Question about the Playground last night

[Crago]

Before any of you read this post and assume that I've come here to pick on people, just know I would write this same post if it happened at iO or Second City...

I had a show last night in the 8pm slot at the Playground. We closed out for Cathcart and Olson and Booper. All three shows were great and even though the house was small, the crowd seemed to enjoy it. One thing that really got under my skin, though, and set my mood for the rest of the night and into today, is that the house manager was a no-show. Fortunately, my teammate, Aaron, has house managed before and was able to salvage the evening, but he should have had to. It took him away from our warm-ups and some of notes and he seemed pretty put off by it. This enraged me that whoever was supposed to be there, didn't even to bother calling or even texting. As good a job as Aaron did, it still looked and felt pretty unprofessional. I had a few friends that came to the show and wondered what the hell was going on since we were running around...scrambling to get the shows off and box office set, etc.

Before I continue, I should say that if there was a last minute emergency, then please let me know, and I'm sorry. However, a phone call could have been placed...even a text.

Again, thankfully the shows went off without a hitch and everything ended up fine, I just felt it was a little Busch League that Aaron had to go through that. He shouldn't have had to. I just feel like nine of this would have happened had it been a weekend night for the "bigger" shows.

With all of the stealing that's been going on there (Ladewig's iPod/my teammates article of clothing, etc), and then this, it kind of gives me a feeling that the place is up for grabs.

This isn't meant to pick on the Playground. Again, had it happened at iO, another place I perform at and work, I would have mentioned it in the same tone. I guess I'm just looking for an answer.

I truly like playing at the Playground. I know there are good people there and whatnot. I was just really turned off by what happened last night and in recent events. Don't take this as me picking on the Playground, and, again, if there was an emergency of sorts then I hope everything is alright. I just don't want to see my teammate go through that and have my friends wonder if they call it the Playground for a reason again.


Thanks.

Crago

[speedymarie]

Crago,

Unfortunately, this happens on occassion. Have you ever forgotten a show you were supposed to perform in? All of us are very busy, and none of us is perfect and we all make mistakes. I wouldn't consider it "unprofessional" - just a mistake that happens to the best of us.

For this reason, both the schedule of house managers, and all the house managers' phone numbers, are in the box office. If someone forgets their shift, the box office staff can call that person and remind them. As the Manager of House Managers, my phone number is also posted in the box office - anyone can call me and I'll do my best to get the situation taken care of.

It was great of Aaron to help out - he's trained as a House Manager and is a terrific one. All of us house managers, as well as folks on member teams, do an excellent job of covering for each other when things like this happen. When you're running a theater with only volunteers, you all have to work together.

I would guess that had you not told your friends there was a problem, that just as regular audience members, they wouldn't have known. It's this sort of banding together that gives a professional front, even if things are a mess behind the scenes.

[Crago]

Have you ever forgotten a show you were supposed to perform in?

No. Never.

I would guess that had you not told your friends there was a problem, that just as regular audience members, they wouldn't have known.

I didn't they asked me what the deal was. I was hoping they didn't notice.

I'll keep in mind the phone list. Even though Aaron was calling people from it. I think he even tried Matt.

Thanks.

[PeteFitz]

I honestly think that it was probably just the 10th anniversary House Manager No Show night. Time honored tradition.

Later this week, the 10th anniversary guest team no show should go down. That is my favorite of the 10th anniversary fringe fest. Only 2 teams? Bam. Done by 8:50.

Noice.

[Crago]

OK. Now that we got this unlocked, is the person who didn't show up last night alright? Who was it supposed to be?

If this were a thread about iO and Charna, it never would have been locked and would have went on for 20 pages.

[Improviser's Delight]

APOPHASIS: Denying one's intention to talk or write about a subject, but making the denial in such a way that the subject is actually discussed. For instance, a candidate for the senate might start his speech declaring, "I don't have time to list the seventeen felony counts my opponent faces, or the lurid rumors of my opponent's sexual behavior with sixteen-year old girls, or the evidence that he is engaged in tax evasion. Instead, I am going to talk about my own qualities that I would bring to the senate if you vote for me . . ." A fine example of apophasis in Shakespeare comes from Mark Antony's funeral speech in Julius Caesar:
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is;
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man . . .
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech
To stir men's blood; I only speak right on.

[Biddle]

Jim's well-documented dicomfort aside, is there really anything to discuss here? So, someone shirked their duties. Someone else covered for them. (And probably got paid for it, as is typical when someone house manages.) That's what happens at the PG and at every other theater. Someone drops a ball. Someone else picks it up and covers for them.

I don't know. I just don't think that this is that big of a deal. I guess I've seen it happen enough times that it doesn't much matter to me. I'm not a house manager, but I've covered for absent HMs in the past. It's really no big deal.

Maybe if I had a bigger axe to grind about something else that was bothering me about the PG, I'd make a bigger deal out of this, than it really is and maybe THEN it would be worth discussing.

