GEVA: Risky
Risky is allowing you all access to my website while it’s still under construction. Let’s be clear. I have no idea what I’m doing. I really didn’t have anything else to do this Holiday Seasons but to stretch myself and learn a little web design with the help of my friend, Cassie. Please pardon the dust ~ it will be up and running shortly. But, for now, I’ll just blog away.
Geva Theatre is taking a real risk and trying something new. They have selected 20 community members (myself included) to participate in their Cohort Program. Meaning…we will have access to the cast, rehearsals, tech, the playwright, the director and Geva staff generally as they work on the production of “Book Club Play”. There is only one rule and that is that we are not to disturb the actors during rehearsal. Aside from that, anything is fair game. I get to tell you what I see, hear, experience and, more importantly, what I think and feel about it.
They want honesty and they will most certainly get it!
I give Geva credit for entrusting the process and their reputation to a bunch of Everyday Joes and Josephinas. I give myself credit for entrusting Geva with my opinion. And, since they asked for honesty, there is no time like the present to begin.
As risky as it is for Geva to give us this unprecedented access and ask for us to write about it openly; my humble opinion and a 20 spot say that it would be more risky for Geva to miss the opportunity to ‘mine’ the precious mindshare of this small group of Cohorts to understand what theater is or isn’t in small cities across the country. Do people talk about theater? Do they understand that it is more than Hamlet? Do they find it relevant? What will resonate in the community? With limited resources (time, money) would the average person incorporate theater into their lives? I’m looking forward to lively conversation.
In the meantime, I will turn my attention to reading the script and preparing some thoughts on the process. This is a great opportunity, and I’m happy to be a part of it.