Below is a reflection on the Holiday on the Hill event held at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The day offered time to connect and strengthen relationships across our network and is recounted by Ronnie Brown, Coordinator of Marketing and Development at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.
In ancient Greece, many wars were averted or stopped by simply getting together and sharing a meal. Not that any of us are at war with each other, but do we ever get tired of seeing each other? With that question in mind, within minutes of arrival at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, at the block booking meeting, I was smiling. Seeing my colleagues in person (and on screen for those who could not make it) when I first arrived, I can’t tell you what a sensation it is to be able to meet and see people, live, around a table, with facial expressions and emotions and well… share our work, passion, and social being.
The meeting on December 18th reminded me why I love meeting live with my colleagues. First, it is nice to stay focused on the conversation, unlike being on screen and being distracted by looking out the window and watching someone heist a package off the porch. Or having to pick up my dog for her to look at the screen to realize these two-dimensional people don’t have food, which I tried to tell her, but she’s a dog and forgot by the next Zoom call. Or being in the office, forgetting to mute the mic, and have someone yell in the background: “the Pepsi order is at the front door,” or talking to another person on a cellphone in a very discreet loud mumbling.
Being live in a room, though, with all the vibe and interaction, brings sheer joy when you feel the type of connection we have, talking about artists we share! What I found fascinating was the level of discussion around how we could not only present quality artists, but how we could help each other have successful engagements between artists and audience. The problem-solving knowledge we each possess enables all of us with a mental library of facts and experience. The cooperative level of bargaining between theatres that are near each other, taking turns presenting an artist instead of direct competition and audience splitting, is unheard of in the private profit world.
After the meeting, presenters had a chance to mingle with the agents and artists who attended, adding that extra level of engagement they love to have. New projects were shared; artists had a chance to introduce themselves, and more importantly, presenters had the opportunity to “get to know” some of the people they deal with in e-mail chains and contracts. Nothing makes it easier for me to talk to an agent/artist than getting to know them and vice versa; it makes the booking and engagement even more rewarding when working on common ground. Plus, the refreshments always help break the ice into the glass!
Also, a big shout out and salute to our host Eli Lukawitz, who produced a great environment of work, food, fun, and entertainment. To have a great lunch and dinner on the same day away from home is simply a miracle for me. I loved the casual lunch followed later by an amazing dinner buffet. Then to have two extremely talented bands, the alt rock vibe of Päter, and the new country folk feel of Murray Drive, just made the evening an astounding success. A day and evening of work, laughter, food, drink, music, and wishes and hopes to see each other again soon… I can never say enough about why I love meeting live with not only all of you as colleagues, but as friends. Until we see each other (soon). ∎