Jim, if this is really bothering you, might I suggest emailing Speedy (or PMing her. Or approaching her in person. Or calling her. Or texting her.) and reporting the situation.
Hashing it out here, in the public forum isn't going to get you any satisfaction.
And it isn't going to insure that this isn't going to happen again.
And since you don't know who ditched on their duty, this thread isn't exactly publicly shaming them.
So, what purpose does this serve actually?

Let me go out on a limb here and say that the "If this was IO or Second City, THIS would be a REALLY big deal" argument is a straw argument.

I couldn't care less who is house managing at IO or Second City. Heck, both joints could lose a piano player, a bar-back, two or three interns and maybe an entire member ensemble and I still wouldn't care. There wouldn't be a twenty page thread about it. The truth is, Theater Administration isn't the sexy topic that you seem to think that it is.

Now then, if this thread shifts gears to some random other topic like "Jim Crago has only posted two or three times to CIN and they're both complaints about the Playground", well, that might generate twenty pages of material. But the existence of such a thread still isn't evidence of a pro-Playground bias on CIN or some sort of secret cabal of Anti-IO mentality on this board or at that theater.

Have a beer, Jim. It's no big deal.
You've got a good guy on your team and he stepped up and took care of a small inconvenience. Celebrate that, rather than looking for evidence that "the playground is up for grabs"!

Cheers,
COB

[speedymarie]

Yes, if there is anything to discuss, Crago, feel free to send me a message and we can talk about. I don't really know if someone forgetting to go to work or whatever is really necessary public discussion.

[Gass]

All of us are very busy, and none of us is perfect and we all make mistakes. I wouldn't consider it "unprofessional" - just a mistake that happens to the best of us.

Whoa!

If you are very busy, then you find someone to cover. Not make someone who's performing that night do it. Thta's why schedules are made in advance.

is there really anything to discuss here? So, someone shirked their duties. Someone else covered for them. (And probably got paid for it, as is typical when someone house manages.) That's what happens at the PG and at every other theater. Someone drops a ball. Someone else picks it up and covers for them.

I don't know. I just don't think that this is that big of a deal. I guess I've seen it happen enough times that it doesn't much matter to me. I'm not a house manager, but I've covered for absent HMs in the past. It's really no big deal.

I highly disagree with you on this. This isn't what happens at every other theater. I have only experienced this at The Playground.

If the House Managers don't care, how do you expect the teams who do Box Office to care? I am surprised to hear this from the both of you, I really am.

[sammy]

Before any of you read this post and assume that I've come here to pick on people, just know I would write this same post if it happened at iO or Second City...

APOPHASIS: Denying one's intention to talk or write about a subject, but making the denial in such a way that the subject is actually discussed.



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/493013055_a1ec9cc584_o.jpg






...but on a serious note, sheesh Crago, fuckin' e-mail someone at the Playground or let your director find out for you. ;)

[TommyP]

Last night I was supposed to play center field for the iO softball team (Go iO!), but I pulled a hamstring running out a grounder to the shortstop (I was "out"). Although it was my intention to take my position and play the entire game, I never took the field after the injury. Fortunately, there was another player ready and eager to fill in while I nursed my hammy. Though we lost the game (for which I blame myself), in the end, we all won. That's the great thing about team sports: you pick each other up and don't bitch about it.

Watch out Playground. I'll be 110% by the time we do battle. If Crago's story is any indication, we'll see if you can really play as a "team."

[Biddle]

I hope you're hungry, Tommy, because you're going to be eating those words, Mister.

EATING THEM!

COB

[bron]

Apparently Crago, you never had the opportunity to play at the playground years ago, before it had the trappings of an organized theater. It's run by volunteers. It used to be that it was out of the ordinary that you knew where the house manager was, as opposed to now when it is abnormal if the HM doesn't show up. Is it a tad unprofessional? sure. So is theater. Do your show and have fun. If the ten people in the audience notice, then your show sucked.

[Dayna]

Yay! The house manager didn't bother to show up last night either. Guess they "forgot".

This is so frustrating to me. I don't get the excuses. The Playground wants to be more respected, and yet no one seems to elevate themselves to a degree of professionalism that is worthy of that respect. I LOVE the playground. I really do. That's why this bothers me.

[speedymarie]

See, this is why I don't like discussing stuff like this on these boards. Because people who don't know the facts start throwing in opinions and muddling things up.

First, I don't see "making a mistake" as being the same as "not caring."

And Second, I didn't say that it's ok to miss your shift and not call in because your busy. What I said was when you're busy, its possible to make a mistake and forget something. House managers do find people to cover for them when something happens and they can't make a shift. We have a whole listserv just for that. But we're also humans who space out and forget things - especially when they aren't regularly scheduled (like a weekly rehearsal or interning shift is).

Third, All you stone throwers, if you can honestly tell me that you've never made a mistake, then go ahead and throw your stones. But I won't believe it. I've sure all of you have overslept and been late to work, or forgotten a show, or spaced out and forgotten a date with a friend. It happens to everyone.

But I'm sure we can start a list of mistakes Crago's made, and mistakes Gass has made, and mistakes Biddle's made, and mistakes I've made, if we wanted to. It's not productive or necessary.

