FINALLY!! Someone is speaking up about this! The judging of the ATAC Awards is so blatantly biased. Nearly ALL the judges are involved in the theatre community and have major conflicts of interests. This has been seen every year. The same actors win for the same types of productions at the same theaters EVERY YEAR! Good shows get overlooked. The best excuse ATAC members/judges can come up with for this is that there are too many shows for every judge to see every year, complete BS and everyone knows it.

The other fact is that if you don't subscribe to their way of thinking, the ATAC people completely snub you or refuse to recognize you in any way. This is theatrical fascism. Elitist politics.

I totally agree with you on not allowing Colleges to be judges along side regular local theatres. Purely because most of these colleges have funding and facilities beyond those of most local theatres.

Thanks for the article and bringing to light this unfortunate scheme these people have been running. Lets get some real objective judges in the ATACs.

When are the Dodecahedrons going to happen? They should!

YES, finally someone that expresses openly what everyone is thinking and talking about behind the curtains. The conflict of interest and the arrogance of some individuals is shameful. We all know who these individuals are, yes, they run the ATAC awards, SATCO, and theatre companies, the same ones that keep rewarding themselves and their friends.

It is time to clean house and make changes for the betterment of our city. For the rest of us, and there is many of us out there that care deeply about our theatrical community, I suggest to embrace a new era where excellence is an objective to work toward rather then a empty word.

Maybe the Current’s Dodecahedron Awards can show us the way. Thank you for the article.

It is easy it seems to me to sit back and through stones at others who are merely trying to celebrate the art we all, even the complainers, love. Is the process fair and objective? Perhaps not. Like the health care debate you must enjoin in the process to fis the problem. How many of you sitting on the sidelines in high dudgeon are willing to go out and see 25 pieces of theatre each year? Making the globes more relevant is a work in progress. Sittin on the sidelines and whining about it accomplishes nothing.

Anonymous 10.14 9:52:58. ATAC had a chance to correct its stupidity last year after it was brought to their attention. They did nothing. No one is "sitting on the sidelines whining." It's just that the Bernie Madoff scheme of local theater excellence has been exposed. I assume you are one of the problems.

And don't give us that crap about judges going out to see "25 pieces of theater each year." If they can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen. And get the Board of Directors to site conflict of interest when their productions are nominated. What a bunch of self-serving phonies.

RIck Sanchez wins an award for something every year...Rick is from SPP and sits on the ATAC board with other SPP people and no one things there's a bias there? hmmm....oh well it's not like these people could ever do anything worthwhile in another city and win anything. unless of course they have friends on their boards too.

I couldn't agree more! As the Director of El Grande de Coca-Cola,I was dumbfounded when I read that the production was among the honorees this year. It is time for a change. The ATAC awards divide out theatre community. All the points in your article are correct and it's time we make a change and BOW out!

I read with interest the article of Mr. Jenkins and agree with his criticism of the ATAC AWARDS and his call to action. Making theater is a thankless job; it takes hours of work, and a strong commitment that should be celebrated. Maybe the ATAC AWARDS can just be that, a celebration of the theater community, a day where everyone comes together sharing a love for theater, in the spirit of this celebration every effort is excellent! But at the same time, we will benefit from an objective critique of the work that we present to our audiences and share with our fellow theater artists. It could help us grow and strive for a better theater, and isn’t what we all really want?

Roberto Prestigiacomo

Producing Artistic Director

AtticRep

Jenkins: don't fall into the same trap that the ATAC awards does. You didn't see all the productions last year that were award-worthy. The Current has other theater critics and they should announce their own picks for the best overlooked plays and performance from last and this year that the ATAC ignored.

C'mon, we all agree El Grande de Coca Cola is not deserving of an award especially over Altar Boyz and other excellent polished productions. Being involved in both Altar Boyz and El Grande, I know that Altar Boyz started rehearsals in November (Opening Night in January) and El Grande had trouble finding a cast and threw it together at the last minute due the forced hand of the playhouse creative minds.

Greg Hinojosa here. We did throw that show together and yes mostly because the San Pedro Playhouse couldn't find a show to do in that slot. I agree that "Grande" shouldn't be included in the Honorees list this year. It is a direct slap in the face to all those wonderful performances given this past year that are going unrecognized.I WILL NOT ATTEND THE GLOBES this year, even though I was asked several times to be a PRESENTER.(By the way, if you present an award you still have to buy a ticket!!!!)UGH! CHANGE THE SYSTEM PEOPLE!!

I completely agree with Roberto from AtticRep (see above). The local theater community should celebrate the effort of putting forth a production, whether it's a success or failure. Support the work not the recognition.

My favorite awards given a couple years ago to "FOREVER PLAID", OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN and SOUND DESIGN....really??

I am in agreement that the Globes are in need of a re-envisioning intervention. Since moving to SA in '02 to produce/direct theater, I have attended only one ceremony ('06 I think). In full disclosure: I had great fun with the cast of Anna in the Tropics, maybe too much fun, because I haven't been invited back. Let us move the process forward, gente, and openly address these divides. Now: when's the meeting? Marisela Barrera

OK, it seems that everyone is in agreement that the ATAC Organization, as currently set up, is a joke and should be totally overhauled so the inbred nepotism stops! The controversy this organization and it's ceremony cause every year is insane. It’s like a riot in your brain. I too agree that the College productions, and now as suggested by someone, the Children’s productions should be recognized, but in a totally different category from the Community Theatres. I have said that from day one! There is no comparing these productions on oh so many different levels. I am also in total agreement that shows such as Alter Boys, Children of a Lesser God, Goat, etc. were overlooked, but there were other EXCELLENT productions too. How about No5, Third, etc. that everyone seems to have forgotten took place last season. If you start your Dodecahedron Awards, you have to be fair and include ALL excellent productions that ATAC refuses to acknowledge! Not just the ones that you liked, you know someone in, etc. or your recognition will be no better than the ATAC organization's. I too have decided to never attend another ATAC Award Ceremony, even thought I love the camaraderie, because it is such a joke and a waste of my time. I will rethink attending the next ceremony, if these much needed articles DEMANDING CHANGE, truly bring about a NEW, IMPORVED, and FAIR Award Ceremony! Please let us all know when the Dodecahedron Awards are scheduled. This event I would attend.

I would like to thank the writer for mentioning Johanna Valenta. Children of a Lesser God is a cultural piece as well, celebrating the beautiful language and culture of the Deaf. As a cast member and Johanna's assistant through the rehearsal process, I know the cast and crew worked hard to portray this very real and often-overlooked cutural minority. Johanna had the doubly-hard job of learning not only her own lines, but everyone else's, and navigating such simple mechanics as getting on and offstage in the dark without the benefit of hearing, or working with all-hearing actors. Johanna deserves this recognition and I second her nomination!

Aly M

Greetings ANONYMOUS "On 10/14/2009 11:54:25 AM",

I must comment back about your denigratory comment about ME.

First correction about one of your statements in your comment, I am not "FROM" one theatre in San Antonio. You said, "Rick is from SPP (San Pedro Playhouse)?" That statement is false. In fact, I have performed at many different venues in the San Antonio theatre community. I do not belong to one theatre nor do I have an allegiance to one theatre. I thought I should correct you on that false statement you made about ME.

Second, the awards I have received from ATAC were received PRIOR to my acceptance of becoming an ATAC Board Member. You said, "Rick is from SPP and sits on the ATAC board with other SPP people", again, I must correct you. In fact, the ATAC Board is a mix of individuals that are NOT "SPP people" as you so claimed. However, the ATAC Board does have a diverse group of representatives from Trinity University, UTSA, St. Philip's College, The Renaissance Guild, The Classic Theatre and The Allegro Stage Co. These representatives are people who hold actual titles from these organizations. I do not have a title nor do I hold a position at San Pedro Playhouse or any theatre for that matter. I am not bias to one theatre. In all actuality, it behooves ATAC to have me as a board member, a member not associated with one particular theatre. Again, it is only fair that I defend a false statement you made about ME.

