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Post by Stephen on Aug 13, 2018 18:10:39 GMT
Man, you guys are so welcoming to future theatregoers. I honestly would hate to give that impression. I just think there are other great initiatives that encourage the healthier side of going to the theatre. £10 tickets to James Graham plays for example! There's going to be young people begging their parents to pay £85 because they want to meet someone they admire for a minute. Maybe I just don't really get it. |
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Post by viserys on Aug 13, 2018 18:13:20 GMT
Yea, the responses here are so delightfully British, they made me laugh out loud. I think (as an outsider looking in from abroad) that the British are just far more down to Earth about that kind of thing while Americans are more effusive in their appreciation (see also: entrance applause for performers, the whole stage door circus on Broadway these days, etc.).
However, I think the major difference to the more common sci-fi/fantasy conventions is that those are usually the only chance for fans to meet actors from their favorite shows in the flesh during signing sessions, posing for photos, etc., buy collectibles, merchandise, etc. and of course also dress up for cosplay. I haven't attended a con myself, but I have friends who go fairly regularly and their reports always make me a bit jealous. One's been "collecting" meetings with the cast of Firefly across various conventions through the years and her quest is almost complete by now.
When it comes to theatre though, there's always the option to meet performers at the stage door for photos and signatures, buy merchandise in the theatre and so on. And while I'm sure there are people who've re-created costumes of their favorite shows/roles, the "cosplay" thing isn't really an element (or I'm just too old and lame to know about them). So I'm really not sure what people will get out of this StageCon, but while I'm doubtful, I'll be happy to be proven wrong. At least Q&A panels or workshops could be a fun and unique thing.
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Post by 49thand8th on Aug 13, 2018 18:23:20 GMT
I think perhaps you are taking what for the most part are tongue in cheek comments about the convention scene in general far too seriously. I've just read the whole thread and see nothing that I would consider unwelcoming It's that and the snobbery and gatekeeping I've already seen with BroadwayCon — fans and actors assuming it's an entire day or two or three of the stage door experience when it's not really like that. Enthusiasm? OK! We were all nerds once. I didn't get into theatre until I was 16 and even then the internet wasn't that easily accessed, so I didn't know what I was missing. These kids are missing something and need validation as far as their relatively niche interests. The thing about StageCon is that because the UK is that much smaller, I imagine it's not as huge a deal to go to London from some parts as it would be to go to NYC from many parts of the US. |
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Post by andrew on Aug 13, 2018 18:27:29 GMT
It seems a little weird that the tickets for that will include access to ALL M&Gs, as these are usually extras. I am afraid that if someone more famous is announced they will put extra tix for pics/autographs with them.
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Post by sophie92 on Aug 13, 2018 18:57:37 GMT
It seems a little weird that the tickets for that will include access to ALL M&Gs, as these are usually extras. I am afraid that if someone more famous is announced they will put extra tix for pics/autographs with them. Well, the tickets include the opportunity to book access to all M&Gs. Nearer to the event you have to register for the sessions you want to attend, so you could spend all that money and end up not getting to attend any of the panels/workshops/M&Gs that you wanted. |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Aug 13, 2018 18:59:32 GMT
This sounds tragic ! Can’t imagine who would go to this- apart from the strange Carrie Hope Fletcher stalkers.
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Post by 49thand8th on Aug 13, 2018 19:00:35 GMT
This sounds tragic ! Can’t imagine who would go to this- apart from the strange Carrie Hope Fletcher stalkers. See? |
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Stage Con
Aug 13, 2018 20:09:48 GMT
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Post by martello736 on Aug 13, 2018 20:09:48 GMT
How big is Shoreditch Town Hall? In my mind a town hall is one room the size of a high school drama studio with a tiny little kitchen attached. Maybe I’m thinking of a village hall. Not really sure if this is good value or not as they’ve been very vague about what will actually be happening. Think I’ll hold off until I know for sure if I’ll be able to get a long overdue photo with Elphaba and Glinda in costume  |
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Post by alece10 on Aug 13, 2018 20:16:31 GMT
How big is Shoreditch Town Hall? In my mind a town hall is one room the size of a high school drama studio with a tiny little kitchen attached. Maybe I’m thinking of a village hall. Not really sure if this is good value or not as they’ve been very vague about what will actually be happening. Think I’ll hold off until I know for sure if I’ll be able to get a long overdue photo with Elphaba and Glinda in costume It's big. 2 level theatre with large foyer and lots of side rooms. Not Excel size but plenty big enough for that kind of event. |
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Post by kathryn on Aug 13, 2018 20:34:26 GMT
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 13, 2018 21:34:12 GMT
I don’t want to meet performers. Why would I? Let’s keep that fourth wall firmly in place. You do your thing up on your stage, I’ll do mine in my rather expensive seat. I pay, you perform. It’s a business relationship not a friendship.
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Stage Con
Aug 13, 2018 22:06:12 GMT
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Post by learfan on Aug 13, 2018 22:06:12 GMT
I've now given this some thought. Shoreditch Town Hall seems somewhat lacking in confidence as a venue, but I assume - in fact know - that Excel is booked. Personally, I've never paid for an autograph except as part of a charity auction, and there's no way I'm starting now. Worse, at least some of those appearing you can get their autograph free at the stage door any time. The price is just ridiculous to me, if you add on that you have to buy autographs after that. I'd see some justification if it included actual time with people, but it doesn't. I've a suspicion this will be reasonably well organised, in that artists will show up and there will be stalls, but that tickets may be available on a Time Out deal nearer the time. I do wonder if there will be enough to do even to justify the cost of the ticket, though, for those attending. Venue choice seemed v odd to me too. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2018 23:26:14 GMT
I'd like to see what guest prices are for signatures and photos are as with these events entry costs are usually lower and then the money is made on the signings and talks. I'd certainly want to know what £80 got you before stumping up if I was likely to attend.
