Monica Davidson’s Post

🎭 I started working at Konträr in August, Konträr is Sweden’s only contemporary international and national theatre. Sadly, due to a lack of funding, Konträr had to close its doors in September. 💔 In just two years, Konträr showcased 50 premieres, featuring both Swedish and international artists. 🌍 Despite the overwhelming support, the real challenge isn't ticket sales or public interest but the lack of state funding for culture. It’s a harsh reality that many think ticket sales alone can sustain a theatre, but that’s simply not the case. This closure raises important questions about the future of art and culture in Sweden. How can we keep producing bold, innovative theatre when the system doesn’t support us? 🤔 I wonder—is this a unique issue in Sweden, or are theatres worldwide facing similar challenges? I’m eager to hear how other cultural institutions are managing in this environment. Running a theatre is a lot like running a business, but with its own set of challenges: while companies can generate profits through various products or services, theatres often rely solely on ticket sales, which aren’t enough to cover all expenses. Despite these challenges, the desire for theatre remains strong in our society. So, how can we continue to provide this vital cultural experience? 🎭 I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Konträr team during these trying times. We’re not giving up—we’re strategizing and hoping for a way forward. 🙌 While I don’t have the wealth or influence to save the theatre myself, I do have a voice. 🗣️ I hope this message resonates with those who value the arts. Let’s raise awareness, discuss what’s happening, and advocate for a future where culture is prioritized and funded. 💪 👉 If you believe in the importance of culture, please share this post to help spread the word. If you have ideas or want to support Konträr financially or in other ways, please reach out— https://kontrar.se/ Together, we can make a difference! 💬 #Konträr #SaveKonträr #CultureMatters #ArtsInCrisis #Theatre #SupportTheatre

At New Threads Theatre Company, we’re not just about telling stories—we’re about creating truly innovative theatrical events. What does that mean? It means going beyond just good storytelling. Theatre must engage all the senses and be best experienced live and in person. If a show can be filmed and enjoyed just as much on a streaming platform, it’s not theatre in the best sense of the word. We believe theatre should be handmade, homespun, and "embodied"—an event that can’t be replicated. That’s why we’re passionate about new innovations like site-specific and immersive theatre. We want to break free from the limits of realism and craft performances that are visually poetic, daring, and theatrical in ways that surprise and inspire.

Theatre isn't just about entertainment; it's a powerful alarm clock for the soul. What live production impacted you personally? Comment below! Learn more about our theatre company at https://bit.ly/49Jk0h5

Scenario-1 You have spent money to purchase the latest movie tickets, to enjoy the lavishness of theatre, or to cherish the large-scale moments at theater. While in the theatre, you decide to watch the movie later, when it will appear on various OTT or similar platforms, and surf through social media apps or sites. How many of you have done this, and how many times have you done it? Never, right? As the theatre experience is uniquely different and fun to enjoy, observe the life-sized, rather larger than life-sized, thoughtfully woven events for your entertainment. Theatre fun is impossible to get in four walls of a home. Generally, you plan such an occasion with friends and family by spending quite an amount, so you wish to be there and relish every moment of it to its maximum. You know how costly it is to see the large screen these days, and hence we generally do it once in a while, not every day or regularly. Continued...

We had a BLAST at the South Bend Civic Theatre 80's prom! While I only had a lead role in one high school musical, when I think back on the impact my short time on stage had on my life, I am reminded of the many important lessons learned! - 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: The theatre provided a space for exploration and self-expression, allowing me to delve into a diverse character, ultimately deepening my understanding of myself and others. - 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Collaborating with directors, stage crew, and cast members taught me the essence of teamwork and leadership, essential qualities in both personal and professional worlds. - 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Theatre is a playground for creativity and innovation, constantly pushing boundaries and shaking up conventional thinking. It's where I was challenged to think outside the box, and those skills have seeped into every corner of my life. - 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Whether captivating an audience on stage or delivering a pitch in the boardroom, theatre honed my communication and presentation skills, empowering me to convey ideas with authenticity, confidence and clarity. - 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: From last-minute script changes to unforeseen challenges during performances, theatre taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience, crucial traits for navigating life's twists and turns. I encourage you to celebrate the impact the Arts can have on personal and professional growth, and support our local theatre! 𝓡𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 2024 𝓢𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓼:  - The Little Mermaid: 4/26-5/12 - Twelfth Night: 6/28-7/14 - Anything Goes: 7/26-8/11 - The Play that Goes Wrong: 10/4-10/6 - The Birds: 10/18-10/27 - Finding Nemo: 11/15-11/23 - All is Calm: 12/13-12/15 #theatre #lifelessons #selfdiscovery #growthmindset #thoughtleadership

A thought on theatre, accessibility and literature in 3 parts. Part 1: I recently saw a quote from the incomparable Catherine Tate that spoke to the need to make theatre tickets accessible, and she's not wrong. Accessible tickets like the groundling spots for 5£ make theatre a realistic outing for people who are usually excluded. However, flying to London from Mexico Missouri for those 5£ tickets is not accessible and not everyone has a local quality theatre hanging around. Part 2: I believe the most accessible ticket to a theatre show today is a streaming service subscription like Marquee TV or BBC Iplayer which is free if you have a TV license in the house (or not if you want to be cheeky and just click the button - but don't bc BBC needs money). I personally have watched King Richard the II, Othello, 12th Night, McBeth, Much Ado About Nothing and many more during the pandemic when all those plays were made available online with an all star cast like David Tennant, Stephen Fry, Catherine Tate, Mark Rylance and many more. I would not have read those plays and been able to glean as much from them without seeing these professionals perform their craft. Part 3 (the most important bit): Theatre is just walking literature, as a society, at least in America we have seen a radical drop in literacy skills amongst college students (I know professors who have stoped assigning readings all together). Theatre is a connection based social art form that is chalk full of amazing vocabulary that chisels emotional intelligence into its audience. So please, can we start seeing these amazing performances on Netflix, Disney+ Hulu and Amazon rather than just dedicated streaming services? I think the world could use it. #theater #accessibility #streaming #streamingservices #literacy

In a world driven by technology and rapid change, performing arts and live theatre hold a unique and irreplaceable place in our lives. Live performances bring people together, creating a shared experience that fosters community and connection. Each show is a unique interaction between the audience and performers, making it a one-of-a-kind event. Theatre reflects the diverse tapestry of human experience, offering stories from different cultures, perspectives, and voices. It challenges us to see the world through others' eyes, promoting empathy and understanding. The performing arts are a celebration of creativity, offering artists a platform to express ideas, emotions, and narratives in innovative ways. This creativity inspires audiences and fuels imagination. Live theatre has the power to move us, provoke thought, and elicit deep emotional responses. It can entertain, educate, and inspire change, often leaving a lasting impact on its audience. The arts contribute significantly to the economy, supporting jobs and tourism. They also play a crucial role in education, enhancing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Support your local theatres and performing artists. Their work enriches our communities and lives in countless ways! #PerformingArts #LiveTheatre #Community #Creativity #CulturalDiversity

Here’s the link to sign up for our #ActGreen 3 webinar. The biggest and most comprehensive view yet of audience views on sustainability in cultural organisations.

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One day, dear students I will be proud that you might write: “I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification from Harvard University. Thank you, CS50!” #Harvard #Python #ComputerScience #Coding #Programming #Software #CS50 and 🐥as AI Tutor is one of my favourite recommendations. CS stands Computer Science. Harvard Online university.