And, it should be known, that I DO NOT "win an award for something every year". This year, as a matter of fact, now that I JUST BECAME a board member, NONE of the productions I was involved in performance-wise are receiving recognition at this year's gala. IF I was a corrupted person, as a board member I would be awarding myself an award for every production I did this past year. But, that is not the case; I am not corrupted. Again, I must correct you on one of your false statements you made about ME. CHECK the list. The shows I performed in this past year are "A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum", "Altar Boyz", "Twelfth Night" and "The Sound of Music." AGAIN, NONE of these productions are receiving recognition this year.

ANONYMOUS "On 10/14/2009 11:54:25 AM", I hope you now see the obvious fallacies in your comment. I am always one to encourage freedom of speech; EVERYONE and ANYONE should be allowed to practice that freedom on any subject. HOWEVER, I will not (I repeat) I WILL NOT allow someone, EVEN "anonymously" or cowardly to make an attack about ME, to abuse MY name falsely and to speak poorly about MY character.

Thank you,

Rick Sanchez

"ME"...your charecters are poorly acted. Everyone says its just the same character you play musical after musical, play after play.

After reading your article, AND all the intense, emotional, & valid comments (yelling out "YES !", "FINALLY !", & "DAMN TRUE!" numerous times), I'm elated that so many people are finally PUBLICLY talking about that "elephant in the room".... ie: the GLOBE Awards. I, too, for years have realized that the "Globs" lack merit, & shouldn't be regarded as the definition of San Antonio Theatre. From it's inception (I think it was in 1994 ?), ATAC has created an inherently flawed system of rewarding / acknowledging San Antonio theatrical productions. And yes, especially in the first years, it was so obvious that it was totally a "political system".

BUT, I sincerely want to thank all those people who have tried to make changes in the system. We all are aware that there are many wonderful people in ATAC, & I don't want to denigrate their efforts. They've donated a great deal of their time in an effort to applaud the work that is done throughout San Antonio. But, the Globs are not the way to do this. Never have been; never should be.

Even as "we speak", individuals have plans underway to create an "END OF THE YEAR CAST PARTY", for want of a better title ! I can't stress enough that this gathering IS NOT MEANT, IN ANY WAY, TO "REPLACE" THE GLOBES. IT WILL HAVE NO RELATION TO, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSIDERED IN ANY WAY, A REACTION NOR REFLECTION OF TO ATAC.

In short, it will just be a much needed CELEBRATION of every theatre's productions for the year, each play's entire cast, crew, techies, volunteers, & one of my favorite, oft overlooked recipients of any award show... the STAGE MANAGERS!...in effect: everyone who had anything to do with a production. How can that be done? Stay tuned for further information, but know this: It's going to be one hell of a huge, awesome, enjoyable, let-your-hair-down "CAST PARTY" ... a "LOVE FEST", if you will. No awards, no speeches, but a time to all be together & celebrate the San Antonio Theatre Family & all that we've accomplished in a year.

Please stop attacking Rick Sanchez.

G. Sanchez (no relation)

I haven't attended an ATAC ceremony since 1992 or so for the same reasons the author stated. Ironically I'm performing this year so I'll be there, cringing in my seat as The Odd Couple is recognized and shows like The Goat and Children of a Lesser God are passed over. Not that think The Odd Couple was a dud but it has been done -over and over again.

Christy Huffman

Ayn Phillips here,

Those of you who are using this forum to make personal attacks on certain actors are pathetic, hide-behind anonymous, scum of the earth. Oh my, did I just say that? Damn right I did! It's actions like yours that destroy our theatre community. Get your kicks some place else, pah-leeze!!

I'm just saying what everyone already knows but doesn't have the balls to say. This community is a bunch of backstabbing double-talkers. You should all be ashamed of yourselves!

*Raises their Hands* DONE!!! *walks away*

If you REALLY had the balls to say anything, you wouldn't hide behind anonymity.

Amy D.

The Globe award is kind of like a one-night stand. It's never as desired or interesting the morning after.

Lawrence Coop

I think we can all see the problem lies with the ATAC judging system.It is unfair to sigle out one individual.I, too have the privledge of working at many theatres in San Antonio,many of whom afforded me a great opportunity to grow as an actor and director.The issue being raised in this article has alot of validity.However, it does not lie in the laps of the artists being honored. They did not choose to be honored. The judges selection committe did. If this disruption doesn't open the eyes of those individuals who head up the ATAC judging committe, I am very saddened.Our theatre community is very small and somehow this very divisive organization has stirred up quite a controversy. I aggree, leave Rick ALONE!I would love to see the ATAC committe stand up and acknowledge that a change is inevitable. Greg Hinojosa

I'm glad that the forum has been opened to discuss what needs to be improved with the ATAC Globe Awards. It's about time. For that, THANK YOU, Mr. Jenkins! It is very unfortunate that so many shows are not being recognized...the list is long so I won't mention specifics.

However, one thing I will say is that I think it is horrible to publicly (yet anonymously) berate anyone! Grow up! If you can't name yourself, then why cast stones?

Also - the unfortunate thing with any type of award system is that you are never going to please everyone. There are quite a few wonderful shows being recognized. There are quite a few questionable shows being recognized. And there are quite a few superb shows that are receiving nothing. It's either too many or not enough.

That's all.

Allison Newsom

I'm so glad that other people feel that this system is "whack" (for lack of a better term). I know we're all in it "for the love of the art", but let's get real...if there's going to be awards, then make them legitimate and FAIR. For starters, award the MUSICIANS, not the CANNED MUSIC!!! and award ONE actor in a category, not 34. I've been acting here for the last 10 years and I've been in some amazing productions. If a sold-out run doesn't show the ATAC people that the show is worth their judges' time, then i don't know what will. Here's hoping that things will improve.

Rick, I want you to know I was not referring to you as a "one night stand" in my previous comment. I still find you both desirable and interesting.

Coop

Speaking as someone that has been around San Antonio theatre for many years

I find all the emotion behind the subject of the globes interesting, it is very clear that a large group feels passionately that the globes are managed poorly, I have felt that way for many years, but I rarely comment. The reason being, the way I was raised. If you are not willing to make changes, don’t complain. There will always be hurt feelings any time awards of any kind are handed out, it’s human nature. But to be so upset over what has become a “gold star” for attendance system amasses me.

Just take all that energy and put it in to your craft, you would be surprised at what you will get.

This town has some of the most talented people I have ever seen, let’s stop worrying about gold stars and give audiences a great show, award or not.

Jason A. Smiley

P.S. Please don’t call people out without checking facts, and if you still need to call them out, sign your name

First of all, I would like to say that it's awesome to see people recognizing the tons of shows and performers that have been left out this year and in years past. I attended the Globes when I first moved into town in 2006. I've never really been one into awards for the arts, just because I feel it's too hard to judge performance ability or the like because it's all subject to opinion and we all have different ones. However, being a member of the cast of "Chicago" at the Vex (WOOT!)we were performing and I wanted to see what it was all about. Mostly, though, I was excited about reuniting with the cast that so lovingly welcomed me to the theatre community here in SA. Well, my decision about the ATAC Globes was made that night, when Ken Frazier was snubbed for the director category, and Forever Plaid was awarded for best costumes (Purchased Jackets? Really?) I never went back. Nor will I in the future. The system is terribly flawed and unfair. People have been crying out about this since nominations were announced. However, will there ever be a system that pleases everyone, if not, even most? Probably not. While I do agree that everyone DESERVES recognition for their work, time, and effort, I don't think that any single one of us does what we do for the recognition. I've never thought,"Oh Joy! *Theatre* is doing *Show Name*. I could totally win a Globe for that!" Folks, we all love what we do, otherwise we wouldn't do it. I guess what I'm getting at is, if you don't agree with the way the Globes work, put simply, don't go. Don't support them. It's not going to change the way you feel about doing theatre, nor is it going to change the way you feel the instant you step on stage. If you love what you do, nothing will change that.

