TBOT_S02E15 - EP.48 - Are You Not Entertained?

In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss the relevance of award shows in the theater industry and the challenges faced by the theater community. They explore the need for subsidization in theater and the impact of ticket prices on accessibility. They also touch on the widening gap between the rich and the poor and its effect on the arts. The conversation delves into the challenges of auditions and casting, as well as the importance of connection in the audition process. They conclude by discussing the benefits and challenges of digital auditions. This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in the theater industry, focusing on auditions, the lack of feedback, and the need for change. The hosts share their personal audition experiences and discuss the differences between theater and TV acting. They also discuss the importance of supporting playwrights and new work, as well as expanding theater beyond major cities. The conversation highlights the need for theaters to engage with their local communities and find new ways to subsidize their work. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for new conversations and ideas to shape the future of the theater industry.

HOSTS: Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss

00:00 Introduction and the Relevance of Award Shows

02:59 The State of Theater and Subsidization

05:54 The Cost of Running a Theater

09:01 The Need for Subsidization

11:49 The Challenges of Domain Names and Trademarks

14:57 Theater Accessibility and Ticket Prices

22:11 The Entertainment Value of Award Shows

25:11 The Challenges of Auditions and Casting

28:51 The Importance of Connection in Auditions

33:04 The Benefits and Challenges of Digital Auditions

34:16 The Challenges of Auditions

35:10 Personal Audition Experiences

36:28 Theater vs. TV Acting

39:18 Lack of Feedback in Auditions

40:14 Overcoming Challenges in the Theater Industry

41:31 Expanding Theater Beyond Major Cities

43:41 Supporting Playwrights and New Work

46:53 The Challenges of Theater Attendance

50:34 Theater Community and Audience Engagement

53:17 Subsidizing Theaters and Changing the Business Model

57:00 The Need for Change in the Theater Industry

01:00:05 The Need for New Conversations and Ideas

Takeaways

The Tony Awards and other award shows in the theater industry face challenges in terms of viewership and relevance.

Theater is a money-losing proposition, and subsidization is necessary to support the arts.

Ticket prices and accessibility are important considerations in the theater industry.

The widening gap between the rich and the poor affects the theater community and its ability to thrive.

The audition process can be challenging, and the ability to connect with actors is crucial.

Digital auditions have both benefits and challenges in the theater industry. 

Auditions in the theater industry can be challenging, and the lack of feedback can be frustrating for actors.

Theater acting is different from TV acting, and actors need to adapt their performances accordingly.

The theater industry needs to support playwrights and new work to keep the art form vibrant and relevant.

Theaters should focus on engaging with their local communities and finding ways to make theater more accessible and affordable.

The theater industry needs to embrace change and find new ways to subsidize their work in order to survive and thrive.