As the Hamilton Fringe is about to descend on us, it's time to figure out what shows to see.
Some I want to see.
Some I feel obliged to see.
And some are "thanks, but no thanks." Those shows are easy to mark off the list. They don't sound interesting to me, and I don't know anyone in them.
For the shows in the "I want to see" category, they include shows that friends are in OR shows that sound interesting.
For the shows in the "I feel obliged to see" category, they are shows that friends are in BUT don't sound interesting. To me, anyway.
Also, I must weigh where these folks lie on the Theatre Reciprocity spectrum: Have they seen any of my shows?
It's easy to go see the shows of good friends. Because they come to see most of your shows, too. That's what good friends do.
But there are some people who are always asking everyone to come out to see their shows and never come to see yours.
Quite a few people.
And I get it, you can't see everything. Often some shows run at the same time and there are conflicts. Or you're busy with other things.
I don't track who goes to see my shows and who doesn't.
But sometimes you notice it. Or realize it. After you get yet another plea to come see their show. "Wait a sec? Have they EVER seen one of my shows?"
Reciprocity doesn't have to be a one-to-one ratio even. Or two to one. Or four to one.
But if you've NEVER been to any of my shows and you ask me to go to ALL your shows… that's asking a lot.
You're going onto my "low Theatre Reciprocity" list! And I won't go see your shows anymore.
Sometimes there's a show where a friend is in it and so is someone on the low Theatre Reciprocity list. Ugh. In those cases, I'll usually go see the show. If I can.
It will make me grumpy, though.
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