Why collaborate?
Ever heard that two heads are better than one? Well, at the Crazy Train Collaborative, we believe that when all the players are invested, the end result is a masterpiece that can never be recreated. Our goal is that each collaborator will discover something new through the act of sharing ideas and becoming vulnerable with others that also enjoy theatre.
How does our collaboration work?
Well, of course, we have a director. And there is a team of folks that make all the gears turn. But, the magic happens on the ground with the performers and backstage with the crew. This is where we are working together, communicating thoughts and ideas, and trying things out to see what works best. In every production, we are looking for new and different ways to grow–this is why we aim to create one experimental show and one musical every year. We want our collaborators to feel ownership in the creation. We aren’t looking for a perfect performance or for the perfect show. We’re focused more around the journey. If we have happy thespians and contributors who are enjoying their work either doing something they love and are gifted with or trying something new, the production quality will be fantastic.
In actual practice, a rehearsal will have everyone engaged. Folks on the marketing team are updating our socials and creating signs, posters, programs, and other materials to promote our company and our upcoming show. Other teams will work on set design, figuring out what our space allows, what props are and set pieces could be created, what materials we have to use and what materials we need to source. Other teams are working on choreography, running lines, rehearsing a scene, etc. Again, this is not a drop off program where you leave your kids and go have margaritas! We need you and want you to be on site, working alongside us! This kind of family theater isn’t right for everyone but we hope it is just right for you! Try something new with us!
Why is theatre important for kids and families?
Theatre enhances creativity, teaches teamwork, and helps kids thrive. It opens young minds to imagine other worlds, people, and experiences. Drama gives children opportunities to work with adults and children that are alike and dissimilar. We begin to recognize the beauty in our differences as well as creating a strong sense of self. Done well, theatre can draw out even a shy child and give them confidence to try new things. We believe that theatre is just one way we draw out what is inside of a person and give it room to bloom.
This is not a drop of educational program. We are making art together. We are open handed coming to a project and seeing what resources we have–what people show up, what gifts and talents they bring to the collaboration, and what we can achieve using our imagination and our own two hands. We require family participation. That’s how family theater works. Not everyone wants an onstage role. Some folks will be uniquely gifted to serve on our tech crew, set crew, costume crew, front of house, back of house, marketing, or any other of the myriad jobs that happen for a production to come to life. We have a “role” for everyone!
Why build community?
When we build community with others, we create a deep sense of belonging and connection to others. We have pride in our community and feel good about what is happening here. We want to be here and it shows in the way we treat one another. Community theatre opens new worlds, building knowledge, confidence, and understanding for everyone involved. Trust us when we say that though it won’t be easy, it’ll be worth the hard work and effort to see the growth in your family that is sure to come from working together towards the same goal!