Surely this sort of event should look to get veteran performers who may not appear on stage much now to do talks and signings, the older fans would like this.
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Post by CG on the loose on Aug 14, 2018 0:48:49 GMT
I'd like to see what guest prices are for signatures and photos are as with these events entry costs are usually lower and then the money is made on the signings and talks. I'd certainly want to know what £80 got you before stumping up if I was likely to attend. Surely this sort of event should look to get veteran performers who may not appear on stage much now to do talks and signings, the older fans would like this. Their website gives more info on what's included, although as has been pointed out above, you can't book individual sessions until 4 weeks prior to the event, so you could shell out the entry fee and not get into the sessions you want to attend. stagecon.co.uk/index.html |
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Post by mistressjojo on Aug 14, 2018 0:49:40 GMT
I'd like to see what guest prices are for signatures and photos are as with these events entry costs are usually lower and then the money is made on the signings and talks. I'd certainly want to know what £80 got you before stumping up if I was likely to attend. Surely this sort of event should look to get veteran performers who may not appear on stage much now to do talks and signings, the older fans would like this. Looking at the web page it says autographs & photos are included in the price, you just have to book a slot. *If* you wanted this from all the performers attending then the ticket price is quite reasonable (not withstanding the fact that you could get them for free at stage doors if you put in the effort). Otherwise it's a lot for a few Q&A panels and merchandise stalls. And shouldn't it be called 'Musical-Con' ? Where's all the 'straight' actors? |
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Post by alece10 on Aug 14, 2018 5:59:24 GMT
Although I like the idea in principle I don't think I would stump up £86 for the list of actors showing so far. Not exactly "A" list is it.
Seems to be aimed at they younger female audience so far.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 14, 2018 6:15:40 GMT
I wonder how long before theatre tickets start coming with a meet and greet for an extra thirty quid. I’m surprised ATG aren’t on it already.
“Band V: VIP Package. Treat yourself to the full experience. Includes a nibble box (may contain nuts), a teeny bottle of warm Chardonnay, programme, thimble sized ice cream at half time and exclusive meet and greet with Elphaba in the Ambassador Lounge pre-show”.
*terms and conditions apply.
Price does not include photo
Specific artists cannot be guaranteed.
Artist will have played Elphaba at some point in career
Do not touch artist.
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Post by HereForTheatre on Aug 14, 2018 7:51:34 GMT
Okay, so first off it costs A LOT to put on an event like this in terms of just the basics. It's the first time out, they haven't got a million sponsors because everyone knows about it and wants to jump on the bandwagon like other big conventions. They have no idea the level of interest. They need to cover their costs and give themselves a safety net. I understand that not everyone can afford the prices like this and that's hugely disappointing, but i think that it's worth backing it and hopefully we can see the price drop a bit in future years as it becomes financially more secure for them.
This also goes hand in hand with the other complaints so far about the venue and guests so far. It's their first time doing this. No convention started as big as they are now.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 14, 2018 8:32:16 GMT
If it’s a success the price won’t drop, it will go up.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2018 8:39:15 GMT
I don't think anyone here is having a go at the attendees? from what I've read (and posted) we're all veering towards either 'Interesting but not really my bag' to a terribly British 'OH IT'LL BE A DISASTER' (but not really wishing them ill)
I rather see it as Monkey's Donkey analogy, but I hope I'm proven wrong!
(and yes, if I was 15 years younger I'd probably have begged for tickets for my Birthday or something. Now I'm 15 years older, grumpy and poor so I don't want to be in that particular 'room where it happens')
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Post by HereForTheatre on Aug 14, 2018 8:41:45 GMT
If it’s a success the price won’t drop, it will go up. Not necessarily. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 14, 2018 8:47:41 GMT
But most likely. Why would whoever organises this want to drop the price as something gets more successful? It flies in the face of the entertainment industry. And given that what they are essentially doing here is selling performers, I’m not getting warm feelings about altruism.
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Stage Con
Aug 14, 2018 9:23:04 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2018 9:23:04 GMT
If it’s a success the price won’t drop, it will go up. Not necessarily. But almost certainly - basic economics, supply and demand. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2018 9:28:14 GMT
Ooh spotted a bit of snarky shade being thrown by a theatre critic who probably wishes they'd thought of it to be 'down with the kids' as they so desperately seem to want to be.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2018 11:21:02 GMT
I just had a proper look at the website. Looking at that, there are some big companies with reputations on the line. That has to count for something. Reading how they plan to do things, the location now seems more appropriate too. I think the key sticking points now are first, what we said on here about people being able to get into the activities they actually want to do. Second, it's going to be managing expectations at £85 per ticket. That's a huge chunk and it'll take more than two or three chats with actors to satisfy most lashing out that. If the organisers can really demonstrate that they can actually deliver the stars advertised and quality features - really good NYC style collectors stalls, top-quality stage presentations and discussions, they may yet have a real hit. I think my own position is now shifting from cynical to curious... ... now, does anyone know where I can get a field, a donkey corpse and a convicted Father Christmas, please? You know how we were the rebel group who broke away from WOS....well.... I think I'm with the Monkey, curious (like George the Monkey) but not enough to shell out £85 even if I had it spare (plus travel, accommodation etc). I'd love an event with decent talks, mini performances etc and a chance to buy the kind of quality theatre tat that the American events like BCEFA events do so well. Who knows maybe if it takes off in years to come I will part with some cash to go...but likely not this time around. |
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