Fourth, I'm the top of the ladder for this, which I'm pretty sure every box office person and house manager knows - if they don't, they can read the phone list posted in the box office in easy eyesight, which has my name and number and the title of "Manager of House Managers."

Aaron was there, and chose to take over. Neither he nor the box staff called me and said "help." I'm pretty sure they didn't call the person who was supposed to HM and to say "where are you?" There were several other people there who could also have taken over who weren't performing. Aaron CHOSE to do it, so Crago's outrage on Aaron's behalf is really unnecessary, especially since Aaron himself has said nothing to me.

Again - if you have a problem with something at the Playground, feel free to email me, or Matt, and we'll talk about it and sort it out.

[speedymarie]

Dayna, The Playground doesn't have House Managers on Thursday nights. The BYB is run by a crew who takes care of everything. If you email me and tell me what happened, I can pass the information along.

[Hendo]

I'm really enjoying "Smallville" these days. Lex has become suitably dark. And he's creating supervillians. That's all good in my book.

[PeteFitz]

Take it to politico Hendor.

[DeWalt]

That is really unprofessional. "We are all busy" is the lamest excuse imaginable. So what? Don't house manage if you aren't going to bother showing up, or phoning ahead. If you are too busy, just don't sign up.

And the higher-ups vouching, defending, and essentially endorsing this lax and lazy attitude is why it continues and will continue. The PG does want to be taken more seriouslly but it only cripples itself with this farm-league BS. "But people are busy, and in the playground's early days we never had schedules... wahh...". Ha! If you believe in positive growth and improving the theater than you would recant that pithy argument. Dayna is right, if you want the respect then be professional.

Maybe less homeless guys would jerk off in the seats that way.

I mean I dont think its the biggest deal that some one plain forgot and didn't care enough about his Playground duties, but defending and promoting that person's laziness speaks volumes to me anyway. The Playground certainly has a lot of potential, and it is my lone opinion that this work ethic gaurantess that that potential will never be reached.

And no Crago, this would never happen at SC or iO. Those house managers always show up - partly because it is their main or secondary source of income, partly because they like their jobs - but also because no-showing is punished severly and not promoted at those places.

[Tony]

Good Fucking Lord Everyone-

I have worked at Second City and IO and both places have people not show up. It's a fault of the person not showing up, not the theatre.

Christ Almighty, it's a co-op and shit happens. It's not an excuse, it's how human beings are. They don't show up to work sometimes.

Lock it, I just finger blasted the shit out of this thread.

[Hendo]

okay, let's all calm down.

First off, how often does this happen? Thursday doesn't count, because BYB runs the box office and house manages, and they WERE there last night.

So really, how often? No excuses, it sucks when it happens, but as the former house-manager manager for several years, I could count on one hand the number of times it happened.

No one is saying it's all right. It isn't. What I HAVE read is maybe this isn't the best venue for you to be railing at the Powers That Be. You want results?

matt@the-playground.com

That's the email for Playground President Matt Barbera. If you have any beefs with the Playground, go there. I GUARANTEE that your questions will be addressed.

DeWalt, you're right. This wouldn't happen at IO or SC. However, what's the main difference between the PG and those two places?

The PG is a not-for-profit improv co-op owned and run by it's members. We don't pay the house-managers much at all. Certainly not enough to live off of as a decent source of income. We really almost entirely off of volunteers like Speedy to fill most positions. So ranting at her probably ain't great, since she'll likely say, "Fuck it" and resign rather than deal with a bunch of folks yelling at her. And then we'll have NO house-manager manager, and the problem will get worse.

Dayna, Crago and DeWalt... if you think things can be done better, come volunteer. There are a million jobs that need to be done. It's easy to point fingers and tell us to do better. It's harder to be one of the VOLUNTEERS that gets yelled at.

Thanks,
Hendo
(the idiot in charge of ordering more toilet paper)

[davec]

You know what's wrong with the Playground? No more Mister Fancypants. That's the problem. Period.

And if the show was unprofessional,that sucks, especially with all the money everyone was making. Man, a house manager really gives that polish and when the teams have to chip in and help, it ruins the show.

And I am expecting that you're currently working on your post about how at io, someone's director didn't show up for their show, and there was no one to pull lights so Rutherford did it. And how no one knew who was emceeing so someone who was going to be on the third team did it.

Or, maybe, JEEBUS FRIGGING CRISP ON A CRACKER. Someone post a picture of a crying baby.

It's improv. Everywhere I've ever done improv has been kind of chaotic and unpolished. The Playground is a co-op and sometimes people forget things. Or they just don't show up. Everywhere. Who the eff knows or cares? And why are you posting it on a board instead of emailing the people who matter?

This whole thing just sounds diva-ish and narcissistic. "I expected better of you, Playground, and it messed up our show." If the HM is messing up your show, then maybe it's time to take a hiatus and re-focus. Or quit the schedule and rent the space for your own show and hire your own HM. Because if the HM is that important to YOUR show quality, maybe your shows aren't as good as you think. And this isn't a burn, I've never seen your team.

