To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2008 12:25:38 -0500
Subject: [Puptcrit] bookings up or down


I have to say that I appreciate the candid & open remarks that people have written about this subject.  To be honest, it must be a sign that the times are creating a lot of anxiety, because when it comes to business matters, I have found a lot of puppeteers (oh, let's just say, performing artists in general) to be rather close-mouthed and competitive.  And some, let's face it, give in to exaggeration.  But that's another subject. 

I have often wondered, though, how it was that some people actually made a living, because their business practices and/or offerings were so different from mine.  

For example, I have always offered a repertoire of productions to presenters because it seemed from the outset that not all of them were interested in the same show.  Yet, some puppet troupes seem to have succeeded very well by touring just one title all year long.

I have always had to choose my show titles by taking into consideration whether they would be recognized and accepted by presenters.  How often have I heard, "My audiences wouldn't respond to that show," or "Yes, I could sell that one."  But other troupes seem to produce shows with titles that need a lot of explaining, and seem to have no trouble in doing so.

They say, "We have a reputation, and therefore audiences and presenters trust us."  Well, so do I, but it's never been my experience.  To the contrary, most staff members who work for performing arts centers don't last very long, so every year I have to present myself all over again to a new crop of people.

And what about PTA volunteers?  It always amazes me that arts-in-ed showcases take place in the spring, and are attended by a current year's group of volunteers.  But they don't do the booking the following year, and most times they don't even pass on their information to their successors.

I'm not complaining.  I'm just mystified.  And after 29 years, I've decided that there's no rhyme or reason to the business of entertainment.  I just stick to my guns and do what I do.

I live in upstate New York, and just as Hobey like where he lives, I think it's a great place to raise a family.  But I also never work here.  Travel is the name of the game.

To be honest, up until George W. Bush came into office, my performance schedule grew every year.  I was in Tunisia, watching tv in a hotel lobby, when I saw on CNN that he was finally put into office by the Supreme Court.  I remarked to someone that this was bad news.  I had no idea how much worse things things would turn out to be.

My touring has declined ever since.  Of course, I've also raised my prices and been more selective anyway.  So who knows?

This past summer, I had 54 bookings.  It was a mixed blessing.

Robert Rogers
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