Tulsa World bids us a fond farewell

telarc · Guest

If you never were reviewed by the Tulsa World, tough luck: you missed your chance. The World is adopting a new policy which will limit to the extreme how much local theater will be reviewed. My guess is the obvious players will be allowed into the exclusive World's-Seal-of-Approval Club: The Opera, the Ballet, the Orchestra, anything by Celebrity Attractions, and whatever shows up at the new arena. Didn't see your name there? Well, guess what: you're out. The World has deemed you not worthy of their interest. I may be wrong but maybe LOOK will be allowed into the club, but that is only a guess. I could be wrong. But there is a test that can prove that theory: Summerstage. It will be interesting to see which shows the World will chose to review and which will be ignored. Keep your eyes open.

niksnap · Joined: 25 Sep 2007 Posts: 9

it's a good thing Urban Tulsa has picked up the slack

alb74114 · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 134 Location: Tulsa, Ok

Urban Tulsa has done a great job of picking up the slack. We, as theatre folk, need to get the word out that Urban Tulsa is where all the arts is now. I, personally, am cancelling my subscription to the Tulsa World and I invite others to do the same.

TACTA has also tried to support Urban Tulsa by committing to purchase an ad per week featuring a TACTA theatre. These ads have been running for the last few weeks and will continue for one year. They are only $30 and have shown to be very effective. So far Theatre Tulsa, Heller Theatre, Clark Theatre, Laughing Matter Improv, and of course, TACTA has committed to buying some of these ads. Anyone elseinterested should get ahold of Tony at tacta@tacta.net for information on how to place thier ad.

TACTA is currently talks with the KAISER group to match theatre ads in the Urban Tulsa Weekly on either a one to one or one to two ratio. More on that later.

EvandrakeProductions · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 39

Do we need them?
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alb74114 · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 134 Location: Tulsa, Ok

I think we have to learn to market ourselves. In my humble opinion, we need to appeal to more than just "the theatre crowd". I have always hoped that when people go out that they start to include live theatre as a viable option along with a movie or a club.

We have great theatre here in town, we need to let people know about it.

jazyjen · Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 7

Here, here, ALB! Without the support of the daily paper, we need all the help we can get.

Redpup · Joined: 21 Sep 2004 Posts: 86 Location: Tulsa

Is there anything we can do?
Has anyone called TW
I heard today ATC cancelled a show...because of no review
So any ideas
flood them with phone calls...letters
ask how can they be a local news paper if they do not cover local art events?

lizgwiz · Joined: 17 Sep 2004 Posts: 7

I had an email exchange with the executive editor of the World (who I know from church), and according to him, their "national consulting firm" says people aren't all that interested in local theatre. (Though he did admit it wasn't at "the bottom of the list" for people surveyed.) And a preference was expressed for previews over reviews, so that's what they'll do. Of course, the last Theatre Tulsa show got NEITHER a preview NOR a review, so I don't know what that's about.

I don't know if any sort of writing/calling campaign would do any good, especially if it's coming primarily from people who DO theatre, and therefore have a vested interest, but I suppose it couldn't hurt.

Redpup · Joined: 21 Sep 2004 Posts: 86 Location: Tulsa

Well you may be right..If only people who do theatre complain...
but how will anyone-average joe-find out what is going on in town unless it is ALL listed. not just the PAC. We now have email lists
and TACTA and Theatre Club do a grreat job in getting the word out...just think we need to somehow think of other media ideas or we may only be performing for ...us...and we are all usually doing theatre...so WE don't always get out and see everything.....

slogan around is "I Can't I have Rehearsal!"

I did read Karen Shades blog, but...how do we let people know there is a theatre blog...

StarrHrdgr · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

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jazyjen · Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 7

There'll be lots of readers downtown this weekend for Mayfest and the Blue Dome Arts festival. How about a flier campaign encouraging people to write or call the paper supporting local theatre and/or promoting upcoming shows?

Redpup · Joined: 21 Sep 2004 Posts: 86 Location: Tulsa

wish we had thought of it....last week. Today is thursday...I could pull something together about Heller...But I have a show all weekend at Clark and would not be down town...if your going..call me
I could make something up on the computer...
maybe next year Tacta could have a table....or have a place to layout some sort of display.. of theatre in town..give free tickets away....
great idea...just wish had more time to pull it together.

StarrHrdgr · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Live Truthfully In The Given Circumstances ~ Sanford Meisner