Also, Smallville is always great. Even when it's stupid (Jimmy Olsen's film noir episode.). I hate Lana.

[chrismcavoy]

Any rant that refers to something being "busch league" should be ignored.

Also, the phrase, "he could have texted" makes me giddy. We clearly live in the future.

I didn't read the other two pages of this thread...how'd it turn out? Did the playground get fixed? Did Crago win?

[Tony]

DeWalt, you're right. This wouldn't happen at IO or SC.

It totally does. Every place of employment has people not show up.

It really blows my mind that people think no one ever skips work at IO. That's straight up dumb.

[petitti]

Speedy, Matt B, Mark H. and others have difficult jobs herding cats over there. And this comparisons to IO/Second City are distorted. There is no czar at the PG, no one making money hand over fist at the PG. They are people trying to keep a going concern that allows the permanent improviser class to be on stage.

The way you are expressing your opinions/criticisms are making you look like petulant, small minded snots.

Your best course of action is to vote with your feet and refrain from performing at the Playground. Or you could, perhaps, help out and offer your services.

But throwing bombs is destructive. And doing so makes you annoying. Opportunity lost.

David

[Biddle]

Crago, Dewalt, Gass,

I am really starting to appreciate how passionate you guys are about the lax House Management at the Playground.

When can Speedy expect you to show up for your House Management training and orientation?

Because being as you're such strong supporters of the theater and have readily identified a problem that needs to be solved, CLEARLY the next step is to give some of your own personal time to solve that problem.

And how fortunate for the three of you that there just happens to be openings in the very field that really seems to hold such interest for you?

Seriously, if you're so fucking bothered by this, Man up and do something about it. How simple is that?

Problem identified + People's Time To Fix It = Problem Fixed.
That's how the Playground basically operates, gentlemen.

Or are you just here because you want to scream and cry about "what you think is wrong with the Playground"?!?

Because I think that's all you really want here.

COB

[chrismcavoy]

busch league

[Hendo]

also, fuck you guys for making me and Dave Colan agree on something.

Now I have to shower again. That's totally Coors League.

[Biddle]

Hendo,

When you and Colan are showering together... remember...Head For the Mountains!

BUUUUUUUUUUURN!
COB

[davec]

Now I have to shower again.

Mark, I don't think having you shower twice a spring counts as "again."

[Tony]

I can't get over the no one misses work at Second City thing or whatever. I will keep posting about it until someone locks this.

Fucking multi-millionaires who work at Arthur Anderson don't show up to work sometimes.

Also, I have not done a show at The Playground in like two years. I'm just saying people miss work at every place of employment in the world.

Is it worth renting all the Smallvilles? I never got into it, it seems sort of faggy.

[davec]

Is it worth renting all the Smallvilles? I never got into it, it seems sort of faggy.

It is. But that's kind of why it's so great. One minute you're like, "This is the coolest thing ever!" and the next you're like, "Really? A whole film noir episode about Jimmy Olsen?"

[Tony]

I will be renting Smallville via Netflix in LA based on Dave's post.

I miss work sometimes and I make like 130 grand.

[PeteFitz]

Tony, what if you work from home?

[HeatherConnelly]

With it's co-op status, isn't the Playground unproffesional by definition?

[Admin]

This is obviously an organized assault put together by people with small penises and little to no comedy skills to make themselves feel better about themselves.

The leader of this small-penised crew? Dave Gilley, of course.

How noble of you, Dave Gilley, to send your small-penised foot soldiers to the front line.

Kidding!@#

All jokes aside... this is lovely. Does anyone here actually think that anyone is for irresponsibility? A house manager didn't show up. That's what happens when people volunteer for things.

Yes, things at The Playground often appear to be less professional than things at other theaters. But those other theaters are working with big, big budgets, driven by income from their bars. If The Playground had tons of cash to throw around, things would run a hell of a lot more smoothly.

And if you think a house manager no-show is a phenomenon unique to The Playground Theater, then you haven't been around very much, and your penis is probably very tiny.

In conclusion, I'd like to invite you to enjoy a hilarious performance of Chicago's crazy live game show Don't Spit the Water! (http://www.dontspitthewater.com) Also, for fun and safety, enjoy Silly Cat Comix! (http://www.sillycat.com)

[Stacey]

Managing people is a hard job. Managing volunteers has to be one of the toughest.

I like everyone who has posted on this thread.

But I have to hand it to Speedy. She puts in so much time and effort into the Playground and it's the fact that she has realistic expectations of people and that she doesn't freak out on people every time they make a mistake that:

a) allows her to retain her sanity and continue volunteering tons of time.
b) allow her to retain people who work for her.

John, what recourse does someone have to "punish" volunteers? She's not saying being busy is an excuse not to show up last minute on purpose. She's saying it is a reason that people forget to do things sometimes.

I'm sure if someone does it on purpose, or repeatedly, she deals with that situation. If someone who is otherwise reliable spaces out one night, then she talks to them about it and moves on.