Danny Romo

PS I think it's sad that there are people out there who can take what could be a very healthy discussion about this flawed system, which could possibly cause some change, and try to turn it into a personal attack. Not that Rick needs me or anyone else to defend him, but I will say that whether or not you like what he does on stage, he doesn't deserve to be singled out like that. While we've never been particularly close, I have worked with him on a few occasions, and he has always worked very hard and put his all into whatever show he was working on. I don't care who these anonymous people are, I'm not gonna call you to declare your name and stand by your comments, but unless you have something constructive to add to this discussion, I ask that you keep your personal attacks out of this forum that could possibly create positive changes within this community. Thank you.

If you don't like the system than do something other than complain about it to change it. Ask about becoming a judge, ask about being on the board and then do something to change it! BD

I love the bitter tears on both sides! It's beautiful! This drama in the theatre community is highly entertaining. The Globes should stay the way they are just to create this type of polarization. It makes for great entertainment. In fact, there should be a reality TV show called, "Real Theatre Divas of San Antonio." One of you should pitch it to Bravo. Imagine how awesome it would be! "On this episode, Diane Malone slaps Rick Sanchez right in the face! In response, Rick calls upon his Batboy powers to create an epic vortex in the space-time continuum, forcing Diane into a bizarre reality where she must fight zombies in gladiatorial battles to win her freedom!" Man, that would be sweet. The moral of the story here is that everyone fighting really just makes the theatre scene more interesting in San Antonio. Keep the conflict going. There's no such thing as bad publicity.

Well...I may be asking for trouble here but I thought The Odd Couple, Female version was a fantastic show. (the male version was just as good) Judging from the sold out performances and the happy, smiling faces as they left the theater...the audiences loved it. Was it excellent? I don't know. Was I proud to see it on the list of honorees? Hell yes. Do the ATAC awards matter in the grand scheme of things? Not really. I wish the system were perfect. I really do. I believe the problem really comes from the fact that the people who are willing to devote the HUGE amount of

time, energy and money (ATAC judges pay for their own tickets) it takes to be a judge tend to be people who enjoy certain types of productions. This is why we see these same productions over and over again, because it fills the seats. I would ask each of you who are frustrated to begin looking around and encouraging people who enjoy all different types of shows to become ATAC judges. Those of us who are actively involved in the theatre community in San Antonio can't be judges. We are all in shows so we can't always see the shows that are being done around town. I did see The Goat and Blackbird and I was shocked when I didn't see them on the list of honorees. So be the change you want to see in the world. And please, please be sweet to us Sunday night. Florence Unger is a very fragile and unstable woman...the pressure might just send her over the edge. Olive...Olive...I need you, honey.

And beating up Rick Sanchez? What is that? The negative karma being thrown his way over this forum WILL come back and bite you on the ass. I cannot imagine anyone being willing to volunteer their time in an attempt to create something wonderful for the San Antonio Theatre Community after seeing the roasting he has received over this issue. I believe the ATAC board is attempting to do just that. I always have a wonderful time at the awards. I love seeing the various pieces of productions I wasn't able to see, the food is great, I drink six glasses of wine too much, laugh at all the goofy jokes, have a rotten headache the next day. But the voting system, the judging system needs to change. I think we all agree. Let's call a meeting and try to find a way to change it. Unfortunately, I suspect the attendance would be pretty low. "Sorry...I couldn't make it, I am rehearsing a show that night."

And Thomas Jenkins, you continue to amaze me with your willingness to say what needs to be said. If you had seen the female version of The Odd Couple I would have kissed you on the forehead afterwards and thanked you for your amazingly intelligent and well thought out reviews.

Renee Garvens

It is sad to see our love and passion for our art trun into competative greif when it comes to these awards. How quickly we forget that the LOVE for the art is what made us do it to begin with. I totally agree that a change needs to be done. If there is going to be awards for the BEST in SA then only the BEST should win. These awards should inspire artist to become the best in their craft and reward them for the stupendous work. If shows are going to be judged then ALL shows should be judged. Collegiate performances should have their own category. They too are artist in need of growth.

As for Rick Sanchez, I have never met a more dedicated actor to his craft. If you really new him, you'd know how much he works. I love Rick as a brother and I too am a performing actor in the community just like him. He deserves every GLOBE he's obtained! Grow up, stop hating, and work on your craft!

Yes there is many a bitter queens out there but there are also artist who have totally been overseen. For those who are bitter.....GET OVER IT! Clearly you must have a life oustide the hobby we love and call THEATRE. For those who have been overseen and you know who you are, soon you too will have your spotlight. If SATCO does not see this as a big red flag or a rude awakening then they have NO business judging theatre. Is is time that the bar gets raised and that the expectaition for our local theatre increases. Thus remembering that only through art is a person's soul alive and exposed.

- Josue G.

Most theatres actually do comp ATAC judge tickets, and those that don't tend to offer discounted tickets.

To Anonymous (not you, the other one!) I personally enjoy watching Rick Sanchez perform. I'm sorry he beat you out for a role you must have really wanted. Even if you don't appreciate his work, it's bad form to say so in such a manner so openly in a forum such as this. Whatever issues you may have with an actor, (or any artist for that matter) to throw down such a blanket statement is childish and in this particular case, cowardly. We all have the right to critique art, but I believe your comments came from a place of spite and jealousy.

Edward Wise

Also,

Never been to the Globes.

Never plan to.

Is it Fun? Am I missing out?

My next comment will include a list of all actors, directors, writers, choreographers, producers and theatre moms in this town that I hate... Stay Tuned!

Edward Wise

Actually VERY few theaters comp ATAC judges. Most give a small discount.

Ok...just read the blog article that Elaine posted and I was surprised to see last years list of judges. I know that at least two of these people joined as judges late in the season. So, who knows why some shows don't get noticed and others do.

BD.....we know who you are.......Tom's shameful excuse listed all your names at the end of his article. The Globes need to go away and a new reformed awards system should replace it....GET IT??????

RANDOM THOUGHTS: On the ATAC FaceBook page, it shows a list of the 84 people who have confirmed reservations as well as the list of 76 people who have declined. I wonder how many of these people participated in the 21 productions chosen to be recognized for excellance.

Here's a question for all of you truly interested in all this latest ATAC / GLOBES uproar !! Please enter your answer & post it (it's OK to use Anonymous):

Are you attending the Globes ? Yes or No .... AND then tell us WHY or WHY NOT you're attending. No jabs / no under handed comments / just the plain truth!! The results should make for great reading. And maybe ATAC will take these comments into consideration for once.

And the drama continues! It really just gets better and better. I particularly like, "BD...we know who you are..." It just sounds so threatening and ominous. "Real Divas of San Antonio Theatre" is becoming more and more likely. I'm with Roberto, you guys should all be proud that you do excellent work despite the limited resources and long hours. Even when faced with sudden crises, all of you put on great shows again and again. Also, the personal attacks on Rick Sanchez are hilarious. Of all the people to single out, you chose Rick? Rick is freaking awesome. If you're going to tear apart an actor in a public forum, at least go after somebody who sucks or at least more controversial. Here's a hint, if you want to stir up trouble and get attention, personally attack an actor that half the community hates and the other half loves. That will get people worked up. Rick was a poor choice to attack because he's too good of an actor and too well-loved.

