP relies on build a
piece that comes out of the experiences of actual people.
Much of the dialogue and exercises from these interactions
will be incorporated into the text of the piece.
Script
Development
Once
research and the interactions are completed, the company
will gather for a period of structuring the project.
The goal is to establish a clear purpose to the piece,
a skeleton structure or movements and their intention,
and establish the outline for the creation of a working
text.
Rehearsal
Once
research and social interactions have occurred, the
company will begin the rehearsal process. Anywhere
from eight to five weeks, all the information and experiences
are gathered and processed through creating a living
breathing ritual combining fact, fiction, movement,
text and visual aids.
Performance
Once
technical rehearsals are completed, USTP will perform
for a set period of time at the presenting organization.
The performances include a discussion (either inside
of the piece or after) for audience participation and
feedback. Feedback and discussion are intrinsic to
the purpose of the organization. USTP is not solely
interested in entertainment, but to create a place
where a community can discuss and experience important
issues on the American conscience. The goal in each
project is a major city tour of the project to other
presenting organizations.
Evaluation
Once
the run is complete, the company will take a large
period of time off, before gathering for the selection
process on the next project.
