Features

BAB'S BABBLINGS 11: There's hope for us actors yet!

By Barbara Coven-Ellis

Okay, it's no news that Michigan's economy is in the dumps. So it's not the least bit surprising that theaters in the state are hurting as well. When there's a slow down in the economy, the arts are always one of the first areas hit. After all, when you're struggling to pay your gas bill and buy groceries, the last thing on your mind is making donations to your local non-profit professional theater or buying season tickets to see shows you may not be able to afford to drive to! Continue..

A FEW MINUTES WITH 4: Stage manager Terry Carpenter

By Barbara Coven-Ellis

What is your job title?

I'm an Equity stage manager, though my official title at Meadow Brook Theatre now is associate director Continue..

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION 6: Artists and critics: Moving beyond love/hate

By Jake Christensen

The saying goes, "Critics are people who couldn't cut it as real artists." As a trained critic, I give this saying 1 out of 4 stars, if for no other reason than it is a gross generalization. More importantly, this saying fails because it seeks to invalidate certain audience reactions simply because they have been published. Criticism, published or not, is essential to great theater. Continue..

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Feedback

Re: Bab's Babblings 11: There's hope for us actors yet!

Howdy!! Just read your Babblings column on Encore about the conflicts and ramifications of taking a higher paying on-camera job while on or versus a theatre job. WOW!! Continue..

Re: Cobb at Planet Ant Theatre

I saw Cobb this weekend and think that its easily one of the best plays showing in Michigan this season. And though I probably don't see as much as a reviewer, I have made the rounds to Blackbird, The Network, The Rose, Williamston, JET, Meadow Brook, Tipping Point, Wayne and Breathe Art. So I suppose I've checked out the competition. Continue..

Re: Oy! at The Jewish Ensemble Theatre

I'm writing here to address your most recent review of Oy!. Frankly, I am dumbfounded by the review. Perhaps the play completely changed in the hours between the 5:00 pm Saturday show I attended and the opening night you attended but it would've taken a miracle. Continue..

Re: EncoreMichigan.com

I want to thank you, Pride Source, and everyone else responsible for the new website. It's fabulous! So fun, informative and necessary that I can't imagine how we've done without it so long. Continue..

Re: Babs' Babblings 5: A not-so innocuous little question

When I am not working and someone asks me what I am up to, I simply tell them what is going on with my other ventures or with myself personally. The question, I believe, is intended to show that the speaker is interested in me and my life. Continue..

Re: Babs' Babblings 4: Talkbacks

Great article, Barb. I'm a veteran of many, many readings and feedback sessions, and they have proved to be invaluable to me. A love fest is nice, but if there are problems with a script I want to hear about them. Continue..

Re: Bab's Babblings 3: Buy Locally:

I must say that I almost stood up and applauded the last two paragraphs of your column. We do need to make sure that we take care of our own and lift people up when they need it. I also believe this extends to putting pressure on some theatres to provide the best of working conditions and as good a wage as can be afforded. Continue..

Re: A Few Minutes With Kitty Dubin

Kitty Dubin is the reason I am a playwright at all! I am now an "unofficial" playwright-in-residence at an elementary school for the arts and I have written two custom plays for their students to perform. Continue..