Wow! I've just come up with a new format for the globes. How about ATAC ranks each actor with a class ranking type system. Then, EVERYONE will feel like they've been attacked and it will create all kinds of drama. People will be like, "What? Stephanie Elbel (or Anna Gangai, or Tom Cruise, whomever. I just chose some names there guys, don't read too much into it. I like all those people. Well, maybe not Tom Cruise) is ranked higher than me?" or "I beat Emily Spicer? Sweet!" If ATAC plays its cards right, we could have an all-out brawl at the Globe Awards. Imagine how much more appeal that would bring to Bravo's producers. If you all keep fighting like this, I'm sure the TV show will be within our grasp.

In all seriousness though, relax about the globe awards. Everyone pretty much knows they're effectively meaningless. There's no reason to get worked up over something so pointless and worthless. After all, I'm pretty sure that Ken Frazier could probably build a new house out of globe awards at this point. In fact, Ken SHOULD build at least one set out of globe awards (You totally rock, BTW, Mr. Frazier). That would be awesome.

First, I will qualify my statments... I'm an actor here in San Antonio who has receieved an award every year for the past few years. I'll be honest, when I'm not recognized, I get pissed! I perform in 3-4 shows a year on average, so I liken it to horse-manure... (You throw enough of it against a barn door, and some of it will stick.) I feel I have been lucky enough to A: Have enough judges come to see the shows I've performed in, and B: been recognized by the viewers of said shows.

Alas, for all the awards I have received, I have felt heart-broken or shunned that some of my efforts, or at the very least, any efforts from a show I've been involved with haven't been recognized. (The only thing worse is being in a show where everyone else gets an award and I don't... bastards! :-)! ) AND I will admit that the years I bitch the most about the awards are the years where I feel dissed. (I mean if we're being honest, then let's be honest!)

To many of my peers in the community, the Globes have lost their value based on shows getting over-looked... yet, I cannot help but fault this way of thinking. What the article fails to point out is there are a great many of us here in San Antonio who participate in theatre in addition to our "real" lives. Many of us juggle the responsibilities of jobs and families in addition to the 2-3 month commitment every show carries with it... Yet, we show up and we give it our all... and if anyone of our peers get recognized for giving their "all", then why fault that? The fact remains that the judges who viewed those shows appreciated their performances. You don't see Hollywood or Broadway making decisions on which shows to do based on awards, do you? I surely don't think less of a show I did because it didn't receive a reward... Stop making the correlation that a "well-acted" or "well-performed" show needs to be recognized. A show is an experience from front to back. If any part of that experience is found lacking from a judge, that obviously taints the rest of it for them... eh, so be it folks! And there system of measurement is unbiased. The scores are calculated and the awards are handed down. If this means 34 people get awards, so be it!

One last note... A few years back I stopped going to the Globes expectanting an award, and started going for the comraderie of theatre. I tell my wife every year that it's like a Family Reunion to me. I get to see members of past casts, talk with peers whom I have seen perform, get to see what's been happening elsewhere in San Antonio, and get tipsy, (okay.. maybe a little drunk) on real expensive beer! To me, it's a party. A very fun theatre party where you get to see new faces get awards along with the old ones. Do I think the Globes could use and overhaul, yes? (I am a fan of the single-award method... but I also remember the incessant bitching from the losers -- myself included.) But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater folks... Many people who've received awards in this town were deserving of them... even you Rick Sanchez!

Sincerely,

Roy Bumgarner

Ga!... the typos... ignore my typos in my comment!!! -Roy

I’ve been following all of this with great amusement, but I’m not sure I understand all the emotional investment people seem to have. I don’t believe that the Globes ever pretended to be anything more than they are. As I understand the charter of ATAC (admittedly, I’ve never read it) they set out to do no more than have this party once a year to honor San Antonio theatre. I don’t believe that the ATAC judges are bad people – certainly not all of them. I don’t agree with their tastes, but I don’t agree with the winners of a lot of awards shows. I think there are a lot of ways that the Globes could be improved and become more relevant, but I don’t want to take the time to go to a board meeting and help make changes so I suppose I shouldn’t whine too much about it. I always felt that there had to be a way to make them timely – real awards tend to be a financial boon to the theatres that receive them and the fact that the Globes celebrate nothing but plays which have finished their runs months ago seems like a waste of an opportunity. Want to be relevant? Make it public knowledge that a play is going to receive a Globe for….something…while it’s still running and help local theatre put butts in the seats and then you’re relevant.

I think if you’re not fond of the idea of awards shows in general then skipping this one is a no brainer (hell, the tickets are 28 bucks – 38 if you buy them on the day – and it’s got a cash bar. Sigh.) but when you do a lot of plays there are a lot of people you get to hang out with and be very close to for a very short period of time and it’s really nice to get to see those people and see how they’re doing once a year. And the food’s pretty good. Frankly, the awards part of the evening kind of gets in the way of the fun parts.

I’ll go this year even though there are a lot of people I truly respect who choose not to go because they consider the awards overly biased – and no matter what anybody says there are too many instances that people can point to of these awards being presented for substandard work for there not to be at least a little bias there. People tend to vote for their tastes, that’s human nature. I don’t know if you could ever really remove all of the conflicts of interest but maybe rotating judges more often would help. But you’d still have to find people to volunteer to fill out forms. And there are still 23 theatres in San Antonio. And every one of them is doing at least 4 plays a season. It’s asking a lot for any group to review all those plays.

Of course, if you’re going to stand up and call yourself an awards show that honors excellence in San Antonio theatre you should probably be willing to try to see as much of it as possible.

All that being said, I thought the Vex’s ‘Children of a Lesser God’ was so good that I figure some of the judges must be brain dead. And the Overtime Theatre is located at 1216 West Ave, San Antonio, TX, 78201. I could get you maps. And Rick Sanchez was so good in the Classic Theatre’s “12th Night” that he deserves his own awards category. Anybody who doesn’t like Rick Sanchez can kiss my ass. I’m just saying.

-Rob Barron

I think the globes need to decide if they are the Oscars or the MTV Movie awards. For example: "The Reader" will never win an Oscar unless it was for "best boobs" or something, but it was a beautiful film that won at the Oscars. Likewise, there were seeminglt not enough MTV Movie Awards to fully recognize "Twilight" which somehow was completely dissed by the Academy. Just pick who you are, be that person and don't apologize. But this certainly has been a fun drama for all us theater folks the last few days.

Bravo, Mr. Jenkins! FINALLY we have artists from all around the San Antonio community coming together! Now if only we can find a way to refocus the energy we are expelling on all of these comments and whatnot onto a more worthy cause...say strengthening the arts community in San Antonio as a whole so artists can actually make a living in this city, then I think we'd be on the right track!

There is a difference between a critique and criticism. There will be nothing accomplished in tearing apart fellow artists in this community, and putting emphasis on an awards system when there are far more pressing issues in our community (getting people to actually attend live theatre, making San Antonio an equity theatre community, paying artists who contribute more than a mere stipend, ...take your pick) to consider.

So here's my challenge: Stop talking about the Globes, and start fighting for the collaboration and unity of artists in San Antonio. Lets find a way to strengthen our community and focus our energies in putting San Antonio on the map as a thriving performing arts community! It's long overdue, folks!

Respectfully,

Stephanie Bumgarner

Theatre people are still crazy. If a program relies on people to attend and participate, don't. Then they won't continue. If you like the attention and praise, attend. Problem solved

To paraphrase Shakespeare said, "As flies to wanton boys are we to the ATAC. They kill us for their sport."

