Comments on: Post-Show Discussions http://blog.steppenwolf.org/2006/02/28/post-show-discussions/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:34:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0 by: David New http://blog.steppenwolf.org/2006/02/28/post-show-discussions/#comment-29 Mon, 06 Mar 2006 16:57:26 +0000 http://blog.steppenwolf.org/2006/02/28/post-show-discussions/#comment-29 Hey Ryan - we are of the same mind. I led a 45 minute post-show discussion yesterday after the matinee of <i>Well-Appointed-Room</i> and much of it consisted of audience members responding to each other’s ideas about the play. In our post-show discussions we are really interested in engaging in <b>conversation</b> rather than going through a series of questions and answers. I end up learning a tremendous amount as a result of hearing audience member’s thoughtful responses to the production. Anyone else want to weigh in on this topic? Hey Ryan - we are of the same mind. I led a 45 minute post-show discussion yesterday after the matinee of Well-Appointed-Room and much of it consisted of audience members responding to each other’s ideas about the play. In our post-show discussions we are really interested in engaging in conversation rather than going through a series of questions and answers. I end up learning a tremendous amount as a result of hearing audience member’s thoughtful responses to the production.

Anyone else want to weigh in on this topic?

]]> by: Ryan Butts http://blog.steppenwolf.org/2006/02/28/post-show-discussions/#comment-28 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:53:55 +0000 http://blog.steppenwolf.org/2006/02/28/post-show-discussions/#comment-28 Hey David, Although some may only want to pay for their ticket (or not, in the case of many critics) and leave the show, I personally want to learn more. I want to hear about the methods of discovery that happened in the process of creation. I want to know the background for the world of the play. I want to ask questions of of lighting choices or character development. I agree that a performance should be able to stand on its own. I believe that if there are unanswered questions, that the playwright or director intended these questions to linger. But, much like my fascination with the Discovery Channel, I want to know more. That's just me. But it must be done well. By presenting an "expert" or "panel of experts" the theater must realize the message it is sending. By placing the actors onstage after the show, they become the "experts" for a production and an organization in which they are contracted employees. In many post-show discussions, actors become spokespeople for decisions of the theater (why did you change the prices?), or design decisions (why did you use green light on that scene?). Steppenwolf is unique in its approach by having a staff member prompt discussions between the audience members, rather than talking at them about information in the usual "one question, one answer" format. Hey David,

Although some may only want to pay for their ticket (or not, in the case of many critics) and leave the show, I personally want to learn more. I want to hear about the methods of discovery that happened in the process of creation. I want to know the background for the world of the play. I want to ask questions of of lighting choices or character development. I agree that a performance should be able to stand on its own. I believe that if there are unanswered questions, that the playwright or director intended these questions to linger. But, much like my fascination with the Discovery Channel, I want to know more. That’s just me. But it must be done well. By presenting an “expert” or “panel of experts” the theater must realize the message it is sending. By placing the actors onstage after the show, they become the “experts” for a production and an organization in which they are contracted employees. In many post-show discussions, actors become spokespeople for decisions of the theater (why did you change the prices?), or design decisions (why did you use green light on that scene?). Steppenwolf is unique in its approach by having a staff member prompt discussions between the audience members, rather than talking at them about information in the usual “one question, one answer” format.

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