She can't threaten to fire a volunteer, no dock their pay, or any of the other various things a boss of a paid employee can do. And honestly, if my employer did that every time I flaked on something over the past 6 years though 99% of the time I'm reliable, I would be pissed anyway.

Sure, it would have been better to have a house manager on Wednesday night. I was there. There was an awkward moment around switching order to allow some late audience see their friends and timing got weird. But we got through it. And hopefully, it won't be chronic for that house manager to miss or the Playground to be missing house managers.

Thanks for everything you do, Speedy. Cause I remember when you weren't doing it. And the Playground was literally falling apart. Anyone remember that dangling wall and gross stained curtain for months?

[speedymarie]

That is really unprofessional. "We are all busy" is the lamest excuse imaginable. So what? Don't house manage if you aren't going to bother showing up, or phoning ahead. If you are too busy, just don't sign up.
Once again, you are misreading what was said. No one said it's okay that if you are too busy, not to show up.

Can I call YOUR boss, Jon, and ask if you've ever been late to work?

The bottom line is, when you are dependant upon volunteers, that you don't have enough of to begin with, when someone makes a mistake, what do you do? fire them? so you have even fewer volunteers, and they become stretched even more thin? It's already like pulling teeth to get enough people to volunteer to house manage as it is. At SC and IO, the people who work there get paid a reasonable sum, and if they don't show up, there's a line of people waiting for their jobs.

Many of the people who are house managing at the Playground, are doing it because no one else will. We've begged for people to sign up. Last schedule, I signed up and trained 8 new house managers. Over half of them quit at the end of that schedule. They were too busy, or it wasn't worth their time, or whatever. I've sent messages to the entire Playground memebership, and posted messages on CIN asking for house managers, and got almost no response.

There are several of us who volunteer to do jobs that pay nothing, who spend upwards of 15-20 hours a week working on Playground jobs. We work our butts off for the rewards of knowing that the Playground exists as a place where people can perform without the worry of being cut at any moment.

We put in the time where we can and do our best to cover all the bases. But this isn't our only focus. We've got day jobs, and grad school, kids, other teams. If we weren't doing this right now, would someone else step up and run things? I'm doing two management jobs at the Playground right now, because no one was willing to do them.

So yes, when I see people complaining that the way the Playground is run is unprofessional, it gets me hot under the collar. Because I've seen teams where the performers arrive after the show has started; or don't check in until right before show time, and the house manager is left scrambling to find another group to perform. I've seen box office staff show up late, or only one of the two people scheduled show up. How do you force professionalism from the performers, in a theater where the performers are only answerable to each other?

If you've got ideas, Jon, come to the Playground's board meeting and let's hear them.

[Mikaela]

um i was a contestant on dont spit the water 2 weeks ago. and i got water all over me. and no one apologized for it. i want my comped ticket money back. also steev wasn't there.he is the host. i dont care if he had a baby, i want my comped ticket money back.

[Mikaela]

Again, thankfully the shows went off without a hitch and everything ended up fine, I just felt it was a little Busch League that Aaron had to go through that. He shouldn't have had to. I just feel like nine of this would have happened had it been a weekend night for the "bigger" shows.





Dude, you don't have to get all NAZI about this.

[Landmine]

Somewhere, on another board people think this conversation is hilarious.

[Admin]

um i was a contestant on dont spit the water 2 weeks ago. and i got water all over me. and no one apologized for it. i want my comped ticket money back. also steev wasn't there.he is the host. i dont care if he had a baby, i want my comped ticket money back.

You got comped?

Fuck that noise. See what happens when I'm not around? Apparently everyone thinks theater is for free.

Shit man, I changed my mind. I'm on Crago's side.

[chrismcavoy]

One time, I was getting notes about a show, and I was arguing with the coach about why the note was bad, and he was wrong. Later on, I realized I should just <b>take the fucking note.</b>

I'm looking at you Playground.

[Mikaela]

wait, crago coaches teh playground?? OH that makes this WAY different.

[Mikaela]

You got comped?

Fuck that noise. See what happens when I'm not around? Apparently everyone thinks theater is for free.

Shit man, I changed my mind. I'm on Crago's side.


but you WEREN'T there! that is the point steev. i want my comped ticket money back. and a silly sorry.

[Crago]

Wow. OK. Sorry for expressing something that I feel passionately about. I guess I don't get it.

Either way, Matt e-mailed me explaining what happened and apologized. Thank you, Matt.


Good talk, Russ.

[Stacey]

yeah, well, two points mcavoy -

I bet your coach didn't post your notes publicly.

I also bet your coach gave you a positive note from time to time.

When was the last thread started to thank all the people who make the Playground function for, well, making the Playground function?

[chrismcavoy]

yeah, well, two points mcavoy -

I stopped reading here. Thanks for the points! Only five more until I get a backpack.

[davec]

Only five more until I get a backpack.

Save for the bb gun.

Again, everyone is a sissy and Mister Fancypants was the best thing that ever happened at the Playground. Remember Terrorslide? Remember "Wheel of Forms?"

I'm teaching Hulk Harold workshops.

