It has come to my attention that there are probably more divas in community theater than on Broadway. The reason I think this happens is because community theater consists of many, very VERY small ponds. So when people get leads (and especially repetitive leads) they tend to think they have become a bigger fish than others. Because of the small nature of this hobby, any elevation is taken to the extreme. It's sickening.
When it comes right down to brass tacks, there is a hierarchy in theater: and actors aren't at the top. Sure, they get the most recognition. Sure, they put in a lot of work. But very few people in this hobby actually get paid. So maybe actors should be grateful someone spent his whole weekend, and most of his weekdays building them a set and not complain that it doesn't look or isn't set up the way they thought it would be. Maybe they should say "Thank you" to the costumer who puts in six to eight hours a night buying, altering and making their costumes from scratch. I had an actress say to me, "Well the costumer hasn't done anything for me. I had to get all my costumes myself." I'm sorry....who are you? One actor out of a cast of twenty? This isn't a one-man show, sweetie, and may I reiterate that the costumer isn't getting paid for making twenty costumes...so maybe you should offer to get your own costumes and take the burden off of someone, instead of being a diva and stamping your foot. I heard another actor say, "I don't like X's costume, and I have to look at it." EXCUSE ME?! You don't like what you have to look at? That same actor then told me "I am trying to stay away from the drama of egos." Yeeeah.....by being right in the middle of it. Another actor cried because she didn't like the set. My suggestion would be that she take her weekends and build it herself next time.
Yes, gentle readers, I'm bitching. But a few bad apples can make the entire barrel a lot less fun. Have I had my diva moments? Probably.
But when all is said and done, actors need to do as their told. I LOVE collaborative theater. Where an actor says, "Can we try it this way?" or "I have a dress I think will work." or "What if the door opened the other way, then such and such might be easier". Many heads come up with solutions that one head might not have thought up. And it's great when the director/costumer/set designer says "Sure, try it." BUT
BUT
if the director/costumer/set designer says "no"....actors need to get over their egos, and realize their place in the grand picture. They are a cog in the wheel that makes the whole machine run. And that machine runs smoother and we all have more fun when we are helping each other. Not throwing fits to get our own way.
If you want to wear what you want, go where you want, and be on furniture you want.....go home. Go shopping for your personal clothes and home decor. This is theater. And you aren't in charge. Your job is to stand where the director tells you to, wear what the costumer gives you, and stand on the set the designer builds. This is not real life, and I'm sorry if it doesn't look the way you want it to. This is fantasy. And everyone's fantasies are happier without complaints.
