18/11/02 On The Topic of Awards, Opinions and Chatsites (Again)

wouldn't mind having my bits worth on this topic (again) if I may.

Could I suggest to anyone involved in the CAT Awards in any official capacity that they read and respond to stuff posted on any webpage like Canberra Music Theatre Scene with some caution and, as Pat Gallagher suggested, lightness. It is a discussion post for those interested and enthusiastic about local theatre, and by its very nature deals with people's wide and passionate opinions on a range of things.

Awards, by their very nature, can bring out the good in people - particularly winners. But as they are also competitive in nature (for instance, I'm not sure the argument of "celebrating art in the region" is the case with everyone to be blunt), awards can also have a tendency to bring out the more vitriolic, jealous and/or frustrated sides to a performer's nature.

As CMTS is a "chat" site, I feel people should be free to have their say to praise stuff, debate demerits and "let off steam" if applicable, without feeling an "authoritive figure" will censor or reprimand them. That would actually be "God-like". If those empowered to make the decisions about awards (or anything) are confident with them, nothing "discussed" there should make the slightest amount of difference to them.

To conclude, can I remind all about George Huitker's Appreciative Sharing Performer Award. Anyone who has seen 10 shows outside of their own company's season, can e-mail me at HMT for a GHASP! award and receive a certificate.