Thanks for blogging inspiration San Antonio. Clearly, there is a large portion of the community that is not happy. http://tiny.cc/m9W27

Joseph Gomez (blog author of I Can't, I Have Rehearsal)

At the Overtime Theater, we host the Flat Earth Awards every year. You send in a nomination for yourself (or your theater) and you win! EVERY NOMINATION gets an award! Then we drink a lot of wine and dance and eat cookies. Ya'll should come. This year I am nominating myself as the Last San Antonio Performer to Meet Rick Sanchez. --rebecca coffey

The following is a quote from Elaine Wolff’s recent interview with Tom Masinter.

BEGIN

Masinter says that critics of the awards are few and personally motivated: “You generally only hear from the people who aren’t winning. It’s like being the principal of a high school; you only hear from the sour grapes.”

END

This is incredibly wrong. Substantial segments of the theater community have had serious problems the Globes from the very beginning.( not just me) In fact, the recent award model was forced upon ATAC as so many Theaters had stopped participating. And why? For pretty much the same causes that have sparked recent protests. At one point over half of the Theaters in town were not submitting shows.

And that’s not sour grapes you smell Tom, that’s anger. Anger at a $28 ticket for a Fancy Dress ball in a Gilded Hall ( which no theater in town can afford to use!) while the working theaters in town are having trouble staying open and viable. Anger at a Theater excellence award named after a critic. And anger that ANYBODY in this City is still paying lip service to the Biggest fantasy since Michael Jackson’ wedding: that anyone outside ATAC and it’s Globules give a rat’s fart about the Globes. And frankly, I would be surprised if that number was more than 300 people.

I do believe that Mr. Masinter is a victim of ignorance, and would be delighted to dissuade him of the incorrect notions that plague his existence. I’ll even spring for the beer. Or perhaps a lovely vintage ‘Kissmybutt’ wine will do. A vast improvement over the sour grapes.

WOW. I am not sure how feel about this article-however I can understand it. I really disliked the idea of ATAC going from the best of five to the best of whatever. ATAC has done some wonderful things for theatre in San Antonio and there have been some very faithful, honest judges-and yes I agree there have been those flavored with favoritism. I have always been strong in belief that the judges should be interviewed, have no involvement with any theatre and no husbands, wives, producers etc. San Antonio is blessed to have so many fine actors, directors, producers, technical directors, etc. And I am so happy that I worked with so many them. As some of you may know ATSA has "won" many "trophies" (44) and I am so happy that it was done on a level of excellence in theatre with four other nominees. This is the way it should be-unfortunately those not fortunate to be nominated do not buy tickets to the big event. On a personal note I miss all of you with whom I came in contact (with) on a professional level. You gave me many happy and wonderful moments that will never be forgotten. Best of luck to all of you-you are all the "best"! Jerry Pilato-San Diego, California

I recall being at a party once where there were a group of fellow actors who were seated and talking about "I hope I win a globe this year." And "I wonder what I will win for this year?" This was done in all seriousness. I said to them, "Just because you win an award doesn't necessarily mean you were the best." And then I was called bitter and whatnot. It's kinda funny how some of these same people are reacting to this the same way, as if "It's ALL about the ART and not about the AWARD! [hand to forehead. Exeunt Stage left]." Everybody loves awards, it's nice to awarded. If you have ever put "Globe award winning" or "however many times globe winner" in your bio you can't all of a suddent act as if you didn't care about the awards. That's the only beef I have. I have never been to the globes before... only because I'd rather go the bar and drink to see theatrefolk than pay parking, pay $28, hear everybody's "kiss, kiss, oh you were wonderful" bull crap, when I can get that for free after every show. :) We all love to do the shows, and while it would be nice to win an award. It never motivates me to do what I love. I do what I love because if I didn't I would not be happy in life. I have done it all, and it's all wonderful. Lights, Sound, Backstage, chorus, supporting, lead, and I keep doing it for the experience to grow and learn. But what do I know? I'm a nobody!

- Isidro Medina (Guard)

P.S. I can't actually believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Stephanie Bumgarner about unifying this city. Love you all, and as long as our hearts are in the right place we are fabulous, no matter what Mizz Jenkins says about us!

Since we have averyone's attention, I can't believe I'm the first to do this!!! PLEASE COME SUPPORT LOCAL THEATER AND SEE "ALMOST, MAINE" AT THE SAN PEDRO PLAYHOUSE'S CELLAR THEATER. OPENS NOVEMBER 16TH

Matthew Byron Cassi

Greetings All!

Well- if nothing else- all of this hub-bub has lit a fire under the bottoms of many a theatre lover. I have to say, I think there are many fine points being made on all sides of the issue, but I keep thinking about one thing in particular. I have been doing (and attending) theatre in this community for many years. I personally strive for my own personal "award for excellence" from knowing that I have done theatre that brings me satisfaction. I love the process of theatre- I love to rehearse- to bring out the best in others when directing, to make people laugh or cry when they see something that rings true to them. Hell- I even love tech-week. It is nice to win awards- but I feel that I get awarded every time I attend a show that I have directed that audiences are enjoying-- I feel that I have somehow made a difference. Everyone has opinions about what is good and bad-- but I think more people should remember what it is about theatre that makes us so passionate. It is what we love to do- few other things bring us as much joy.

Also-- it sounds like a personal vendetta against you Rick--sometimes "friends" aren't a friendly as they appear. This kind of bashing should not be a part of this discussion. Shame on you- whoever you are!

P.S. I agree with Roy B.-- I like the atmosphere at the globes- I love to see my many friends in the community- and I hope to continue to attend for many years to come. I'll see you all on Sunday!

Kevin Murray

The Globes spend money. The Globes use up volunteer time. The Globes claim to serve the community, and don't. The Globes have never been proven to increase indivudual Theater revenues or to raise the awareness of Theater in San Antonio. The state of the theater, universally, is in decline, and this downtrend is perfectly symbolized and explained by the Classist attitude of the Globes.

I'm the eighteen years I have been talking about this issue NOT A SINGLE human has been able to refute these facts.

The Globes DO HURT THE GROWTH OF VIABLE THEATER IN SAN ANTONIO

Can someone prove me wrong?

John Poole

Yeah, I said it!

All art is subjective. Period. If it were objective it would be called Math. Stop blaming the powers-that-be for expressing their opinions.

Ayn Phillips here: In my mind, it comes down to this: those people who agree with ATAC & the Globe Awards, that's fine - participate & enjoy it all. Those of us who don't believe in the validity of the Globes will choose not to attend. Simple as that.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, let's NOT spend any more time focusing on the NEGATIVE ! We should use all of this wonderful concern, opinions, & energy to do something POSITIVE: to help build a stronger, more vital theatre community! Stephanie Bumgarner nailed it when she said "So here's my challenge: Stop talking about the Globes, and start fighting for the collaboration and unity of artists in San Antonio. Lets find a way to strengthen our community and focus our energies in putting San Antonio on the map as a thriving performing arts community! It's long overdue, folks!"

It's ironic that THE ANSWER HAS BEEN RIGHT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE'S EYES FOR 15 YEARS!! It's called SATCO - San Antonio Theatre Coalition. Please, go to their website www.satheatre.com & you will see that by joining and working with this organization, we can do such positive things for the SA Theatre community.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the "E-Auditions" &/or "The Playbill" - these were both created by SATCO to help everyone in the theatre community AND to give the public the information they need in order to fill our theatres!! So many people are not aware of this organization that was created for US.

From their web site: "The San Antonio Theatre Coalition (SATCO) is a non-profit service organization founded in 1995 to facilitate communication and cooperation among the many theatre organizations in and around San Antonio, Texas. SATCO's fundamental goals are: To promote the theatre arts in San Antonio. To foster the sharing and distribution of information between members. To improve and expand media coverage of theatre. To explore methods for joint audience development. We welcome any and all theatre-minded individuals and organizations to join. Actors, directors, techies, audience members, community-based, college/university, or professional theatres or any combination of the above. All our members contribute to the vitality of theatre in San Antonio. SATCO exists to provide a unified entity which helps all theatres to meet the challenges of the future as San Antonio and its arts continue to grow. We are a group of volunteers dedicated to informing the public of Live Theatre in San Antonio."

Membership dues help SATCO perform its fundamental goals of:

Promoting theatre arts in San Antonio

Fostering sharing and distribution of information between members

Improving and expanding media coverage of theatre

Exploring methods for joint audience development

Membership Benefits include:

The Callboard newsletter of interesting theatre related information.

The Directory published in February listing all members, available to members only.

The E-Auditions newsletter is delivered via email to members only, and available online to everyone, updated every Friday.

Discounts at many SATCO member theatres.

For more details of Membership Benefits, or if you are ready to join, please log on to our web site & all the information is right there !!! JOIN NOW.

Individual membership:

$25 Per Calendar Year; Half year / Half Price: $12.50 after July 1, for remainder of year.

Early Bird Discount: Join in November or December of current year for the next year, you get Nov/Dec of current year free

(Ages 18 and up)

Did you know that SATCO HAS 40 PRODUCER LEVEL MEMBERS:

1) 24th Street Theatre

2) Amanda's Shooting Starz Musical Theater

3) Amphisphere Theatre Productions

4) Attic Rep

5) Beth-El Players

6) Boerne Community Theatre

7) Cameo Theatre

8) Circle Arts Theatre

9) The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

10) The Company Theatre/The Dinnerbox Series

11) Crystal Sea Drama Company

12) Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

13) Harlequin Dinner Theatre

14) The Josephine Theatre

15) Lackland Performing Arts Group

16) The Magik Theatre

17) McNay Art Museum

18) New Braunfels Theatre Company

19) Northwest Vista College

20) Northwood Players and Jr. Players

21) The Overtime Theater

22) Performing Arts San Antonio

23) The Renaissance Guild

24) The Rose Theatre Company

25) San Antonio College

26) San Pedro Playhouse Russell Hill Rogers and Cellar Theaterstre

27) SeaWorld San Antonio

28) The Sheldon Vexler Theatre

29) The Shoestring Shakespeare Company

30) Triuno Productions

31) Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group Etc, Inc. (S.T.A.G.E., Inc.)

32) St. Philips College Theatre

33) The Sterling Houston Theatre (Formerly Jump-Start Performance Co.)

34) The Steven Stoli Entertainment Group

35) Stone Oak Youth Theatre / Lighthouse Entertainment

36) Storybook Theatre of Texas

37) Trinity Theater

38) University of the Incarnate Word Theatre Arts

39) UTSA Lyric Theater

40) Witte Museum Gallery Theater

Individual Member Benefits include:

Automatically receive the Playbill — weekly listing of current and upcoming productions distributed via email. (We will not share or sell your email address or personal information to any outside parties.)

Automatically receive the E-Audition notice — weekly listing of current and upcoming auditions distributed via email to members only (also available online)

Able to place a listing in the E-Audition for non-professional "Special Announcement" type listings. "I'm available for volunteer services." "I'm looking for an item to borrow." "I have items to donate." etc.

Eligible to sit on SATCO Board of Directors

Participation in quarterly SATCO general meetings

Subscription to the CallBoard, SATCO’s quarterly newsletter for members only

Free admission to SATCO "Community Cast Party" (networking/fun events)

May have link to existing individual web sites on SATCO web site (Individual Members Page)

Discounted admission to many SATCO theatres

Discounted admission to SATCO-sponsored workshops

Your name and your personal or theatrical website will be listed in the Online Member directory.

BELOW IS THE MOST CURRENT LIST OF SATCO MEMBERS! Your name should be there too !

Rita Anderson

Catherine Babbitt

Ray Baird

Barbara Helen Baker

Bill Baumann

Donald Bayne

Sharon Beales

Brian Billings

Jody Blake, PhD

Jessie James Blakkhartt

Byrd Bonner

Monica Booker

Susan Breidenbach

Corinne Breitbach

Diana Brown

Martha Buchanan

Mary Bull

Steven Bull

Florence Bunten

Joanne Cabrera

Melissa Carroll

James Carson

Sharon Carson

Chris Champlin

Connie Clark

David Clingan

Virginia Clingan

Rose Cohen-Brown

Kay Coleman

Joe De Mott

Mary Denman

Andrew Denny

Michael Duggan

Rita Fox Duggan

Christi Eanes

Robin Early

John Eubanks

Cindy Fuqua

Anna Gangai

Enrique J. A. Garcia

Lou Garza

Jon Gillespie

Kelly Gillespie

Christine Godin

Melissa Gonzalez

Marco Antonio Gonzalez

Jo Grabow

Michael Gray

Kay Grosinske

Ron Hammett

Belinda Harolds

Steve Harris

Karen Hogg

Dick Hunt

Lan Hunt

John Igo

Zada Jahnsen

Michel Janse

Judy Jay

Charles R. Jeffries

Don Jones

Pamela Dean Kenny

Nancy Kilborn

Kal Kirk

Mona Klein

Frederica Kushner

Martin Kushner

Twyla LaMont

Marcia Larsen

Irma Lewis

Barbara Lewis-Harris

Joe Libby

Bruce Limpus

Joy Lindsey

Gloria Liu

Patty Loftis

Francoise Lovejoy

Kathleen Lovejoy

Alexis Lukens

Richard Lukens

F. Taylor Maddux

Diane Malone

Rick Malone

Mellissa Marlowe

Linda McCullers

Keisha McFerrin

Bill McMillin

Sharon R. McMinn

William (Bill) McMinn

Heidi Mendez Harrison

Irene Miller

Modrea Mitchell-Reichert

Karen Moran

Jason Mosher

Art Nuckols

Gary Ozuna

C. Kenneth Parker

Ruby Nelda Perez

Ayn Phillips

Paul Phillips

Darrell Pittman

Khanthaly Pittman

Nina Poenisch

Verne Powell

Martha Prentiss

Roberto Prestigiacomo

Barbara Ann Puloski-Robles

Pam Leonard Ramirez

Varda Ratner

Bonnie Reed

Sheila Rinear

Allan S. Ross

Terri Peña Ross

Consuelo Scanlon

Stuart Schlossberg

Rainya Shingledecker Mosher

B. J. Shryock

Jack Boaz Smith

Caralyn Snyder

Emily Spicer

William J. Stewart

Denise Swain

Bill Swinny

R. C. Thor

Malinda Valdez

Steven Valdez

Lindsey Van de Kirk

Elizabeth Wagner

Hector Wagner

Maxine Watson

Stephen Weser

Nikki Young

Belinda Harolds

Marcia Larsen

Bill McMillin

Charles R. Jeffries

Rainya Shingledecker Mosher

Emily Spicer

Just think what we could do for our theatre community if EVERYONE joined & worked with us !!

To quote the fabulous Jeannie C. Riley, "Well this is just a little Peyton Place, and you're all Harper Valley hypocrites."

Regarding the SATCO pitch to deflect criticism away from ATAC. Sorry, but many of the people on the SATCO membership roster are the same folks on the ATAC rolls of judges and board. And SATCO even lists a liaison with ATAC on its website. So I don't see how you can change anything when the self-serving are there to protect their interests.

I also notes that less than 10% of your membership are people of color. I think I would be very uncomfortable in such an atmosphere. Is San Antonio theater mainly a white thing?

Also are their any real benefits that would help this low-paid actor? And if you are a non-profit what are you doing with dues other than listing auditions, galas and a few poorly attended workshops?

Why isn't SATCO delivering food for theatre people with AIDS? Our theater community was hard hit with that plague. I'd rather spent the dues you charge helping those who need help now. Where is your decency in this time of crisis?

