Article written by Breanna Smith.
There are many types of theatre shows, not just in genre and styles but those people performing. From those who perform for the passion and love of theatre to those performing, yes with a love, but also for a pay-cheque. The wonder of theatre is we are able to see people perform at every stage. So why not see the best of the best here in Queensland? Like those who perform at QPAC. Well, there are many reasons. And not just because your friend has asked you to see their child’s play.
One of the reasons might be there is more of a connection to the story and the people in it. Smaller venues and performances are able to take more risks as they don't have to look over their shoulders, making sure they are doing what they can in order to gain profits. Yes, they want to make money from the show but this is so they can put on the next show. This means in many ways they are freer; free to try new things, new styles, new stories, new looks. They can test these things and take a risk and do what they want. So, if someone comes in with a story or a script they like they can plan and prepare and go ahead and put on a play. This lets stories be adapted and brought to the stage allowing for stories and ideas to be shared and brought to light. By seeing a show not backed by those who only wish to fill the seats, they are able to bring light to new stories. By going to see these shows you are able to experience a new story and share it with friends that may not have heard of it yet.
You are also able to make a stronger connection with the characters as well. When seeing a big show, often big names can be brought in to add interest and buzz around a show and this is fine. Quite often these people are well known for a reason.
Sometimes it can take away from a show when you are thinking about how good the last episode of your favourite show was. Odds are with a smaller show you won't know who all the people are. So, you don't meet them as Sally, Mary, Sue and Jane you meet them as Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg. It makes the story more truthful even though it is fiction, because it's the first time you are meeting these people and it is in the script of the play telling you their story, it brings you in letting you forget that these are real people with their own lives. It lets them be those who are acting as the character and you are reminded of it any other way.
Another reason to see a smaller show is for some it might be the only way for some people, like people who are ill or have some disabilities. Smaller theatres are in a smaller place. This means for those who are unable to cope with a large crowds it can make it a bit easier for them. The exits are often simple and easy to find so for those who need a quick getaway whether for mental health reasons, to calm a restless child or one having an autistic meltdown, small theatres allow for more options for those who need it. My grandfather couldn’t go to see Mamma Mia with us due to a medical issue but if we had seen it at a smaller show he may have been able to. But the clearest example of this for me was two weeks ago, my local theatre, KSP was putting on a show of the Elf and the Shoemaker. It was a simple pantomime, but I wanted to introduce my boyfriend to my local theatre group, so we went into take our seats. And as we sat in the audience there was a young lady who seemed to be a quadriplegic in front of us ready to see the show. While she seems not able to move at all she seemed to enjoy the show and those with her seemed very happy to be able to share the show with her. While I believe those with her would have spoken to KSP before the show because it was a small show they were able to accommodate her needs to see the show. Seats were able to be moved so she had a good view and work together to make memories. I don’t think bigger theatres would have been able to do this. While QPAC does help those with disabilities with fantastic Auslan interpreters alongside performances for select shows, I don’t believe QPAC could have done what KSP did. The seats are fixed, and the only space would in the aisles along the side and it would have been tricky. KSP, because it was small, was able to work with its guest allowing a great family memory for all.
A different benefit of smaller local theatre groups is for those performing in them. As stated before smaller theatres are able to take “risks”. They don’t need people who have formal education in the skill to take part in the show. Small theatres allow everyday people to explore their interest and learn new skills in for the production, allowing them to welcome in new people to join the team and try a new activity. After a performance in one play, if they enjoy it they are able to practice and work their way up from beginner to more experienced roles in the group, gaining skills in a new role or teaching others what they know. After if they wish to do what they learnt and love as a full time job they can train formally or work their way up from group to group until they reach their goals, along the way learning and putting on a show for us to see and enjoy.
While comparing the differences and why you should see a show besides a big production at QPAC it is important to remember there are different levels within a performance house. QPAC does host smaller productions as they have four different performance places of different sizes. But there is more than one place to see a show in Brisbane. You can see a new story in a place you have not been before making more than one memorable. You can see where talent starts before it rises or a new idea not ready for the big stage yet. Theatre productions can be a mixed bag. Much like those plays we see on stage. But don't take this to be a bad thing. Each show has a purpose for those in it but more importantly for those watching it as well. Whether it’s a night on the town with the girls or with family having a special night out without having to break the bank, maybe it’s time to see a different type of show.
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