As usual, upon waking today, I hopped onto Twitter to see what the clever people were talking about.
And today they were talking about this: http://t.co/7WLUd65Ro4
An interesting article by Joyce McMillan about women, or the lack of them in Scottish theatre. She makes a good point and mentions some fabulous women who I have worked with or seen on the theatre scene. Great women, strong women, important women and yes, they are currently outnumbered by men in the workplace. But the ladies referenced are all writers, directors, producers or actors. And they aren't they only women involved in the theatre you'll see across Scotland. There are a whole army of us behind the scenes.
The invisible women of theatre.
You might not see our names on the front page of the programme, but flip to the back and you'll find us.
In my experience we are well represented in nearly all theatrical departments and in management roles. I am not squashed by a glass ceiling, forced to take on menial roles, and jobs with no artistic involvement. I am simply a member of the team. And in my department, stage management, men are the under represented gender.
In my position in the rehearsal room, props workshop or wings I assist with the creation of amazing pieces of theatre alongside many talented, hard working and inspirational ladies. No one questions if we can head up departments or use a band saw or negotiate intricate financial decisions. We are just here, part of the body, the kirk, of a living, breathing, working theatre,
I feel an example of an average day would highlight my point.
And today they were talking about this: http://t.co/7WLUd65Ro4
An interesting article by Joyce McMillan about women, or the lack of them in Scottish theatre. She makes a good point and mentions some fabulous women who I have worked with or seen on the theatre scene. Great women, strong women, important women and yes, they are currently outnumbered by men in the workplace. But the ladies referenced are all writers, directors, producers or actors. And they aren't they only women involved in the theatre you'll see across Scotland. There are a whole army of us behind the scenes.
The invisible women of theatre.
You might not see our names on the front page of the programme, but flip to the back and you'll find us.
In my experience we are well represented in nearly all theatrical departments and in management roles. I am not squashed by a glass ceiling, forced to take on menial roles, and jobs with no artistic involvement. I am simply a member of the team. And in my department, stage management, men are the under represented gender.
In my position in the rehearsal room, props workshop or wings I assist with the creation of amazing pieces of theatre alongside many talented, hard working and inspirational ladies. No one questions if we can head up departments or use a band saw or negotiate intricate financial decisions. We are just here, part of the body, the kirk, of a living, breathing, working theatre,
I feel an example of an average day would highlight my point.
Upon checking my emails an actress had requested tickets. A mademoiselle from box office booked them for me.
I then needed to finalise the design of some planks. The design assistant girl drew them up and I called Miss master carpenter to tell her it was being sent through. The dame in finance wanted an invoice resent, it turned out the executive assistant lass had already done this in my absence.
As I've been away for 2 days the lady AD has left me a sheet of notes and I need to reply to a marketing request from the Senorita in press and marketing. I also need to check the date of an event organised by Ms development director. Interestingly an event for women only.......
You get the picture?
To be honest if I worked with any more maidens I'd have run out of synonyms!
For balance I have also chatted to the male lighting designer and male movement coach and the male production manager has dropped some props off for me. I do work with some lovely chaps too!
I do agree that we should strive to produce more plays written by, and about, women. We should encourage and employ female directors. We should look for women to head up large artistic institutions until this is completely unremarkable.
But we should also be aware that we are here. Theatres across the country are crawling with women. Women carrying out tasks from the most menial to the most executive. This morning I've literally crawled on my hands and knees through dirt, liaised with heads of department and been asked my opinion on practical and artistic decisions.
And without us my theatre wouldn't be the wonderful, efficient, creative, warm and loving place it is today.
We may be invisible but you can definitely feel our presence.
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