John Poole - Bravo! I agree with comment on the Classist attitude that ATAC cultivates. I'd even add that ATAC is a tired blue-haired anachronism in a new era of multicultural diversity. Who needs them? Don't let up the heat on these sorry excuses of an group that wouldn't know excellence from a sow's ear.

"Is San Antonio theater mainly a white thing?"

Lord almighty, go to a few shows and find out! You'll see a very large representation of Hispanic actors. So much so that some of them are the very ones getting trashed by Anonymous!

I agree though there are not enough African American performers. So go audition for something and get all your friends to do it to. You can't get on stage if you don't audition!

The dues we pay to SATCO are very, very small, hardly enough to support the type of charitable giving you suggest. Why don't YOU approach the San Antonio Food Bank and suggest a special program to deliver food to people with AIDS? And then approach SATCO to suggest that the membership sign up to do so?

I hope to see you at an audition soon!

Lindsey Van de Kirk

To answer an earlier-posted question about who was going to the Globes, why/why not, etc, I know it's after-the-fact, but I wanted to respond anyhow. I did not attend the Globes for a couple of reasons. First and foremost because I am costuming "Orphans" (which opens at the Vex on Thursday - come see it!) and I had quite a few things to get done today, but also because I could not justify paying at least $30 just for my ticket ($40 if I had purchased one today), about $7 for parking, and then who knows how much for drinks. While I would have loved to have gotten all dolled up and spent a fun evening with my friends, I know that I can do just that most any night of the week without spending that kind of money. I miss the days when the awards were at San Antonio College, cost $20 a ticket, parking was free and there was an open bar. We still got all dressed up and everyone had a great time. Sure the tables and the atmosphere of the Empire are nice - it brings more glitz and glam to the evening - but at what cost?

As for the awards - something needs to be done to improve it. I'm not going to say what because unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question. As I mentioned in my previous comment, no matter what, there is always going to be a group of individuals that are not pleased with the results.

In speaking with an ATAC judge, however, I have learned of the way other communities do their awards shows. One of them has a local newspaper critic determine the award recipients. (Hmmm...possible option...) Another one has a smaller panel (I believe), and then the judges have a meeting and vote on the shows who get the awards. I don't remember specifics but I do know that it sounded like something that could work for us.

I also think that the way the voting is done is flawed. You have to have "x" amount of judges see a show for it to even be qualified...and then you have to receive a 9.0 (average, I think) in order to then receive an award. The problem there is that if you have too many judges see a show, that can actually HINDER your chances at anything.

Finally, though, I have to say that I agree with Isidro's comment. I personally perform because I love the art. I love being on stage, singing, acting and attempting to dance. ;-) To me, the true reward is hearing the audience applaud, seeing my parents after a show, having the director compliment a performance, and knowing that someone was moved in some capacity by the performance they just witnessed. And saying that, it IS nice to receive recognition from our peers...who doesn't want to be recognized?? But that's not why I do this!

Just wanted to throw that out there.

Allison Newsom

PS Congratulations to all award recipients at tonight's Globe Awards, and here's to hoping that things change for the better with the system in the very near future. And thank you to all of the judges and to everyone that works to make the Globes as successful as possible. I'm sorry that I missed out tonight!

John Poole here

No one person has put yet put forth a drop of evidence that The Globes increase attendance at any Theater in this city.

I'm waiting.

Mr. Manister? Anything?

Hm.

At what point does silence on the One issue which justifes the Globes existence, become an acknowledged fact that the Globes help NOTHING!

DISBAND ATAC NOW!

Yeah, I said it! And now I've said it twice!

It's a little late, but I'll jump on the bandwagon about this. Everyone is after Rick Sanchez because he is the least humble person in the SA theatre community. He is always talking about how great of a performer he is...he even posts reviews about himself on his social networking profiles! He has acting talent, but only if he is playing a flamoboyant (gay) character. His singing voice, well its worse than nails on chalkboard. So for the personal attacks, its obvious he makes himself a target.

Now about the awards. Sure everyone loves to be recognized, but isn't it more meaningful to be recognized for talent and effort on stage instead of ass kissing and backstabbing offstage? The ATAC globes center around favoritism and conflicts of interest. Until the awards recognize hard work work and amazing talent by individuals, entire casts, production crew, and theatre companies, people will not take the awards seriously, and the award winners seriously.

Well...MR. MASINTER...WE'RE WAITING...

This is Chris Manley. Executive Producer of The Rose Theatre Co. No offense to "Man of La Mancha" but Beyonce had one of the greatest videos of all time!

Beyonce had one of the greatest videos of all time!

Dear Chris Manley,

Funny. That is Funny!

Jason Mosher--thanks to chris Manley for keeping it real! :)lmao

I'm late putting my two cents in, but I will give it a go.

First, in the interest of truth and honesty, I was an ATAC judge for two years (I am not now) and I work for Tom Jenkins.

I became an ATAC judge because, as an actor, I heard all of the grumbling and unhappiness with the system and decided I would try to be part of a solution. I don't know about the other judges, but I can say with complete confidence that I did my best to judge each show fairly, honestly, and without bias. Certainly no one can accuse me of giving an award to myself, as I've never received one. Would I like to...sure! Is it going to happen...probably not. I did, however, spend a good deal of time going to shows I needed to see, which in some cases kept me from seeing other shows that I would have liked to have seen. I did spend a good deal of money to see these shows (though, yes, some were discounted, a very few were free, and many gave almost no discount) and a great deal of time -- and only because I wanted to help the theater community. Very often the awards given out were not as I had voted, but theater is, as another person pointed out, very subjective. Why am I not a judge now? Because I was sent a letter saying that they were going to exchange the old judges (somehow two years does not seem "old" -- but that's another matter) for new judges. Why am I not at the Globes? Because they have gotten too expensive; the same reason I go to fewer plays now.

Theater is subjective. I have often had discussions with Tom over shows we had both seen and were in disagreement about (never until I had handed in my vote on a show). But we both love theater and we have both seen a lot of theater all over the country. If you five people together and asked them to rank shows, you would rarely get agreement. Also, please don't equate sold-out shows with excellence. Many things are popular that are not necessarily excellent, and vice versa. But a sold-out show is certainly something to celebrate.

Should the Globes continue? Probably not. They are a huge waste of money. Let's use the money to bus school children and college students in to see shows so that we develop an audience for theater. I like that idea about a big year-end celebration of theater. No hurt feelings; no sour grapes. The backstabbing will probably continue, but the blood will be less visible.

And no one should be blasphemed for giving to SATCO (Anonymous 10/18). I am not one of the powerful ones -- I just believe in supporting what I love.

And persons of color in theater -- there are plenty. I just finished working with the Renaissance Guild's ActOne Series, and with another Black company before that. As Lindsey said, go and audition.

Now everyone take a deep breath -- breathe in, count to ten, breathe out. Do you feel the love? Good! Now start practicing it :D

Rose Cohen-Brown

Thank you, Rose.

Florence

Q. "Is San Antonio theater mainly a white thing?"

A. “Lord almighty, go to a few shows and find out! You'll see a very large representation of Hispanic actors. So much so that some of them are the very ones getting trashed by Anonymous!”

Lindsay Van de Kirk I like the way you start by invoking the Lord Almighty, and then say that Hispanic actors are very well represented. Oh, really. Then why do you state that some of them are getting trashed? The only Latino “trashed” was Rick Sanchez. One does not make a large plurality.

And who were those putting down Rick? I hardly think it was Latinos, probably others who don’t feel Latinos actors as good as they are.

If Latino actors are highly representative in SA theater, then why was Rick one of the very few nominated for a ATAC award? And why are so few of them on the ATAC board or serving as judges and less than 10% are members of SATCO?

