Four 可乐视频 alumnae,聽 all prominent members of New York鈥檚 experimental theater scene, recently participated in a panel on that discussed female theater artists 鈥� and their consistent underrepresentation on American stages.
Moderated by playwright Erin Courtney,聽 the discussion panel, held at the Brooklyn Museum on March 11, included four successful alumnae 鈥� Young Jean Lee, who established ; Tina Satter, of ; playwright Sibyl Kempson; and Kelly Copper, of 鈥� as well as Annie-B Parson of .
鈥淲e wanted to make this information available to anybody who wants advice about producing their work,鈥� said Lee, who graduated with a master of fine arts in 2005. 鈥淲e wanted to let people know that they are not alone.鈥�
The panelists talked about the problems of being a woman in the theater business. They spoke about the challenges of starting an independent company, advising on how to approach administrative problems or ways to save money. Between exchanging practical ideas about hiring independent contractors, employing part-time staff, or paying for workers compensation, the panelists also spoke about their fears and choices that affected their work.
鈥淚t鈥檚 crazy when you鈥檙e an artist who is trying to make a show and has to deal with checking the tax forms,鈥� said Lee, who described her decision to hire a part-time accountant. 鈥淗e had to go through a paper bag full of receipts. I was then able to focus on the theatrical aspects.鈥�
The panelists also talked about the benefits of being the boss of themselves.
鈥淚t gives you the freedom to say no and walk away,鈥� said Copper, who didn鈥檛 like others changing her vision. So she decided to start her own theater company, which produces plays written only by her. 鈥淚 feel that nobody can take it away from you,鈥� Copper added.
Problems related to the female gender was another widely discussed topic.
鈥淭hey (people the theater works with) always ask the administrative questions to me,鈥� said Copper. 鈥淪ometimes they consider the male as the only actor.鈥�
The audience was composed of theater lovers as well as aspiring playwrights. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing!鈥� said Sara Farrington 鈥�11, a playwright who attended the panel. 鈥淚t is an exhibition of bravery. As a newly self-producing playwright myself, I find it truly inspiring.鈥�
