Matt Rodin’s Post

Two faculty members and three arts organizations at Syracuse University have been awarded New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) grants. 🎭 🎬 Kathleen Wrinn, assistant professor of musical theater, and Soudabeh Morandian, assistant professor of film, each won $10,000 NYSCA grants for their work. NYSCA grants also went to three University arts organizations — Syracuse Stage, Point of Contact (Punto de Contacto) and Light Work. Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZWXY7X #HigherEd #MusicalTheater #Film #SUVPA

Here's one last blog post for 2024. It's about when Hot Tuna came to The Wilbur Theater in Boston. January 1st is the 2nd anniversary of r0ck bl0gster. I would like to thank all of the musicians I've seen & the people who've read my blog. See you in 2025! https://lnkd.in/eqDKeC8X #blog #concerts

NINE nominations in the WhatsOnStage Awards 2024. I know we make a lot of calls on everyone's time and support, especially in this very difficult year, but if you could vote for us and help us fly the flag for brilliant regional theatre made in Nottingham - that would be so appreciated. Full details of our nominees are below and the voting link is here: https://lnkd.in/eePYfTz8

We can now announce that The Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade 🎭, in partnership with Biggleswade Arts Collective CIC will receive £37,160 of UKSPF community grants which will allow them to expand the seating areas, as well as buy new stage lighting 💡 and sound 🔊 equipment. They are also investing in their larger musical instrument selection, such as keyboards and a piano 🎼 so performers don’t have to bring their own when performing. For more information on these community grants, as well as the UKSPF visit: https://ow.ly/M4Bp50UjR9o And for The Bigg Theatre and Biggleswade Arts Collective CIC: https://ow.ly/nLgO50UjR9n

Artists of the Coquelin school reason this way: The theater is a convention, and the stage is too poor in resources to create the illusion of real life; therefore the theater should not avoid conventions.…This type of art is less profound than beautiful, it is more immediately effective than truly powerful, in it the form is more interesting than its content. It acts more on your sense of sound and sight than on your soul. Consequently it is more likely to delight than to move you. So then, since the theatre is limited to the conventions of beauty, the immediate effects of sound and sight and simple delights, it is up to us, the makers and players of theatre, to bring the profound, the powerful, the interest in content, and our ability to truly move an audience. Theatre brings the convention. We bring the intention.

💡 Single Ticket Revenue: Are You Keeping Pace? How has single ticket revenue changed for North American performing arts organizations over 5 years? 🎭 Theatre: +30% 🎼 Orchestras: +26% 🏛 PACs: +25% 💃 Dance/Opera: +13% 🌟 Compare your performance with real-time insights from our free Arts & Culture Benchmark: https://hubs.li/Q02ZjFYT0

I could talk underwater about the importance of the youth arts sector; its vibrant legacy made up of highly-skilled arts workers dedicated to collaborating alongside young people. Youth arts companies are the foundation of our arts community, holding the wellbeing of young people at its core, and committed to developing emerging artists as our future creative leaders. Everyday I see first hand the positive effects an engagement with theatre has on young people, the contributions we make to our arts sector, and the social impact on our wider community. Despite the significant benefits youth arts creates, there is entrenched disparity in arts funding and support, causing youth companies like ours to be deprioritised, and the artistic quality of our work overlooked. The fact we survive is a testament to our collective passion, resilience and resourcefulness. But things need to change if we are to be sustainable, and thrive.

🎭 I started working at Konträr in August, Konträr is Sweden’s only contemporary international and national theatre. Sadly, due to a lack of funding, Konträr had to close its doors in September. 💔 In just two years, Konträr showcased 50 premieres, featuring both Swedish and international artists. 🌍 Despite the overwhelming support, the real challenge isn't ticket sales or public interest but the lack of state funding for culture. It’s a harsh reality that many think ticket sales alone can sustain a theatre, but that’s simply not the case. This closure raises important questions about the future of art and culture in Sweden. How can we keep producing bold, innovative theatre when the system doesn’t support us? 🤔 I wonder—is this a unique issue in Sweden, or are theatres worldwide facing similar challenges? I’m eager to hear how other cultural institutions are managing in this environment. Running a theatre is a lot like running a business, but with its own set of challenges: while companies can generate profits through various products or services, theatres often rely solely on ticket sales, which aren’t enough to cover all expenses. Despite these challenges, the desire for theatre remains strong in our society. So, how can we continue to provide this vital cultural experience? 🎭 I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Konträr team during these trying times. We’re not giving up—we’re strategizing and hoping for a way forward. 🙌 While I don’t have the wealth or influence to save the theatre myself, I do have a voice. 🗣️ I hope this message resonates with those who value the arts. Let’s raise awareness, discuss what’s happening, and advocate for a future where culture is prioritized and funded. 💪 👉 If you believe in the importance of culture, please share this post to help spread the word. If you have ideas or want to support Konträr financially or in other ways, please reach out— https://kontrar.se/ Together, we can make a difference! 💬 #Konträr #SaveKonträr #CultureMatters #ArtsInCrisis #Theatre #SupportTheatre

In our newest journal article, "The Intersection of Faith and Theatre in C.S. Lewis’ Works," we delve into how FPA uses theatre to deepen our engagement with Lewis' messages of faith. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4fISx3f

So, this is engagement number 2 next week. I shall be talking about the challenges and success of working, or attempting to work to the Theatre Green book targets. 🌞This will be a mix of short talks and a Q&A session with myself and fellow pms, designers and backstage folk. #theatre #sustainability #collaboration