[Mikaela]

dave, you'ved jumped the shark.

[TommyP]

Now I think it's time we merged all the improv websites together since we're all getting along so well again.

[Dayna]

I am taking my frustration towards a few out on the masses. For that I apologize. And stephanie, I was told by several people that the house manager flaked, so I thought that was what happened not realizing there was not supposed to be one on thurs. So I apologize for that as well.

I don't apologize for my comment on professionalism. I have never missed a show or rehearsal or slept through something and just disappeared. If I can't make something last minute I ALWAYS call. And I have been doing this for over ten years. This isn't directed to the PG. This is to all lazy improvisers who don't have the respect of others to just pick up a phone. If I overslept and am running late for work, I call my superviser as soon as I wake. Even if I am going to be 15 minutes late. It's out of respect for their time. It's courteous human behavior. Sure, unforseen things happen. But if they are happening regularly, perhaps either communication needs to be improved or a person should bow out of an obligation until their schedule or life becomes easier.

[Mikaela]

maybe you should do a workshop on this. you can call it " Dayna." and havea picture of you wearing an '80's power suit and looking at a your watch sternly.

i like this idea.

[davec]

I don't apologize for my comment on professionalism. I have never missed a show or rehearsal or slept through something and just disappeared.

I don't think that professionalism is just perfect attendance, though. I think that there's also an aspect of being willing to roll with the punches and not make a huge deal out of minor things. Someone who's always on time and responsible, but also on other people's nuts when they're not, and who is intolerant of mistakes is not really acting professionally.

Professionalism is not telling other people how to act. It's taking care of your own damn self. And that means doing what needs to be done, not bitching about other people not doing it.

Also, we do comedy. And comedy should have a bit of a disregard for authority and rules. Does that mean be drunky McSkiprehearsal? No. But it does mean that you have to deal with some people who don't necessarily fit with your definition of "professional." We're not surgeons, we're improv comedians.

Someone missed their scheduled HM duties. Maybe they're a slacker, maybe they forgot, maybe there was communication problems. If that gets anyone more upset than teams that lay a pile of turds on the stage, then maybe you need to get involved in admin instead of performance.

[speedymarie]

Thank you Dave. Very well said.

[Ldub]

Also, we do comedy. And comedy should have a bit of a disregard for authority and rules. Does that mean be drunky McSkiprehearsal? No. But it does mean that you have to deal with some people who don't necessarily fit with your definition of "professional." We're not surgeons, we're improv comedians.

I'm sorry but if you can't take comedy seriously, then maybe you shouldn't be doing it. It doesn't matter whether it's improv or a desk job. You should be on time out of respect for your co-workers and fellow performers. Like Dayna said, if you're running late let someone know. I have never forgotten a show or rehearsal, because I am organized. I mean, forgetting a show or rehearsal is just laziness. If you have too much on your plate, get a date book. It's not that hard. Or cut back on your schedule.

Just let someone know if you are running late or not able to make it. If this person would have done one of those things, this whole thread could've been avoided.

[Mikaela]

drunky McSkiprehearsal.


i hate that guy. he owes me for like 10 hundred rehearsals!

[Captain Bob]

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[speedymarie]

I think people don't really know the difference between "forgetting" something, and "Blowing off" something.

[Griggs]

I'm sorry but if you can't take comedy seriously, then maybe you shouldn't be doing it. It doesn't matter whether it's improv or a desk job. You should be on time out of respect for your co-workers and fellow performers. Like Dayna said, if you're running late let someone know. I have never forgotten a show or rehearsal, because I am organized. I mean, forgetting a show or rehearsal is just laziness. If you have too much on your plate, get a date book. It's not that hard. Or cut back on your schedule.

Just let someone know if you are running late or not able to make it. If this person would have done one of those things, this whole thread could've been avoided.


Well said!

The excuse of "it's improv! Roll with it!" is exactly what stunts improv's growth as legitimate theater.

Forgot a show!?!? Seriously? I care about what I do and respect the people I perform with to ever "forget a show"!

[Mikaela]

hey griggs you shoudl write a book about it.

[speedymarie]

There's a big difference between the attitude of "it's improv, fuck it" and having realistic expecations of what people can and will do, and are able to do.

I don't think the Playground would be CELEBRATING ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY if it didn't work.

You all can come here and dump on the Playground all you want to. Most of you who've been doing so rarely if ever perform there. I'm glad you've all found your own awesome and so-very professional theaters where all your needs are met. I'm sure this rampant forgetfulness will cause the Playground to implode sooner or later, so don't worry about it.

[Dayna]

I don't think that professionalism is just perfect attendance, though. I think that there's also an aspect of being willing to roll with the punches and not make a huge deal out of minor things. Someone who's always on time and responsible, but also on other people's nuts when they're not, and who is intolerant of mistakes is not really acting professionally.

Professionalism is not telling other people how to act. It's taking care of your own damn self. And that means doing what needs to be done, not bitching about other people not doing it.

