Are you influenced

[kries]

We have a number of interesting threads going on right now, but two specifically have caught my eye.

1. The thread on the movie "W"
2. The thread on the influence of charisma

Very different topics but they both spurred a question with me that I want to pose to the group.

Are you influenced by how people post on this board? Specifically, would knowing someone's political, social, moral, sarcastic, enthusiastic, empathetic, disdainful, supportive, etc viewpoints, opinions and or general tone influence you in working with them in a theatrical endeavor if the opportunity presented itself.

For example (please note that this is only a hypothetical) if you hold auditions and someone shows up that you have either been impressed with how they handle themselves on this site or you have not been impressed does that sway your decision in casting?

Or from an actor's point of view - would you audition for a director that in a political discussion voiced an opinion completely opposite to your own personal stance.

I'm curious as to the impact of some of our discussions on our theatrical purpose and am interested in hearing other's thoughts.

Thanks for sharing!

[barbw427]

I would not hesitate to audition for a director whose political views are in direct opposition to mine. However, I may reconsider auditioning if the views were expressed in what I perceived to be an uncivil manner--regardless of whether or not they were in line with my own.

[Eric_Bryant]

I would not hesitate to audition for a director whose political views are in direct opposition to mine. However, I may reconsider auditioning if the views were expressed in what I perceived to be an uncivil manner--regardless of whether or not they were in line with my own.

Agreed...in my family I have relatives of every different political/religious/sexual background. Doesn't mean we can't sit down and have a nice Thanksgiving dinner together.

We do have some relatives who also like to get drunk and uncivil. They don't get invited to many family gatherings.

It wouldn't matter to me what someone's political stance is, but I might have to give consideration to how they conduct themselves on this board if a chance to work with them came up. For most, the only thing I know about them is this board, so if I know that they resort to name-calling, condescension and other uncivil behavior, I would think twice about working with them.

[Ken_K]

Interesting question...

Politics is politics...my beliefs in the way the country should be run are just that - MY beliefs. As one can see from all the fervor for ideas political that are expressed here, some beliefs are almost religious in intensity. Mine are not - I have likes and dislikes, but I will not start any revolutions based on who is elected.

But - though I disagree with many on this site with regard to politics, I none the less would never make that an issue in a work environment and would welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Goad or Mr. Lamonte or LizC, for example, all of whom have a very opposite view to mine.

I have been in the unique position, several times, of being the only Conservative/Republican in a cast. All but one time - it was not an issue. I like to keep it that way. On the one occasion, I was made to feel very uncomfortable for my beliefs...to the point of being told that I needed to change them to be a true artist.

But to answer the question - I go into every show knowing my positions differ from those around me - partly because of what I read on this site, and I would never hold a grudge based on that kind of issue.

Now if I think someone is an ahole, to cite Barb's example, I can avoid working with them on those occasions where I am directing or if the director is the hole.

Most of the time - it is not an issue with me because - I don't let it be.

[MrAntrobus]

There's a very short list of people on these boards with whom I would hesitate to work based on their conduct here, but it's entirely because of attitude and behavior, and not politics - it's just that political discussions tend to bring out those attitude qualities. And the list is very, very short.

[IndianapolisTech]

I have had a pre-conception of how a person would be to work with based on postings on IA. Even because of thier direct response to my own postings... So, when I worked with this person this past season, I actually found them to be personable, friendly, professional and actually worthy of the opinions they had expressed online.

Can't say exactly what led me to this. It will expose that person, but, I would work with them in an instant!

So, I wouldn't hold someones printed items against them. Honestly, some people are better able to express their opinions in writing than others. Honestly, the readers will always inject how they are feeling or perceiving the words written at the time they read it.

Example: " Karla is a "LOVELY" person to work for!" - Mean't in a good way. But you can see how it would come across if you THOUGHT I was being petty or bitchy.

(By the way, Karla is GREAT to work with. I really enjoy it!):D

[Creatch]

Interesting question...

Politics is politics...my beliefs in the way the country should be run are just that - MY beliefs. As one can see from all the fervor for ideas political that are expressed here, some beliefs are almost religious in intensity. Mine are not - I have likes and dislikes, but I will not start any revolutions based on who is elected.

But - though I disagree with many on this site with regard to politics, I none the less would never make that an issue in a work environment and would welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Goad or Mr. Lamonte or LizC, for example, all of whom have a very opposite view to mine.

I have been in the unique position, several times, of being the only Conservative/Republican in a cast. All but one time - it was not an issue. I like to keep it that way. On the one occasion, I was made to feel very uncomfortable for my beliefs...to the point of being told that I needed to change them to be a true artist.

But to answer the question - I go into every show knowing my positions differ from those around me - partly because of what I read on this site, and I would never hold a grudge based on that kind of issue.

Now if I think someone is an ahole, to cite Barb's example, I can avoid working with them on those occasions where I am directing or if the director is the hole.

Most of the time - it is not an issue with me because - I don't let it be.


I was going to add my comments but what Ken says here pretty much sums up my thoughts on the subject.

[Eagle6]

Ottid (dyslexia). I truly enjoy these word wars in the IA Forums. But that’s all they are, words and opinions. Nothing that has been written here would stop me from working on-stage with anyone. However, you’re reading about someone who doesn’t like to be alone…I don’t like the company. Also, I talk about myself behind my back. So, I may not be a credible source.

[Indiana_Joan]

I talk about myself behind my back. So, I may not be a credible source.

Yes, but everything you say about yourself is truthy.