And why does Tom Jenkins mention that Latino playwright's Luis Alfaro's "Electricidad" with its all Latino cast, and Chicana director Marisela Barrera was left out of the awards last year?

And why was Gloria Sanchez snubbed again after delivering a stellar performance in "The Goat" that everyone agrees was worthy of many awards? And how many plays by Latinos local or otherwise were nominated for awards this year? There were many and some were superb.

But I am certain you and the judges weren't interested in them. So your snide comment that "they are highly representative" smacks of paternalism. I could say the same thing about the Civil War - that blacks were highly representative.

As far as asking actors of color to "go audition." Many times the plays selected in this town do not reflect the diversity of this city and are top heavy on Anglo/White characters. And many directors will not blind cast. And when Suzan Lori-Parks Pulitzer play "Top Dog, Underdog" was on the boards, it got little recognition despite a prize winning script and production.

As far as your dismissing my suggestion for helping actors and other theater people with HIV and AIDS, you say the dues you pay are very small to support and that I should go to the SA Food Bank.

Well, why can’t and why hasn’t SATCO suggested that themselves? Why put the onus on me? The SA Theater community has lost many fine talented people to this plague. I feel you are so selfish in NOT helping others that you can’t see above your high and mighty attitude.

If you are representative of the type of people in SATCO – then count me out.

You non-profits are the worst. John Poole is right. What have ATAC and SATCO ever done to serve this diverse community?

Keep racism out of this, people. It's 2009. Get over yourselves. All of you. There is a surplus of different ethnic groups on stage at any given moment in San Antonio. Just go see "A Christmas Carol" coming soon to the San Pedro Playhouse. Marley is played by an Hispanic actor, and Christmas Present is played by an African American. Or hey - did you see "The Sound of Music" this summer? If you did, then you noticed that three of the Von Trapp children were played by Hispanic actors, as were several of the Nazi soldiers. There are a plethora of other shows that can be mentioned. I'm not going to bother with listing them all.

This article - and forum - is meant to serve as one to better the ATAC Globe Awards, the way shows are judged, and hopefully, the overall San Antonio theatre community. NOTHING can be accomplished by cattiness or by playing the racism card.

A community cannot be built if we all act as individuals. We have to unite - be a team - be supportive of one another. Why aren't we advertising the shows at other theatres in our own programs? Because we're too afraid of competition - if I advertise for that theatre over there, I'm going to lose my patrons! NO YOU ARE NOT! Not if you continue to produce quality productions!!! San Antonio has so much potential yet every time we take a step in the right direction, we take another two or three steps backwards.

How did the discussion in this forum manifest into a topic of racism. The thread of this symposium has snagged the fabric of our theatre community. Let it not divide us but make us stronger.

FYI, The Rose Theatre Co is owned and operated by a latina girl(Jessie Rose, who's real life name is Jessica Pulido). And despite their "for profit" status and low production budget they still managed to win a globe for Monique Sleeper's portrayal of Jackie O in their production of "The House Of Yes". The Rose Theatre Co (along with the R. Guild) is a perfect example of how there are many fine minority actors/ producers/writers involved in professional theatre in town. The Rose also shows us that a small, non- grant funded theatre can still find success in the overall San Antonio theatre landscape despite their budget. Support the Rose Theatre Co.

Lol, This is Chris Manley from The Rose Theatre Co. I agree with everything stated in the above comment. Who wrote that? You get free tickets . . . .

I do think all the theatres in town (especially the for profit ones) should work together to help each other out. When we at The Rose first took over the theatre in FEB i extended the olive branch out to every theatre and producer in town and received very little in positive response. No one wants to help each other out. I think SA theatre is too competitive.... the perfect example being the uproar over the globe awards.

The obvious solution here is a 2nd set of awards. The Current's Dodecahedron seems fair. But to me as long as someone is winning awards someone will be butt hurt that they didnt win. So nothing will change. . . people will continue to cry and find another scapegoat to jump on.

There is no "winning" or "losing" in theatre. Let's put things in perspective and continue to do what we do because we love it. The award for excellence in any category is yours, always has been, always will be. Stay focused everyone. Let's dedicate ourselves to the process of creating great theatre in San Antonio and not on the award that may or may not sit on your mantle at the end of the season. In a grander scale, your creativity is bountiful and beyond measure or judgement. Keep it real.

Peace to all.

Gloria Sanchez

Imagine there's no ATACs, it's easy if you try.

No hell below us, above us only sky

Imagine all the actors, living for today.

You may thing I'm a dreamer,

but I'm not the only one,

I hope someday you join us

and the theater world will be as one.

I don't think the poster who asked the question if SA theater was a mainly white thing was implying racism, although there is some there. I think they were saying that White actors and productions dominate in this town and in the theater groups like ATAC and SATCO. In a city of Hispanic majority, you'd think there would be more participation. I think the question was how can we improve that oversight, how can we bring theater to SA that reflects the culture that is San Antonio. And just because we are artists we sometimes are myopic, thin-skinned and not very tolerant about who rules the roost.

John Lennon's right, you guys. Everyone chill the fuck out.

I stand by my statements. Latino actors are well represented on the stage in San Antonio. They are also directors, choreographers, box office personnel, set designers, lighting designers, etc. etc. As befits the fact that they ARE the majority in this town. There is NOT a racist agenda against them in this whole ATAC discussion.

The whole point is that there were MANY excellent performances that were completely ignored by ATAC. We're trying to discover the reasons for that.

TopDog/Underdog? Um, well rewarded at ATAC. For a lead performance by my friend, SkudR Jones. And for the director, I believe.

I can't imagine why you don't want to go to the Food Bank and propose a program of serving the needs of AIDS sufferers. You were the one who brought it up. And I still say YOU should go audition and put your passion in front of people who can make it happen: more African-Americans on the stages of San Antonio. Or write a play to explain your world view to more people. This town is not closed to you, sir. We are ready for you and want your talents.

Lindsey Van de Kirk

The shows at the San Pedro Playhouse have never been worse since Frank Latson has taken over. Its always the same shows with the same Gay people in them. Done in the same half-assed way. And I'm also sick of seeing Rick Sanchez flaming it up in every other show I go to. Just being honest. -Abe Shahara

Chris, if I ran a theatre I would be all about helping each other out. Do we REALLY think we're going to lose patrons by sending them to see XXX at Theatre A? NO! It can only help.

Abe, your post is insulting on many levels. You can honest while also being tactful.

We need to be more supportive of each other - theatres and as performers/artists in general. All this negativity is what is going to be this community's downfall. Saying shows suck because they came from X director, calling out particular people who have no say in the awards they are given, and bringing up race or sexuality is detrimental to all artists involved.

Why don't we support the arts, give when able, don't let a silly thing like an award show bring you down, and don't belittle the achievements of others.

The whole point is that there were MANY excellent performances that were completely ignored by ATAC. We're trying to discover the reasons for that. -- Lindsey Van de Kirk

So why were they ignored if it wasn't favoritism, unqualified judges, same old clique in control of ATAC, and why were some GOD-AWFUL productions given awards, like Coca-Cola, etc.

This thread is getting ridiculous. Except for the people who have decided to stay anonymous and troll the board hoping for a flame war, you all know each other in real life. Most of you are linked on FaceBook, MySpace or LinkedIn, and you probably have each others' phone numbers. You certainly know how to find each other if you want to continue discussing this issue.

I'd like to suggest we take this conversation private, and stop giving the trolls something to post about. You can't get anywhere with someone who's just trolling -- they don't care about the issue, they just want a fight. Let the anons fight with each other.

Another, more important, reason to stop posting out here is that this board is open and available to anyone to read and everything on the WWW is archived forever. Forever. What you post here never, ever, ever goes away. And anyone in the world can read it. With your name on it, if you signed your post. Always.

A. Ulibarri