Also, we do comedy. And comedy should have a bit of a disregard for authority and rules. Does that mean be drunky McSkiprehearsal? No. But it does mean that you have to deal with some people who don't necessarily fit with your definition of "professional." We're not surgeons, we're improv comedians.

Someone missed their scheduled HM duties. Maybe they're a slacker, maybe they forgot, maybe there was communication problems. If that gets anyone more upset than teams that lay a pile of turds on the stage, then maybe you need to get involved in admin instead of performance.

Dayna's definition of professional - Showing up when agreeing to show up. Calling if unavailable. Apologizing when unable to call regarding unavailability. Not assuming that its okay to just not show up.

I don't hold people accountable for not being as anal about things as I do. I hold them accountable for not respecting me enough to let me know when they are not available. Saying that comedy is somehow less important than other endeavors (true we don't save lives...usually) takes the legitimacy out of it. It is important. Being an administrative assistant isn't "important" but I still show up. Because I made that agreement when I joined my company.

[Hendo]

Can we PLEASE get back to "Smallville" and discuss how very gay Clark and Lex are for each other?

I mean, COME ON! If those two would just throw down, the world would end up being a much safer place.

[Mikaela]

dayna! dont give that shit away. i am telling you make it into a workshop and make some money on taht shit.

also, i hate being an admin. i have 50 minutes left of it. that's right, i am leaving work early on my last day. HAHAH

[Hendo]

hey, if we're going to discuss professionalism, can I go ahead and say that I hate it when emcees show up drunk or stoned (or get that way during the show) at many of the fine improv establishments around town?

Seriously, it's two hours. Not even, usually. If you can't stay sober that long, check into rehab. I don't CARE if it's a midnight show, either. If people are paying, try not to mutter and drool. That's all I'm saying.

[rene]

You just made Homey quit the Playground Mark.

[Hendo]

I said "emcee", Rene. Not "perform."

[DeWalt]

I'm sorry guys I agree with Griggs.

Dave C, I replied to your PM.

Speedy and Biddle, I do not want to be a Playground manager.

The point is that Crago very politely started this thread essentially saying "Hey I dont want to pick on any specific theater but this happened last night and i thought it wasnt cool and im just wondering whats up."

and instead of talking to him like a person, you decided to insult him as a defense mechanism, when he wasnt attacking you. Sort of like "fuckin n00b!! Idiot its the FN playground, duh! What do you think!? Its totally okay and normal, No big! No big DEAL! F U for starting CIN thread about this OMFG! Co op! Voulenteers!! No money! He just forgot ok geez!! Gilley!! - you have a small penis! OBVIOSULY!" etc.

Stacey, I know speedy's job is hard. I'm simply saying I felt instead of just talking to Crago, everyone - not just her, was like it is okay and normal - its just improv roll with it. no one could tell, unless your show SUCKED! And I agree with Griggs, that's just a crutch. Sorry but it is. I also have never forgot a show or rehearsal, so I am not sure what that arguement's point was. It just seems like people are saying if you are a voulenteer you have license to not be good, organized, and to not respect your duty or your boss(es)/coworkers. I totally agree with your points about SC/iO people getting paid and having more to lose - and that keeps them in line. But it just seems like it's no biggie if you arent good, heck dont even show up sometimes. Afterall, everybody in the world at every job ever doesnt show up!! So feel free.

Also, you can call my boss and ask if I was late. That would be sort of odd though, since we are talking about not showing up AT ALL, and further, not being punished about it. No, I have never blown off work without calling in. Sort of like how I never blow off shows or rehearsals.

Bottom line Crago didnt mean to start another one of "these" CIN threads. He initiated politely with a simple question, and I think it's unprofessional the way you yelled at him - afterall he's just a voulenteer on this board. We don't pay him.


Come on leopard, let's high five in an office building!

<img src="http://www.chrisbuck.com/images/FullSizePhotos/Samberg_b.jpg">

McAvoy - I don't believe you. You would never get notes, I remember those JRB shows brother, you sit back and drop bombs like Mark Price hitting free throws.

[speedymarie]

The Playground Board is done defending the way the Playground is run.

Thanks for all your comments.

For future reference, if there are problems at Playground shows, please call Stephanie or Matt - both of whose numbers are posted in the box office - for help if needed.

[Hendo]

Way to go, DeWalt. Now you've pissed off Speedy. And I have to lose money to her at cards tonight.

GREAT!

[kenziecondon]

Wait. Wait. Wait a second. You can actually contact Matt and Speedy individually? They have new fangled communication devices? Email and phone? And this information is PUBLIC?

I do not approve.

[DeWalt]

Way to go, DeWalt. Now you've pissed off Speedy. And I have to lose money to her at cards tonight.

GREAT!

Most people like Andy Samberg.

[Improviser's Delight]

The point is that Crago very politely started this thread essentially saying "Hey I dont want to pick on any specific theater but this happened last night and i thought it wasnt cool and im just wondering whats up."

Bottom line Crago didnt mean to start another one of "these" CIN threads. He initiated politely with a simple question, and I think it's unprofessional the way you yelled at him

APOPHASIS: Denying one's intention to talk or write about a subject, but making the denial in such a way that the subject is actually discussed. For instance, a candidate for the senate might start his speech declaring, "I don't have time to list the seventeen felony counts my opponent faces, or the lurid rumors of my opponent's sexual behavior with sixteen-year old girls, or the evidence that he is engaged in tax evasion. Instead, I am going to talk about my own qualities that I would bring to the senate if you vote for me . . ." A fine example of apophasis in Shakespeare comes from Mark Antony's funeral speech in Julius Caesar:
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is;
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man . . .
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech
To stir men's blood; I only speak right on.

[Sri_Casimir]

This thread will probably result in a lot of uncomfortable make up sex.

[Stacey]

I guess I think that when there are channels to discuss things within an organization, it is professional to discuss them there, until all of those channels are exhausted and you have no where else to turn.

I love my job and respect my bosses, but we definitely have times when things get totally screwed up and I get really frustrated. I guess I don't think it would be professional of me to discuss those times here, or on a board they would read, rather than discussing it with them.

I think it would bother them to know I was complaining about the company publicly - especially if I hadn't given them a chance to hear out my grievances first.

So, yeah, I think it's weird, and a little hypocritical to call things unprofessional on a public message board. This is the last place any problem really gets resolved, and more often than not things get worse here.

Unless, like Mikaela you don't care cause it's your last day at a super crappy job before you run off to LA to be cute and hilarious there.

[stonelake]

Main Entry: mole·hill http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif (http://javascript<b></b>:popWin('/cgi-bin/audio.pl?molehi01.wav=molehill'))
Pronunciation: <TT>'mOl-"hil</TT>
Function: noun
: a little mound or ridge of earth pushed up by a mole

[Stacey]

great, patrick, thanks. wow. now you've demeaned moles.

when will this thread get locked?

[Sleeps]

great, patrick, thanks. wow. now you've demeaned moles.

when will this thread get locked?

Hopefully never. This is quality entertainment!

[stonelake]

I apologize if any moles were offended by what I said. I have plenty of friends who are moles.

[Mikaela]

HEY STACEY THANKS! dude i am done wtih my job. can anyone guess how big my no job boner is right now?

[Admin]

In that situation, Mikaela, I think the bonor spelling is more appropriate.

[Dayna]

Not sure if any of these responses are directed at me or not, except the ones from Mikaela regarding my new powersuit workshops. But just in case, I apologized regarding my comments pertaining to the playground.

And my concerns over professionalism were/are directed to all the lazy improvisors around the world and even on other worlds. That it seems to be a problem in general. That I would prefer to be fixed, but all I can do is voice a concern and hope that I reached just one person. Just like miss america.

And speedy, I think of you as one of the most professional people I know. So I hope you don't think anything I said was directed towards you.

[Chip]

Way to go, DeWalt. Now you've pissed off Speedy. And I have to lose money to her at cards tonight.

GREAT!

Get your story straight, Hendo. You're losing money to me. So unprofessional...

-Chip

Edited to add: You're an APOPHASIS.

[chrismcavoy]

So we all agree that the Playground is probably going to burn down because of neglect, right?

Is it true that at the Playground, they don't have toilets, just buckets with a handle taped on?

Oh hey, I heard iO has direct deposit now for Harold cheques (busch league). So, that's cool, because I was really tired of always getting my check in the mail, and having to deposit it. Now I can just sit back and collect my royalties. Did you know that everytime Todd Schanbacher mentions navajo sand paintings on stage, I get $1?

That's living folks. That. Is. Living.

Fatty

[sammy]

I also agree with Griggs.

I find it hilarious one of the "professionalism!professionalism!professionalism!" posters on this thread who also agrees with Griggs was on an ensemble that showed up 30 minutes late for box office...on the night they had a show I believe. I think they "forgot."

http://www.chrisbuck.com/images/FullSizePhotos/Samberg_b.jpg


Unlike Crago, who is a friend of mine, I spoke to both someone on profcom, as well as the PG scheduler, in person. If I couldn't have done that, I would have e-mailed them.

You see, if you're a member of the PG, you have access to a directory of the folks who are members there. Even if you're not a member, there's this contact page (http://www.the-playground.com/?page=contact) on the site. So, I chide Crago because #1--he didn't have post publicly and #2 he's a smart fella, so I'm calling bullshit on him playing innocent in all of this. He knew what would happen. So that's why some folks are jumping on him.

Regardless, ask any group I direct, I'm about fun--but I'm also about being professional. There's room for both...and sometimes there's room for leeway when things are a bit disorganized, because shit happens. You deal with it and try to keep it from happening again in the future.

If you can't abide a little chaos and things not going as planned, why the fuck are you doing improv, which by dint of its nature is chaotic?

And, on the flipside, if you can't take responsibility for your actions then don't be surprised if you find yourself both troupe-less and theater-less.

[Biddle]

Why are you all posting pictures of that horribly ugly woman "High-fiving" a jaguar?

Goddamn kids. I don't understand a damned thing that you all are doing or saying, these days.

Unprofessionally Yours!
COB