2002/2003 ariZoni-nominated actress and current local diva Andi Watson weighs in on the discussion between Wes Martin and Bobb Cooper about the ariZoni Awards.
Mark S.P. Turvin
mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Received 8/5/03

Subject: ariZoni Awards
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2003 19:19:50 -0700
From: Andi Watson <***@***.***>
To: Mark S.P. Turvin

Hey Mark!

I have been keeping up with the latest 'issue' (Lisa Arnseth Inquiry, Wes Martin & Bobb Cooper's Respones, Wes' Reply) on your site, and while I vowed to keep out of things (for fear of committing career suicide), I'm just too damn opinionated.

So, here's just a tidbit from a simple actress who doesn't have to deal with running a company nor an awards organization:

First of all, I worked in the business office for a local theatre some time back. At that time, I had a list of the ariZoni adjudicators in my office and as they made their reservations, they were simply crossed off the list. Before the opening of each production, I made an attempt to contact those that had not made reservations. That's all I did. There were only a couple of shows that didn't have all of the judges present. There was an occasional missing adjudicator, but I didn't fret over it. It wasn't my job to do so.

Second, we're missing a HUGE point that The Shakespeare Theatre is a SHAKESPEARE theatre. While some of us share a deep passion for the classics, mainstream Joe and Jane audience member would usually prefer to see some kind of bubblegum musical or daring contemporary drama. The bottom line is that it will ALWAYS be more difficult to find people motivated to see Shakespeare or the classics. In fact, I believe that Mr. Martin has admitted that he, himself, won't go see other shows. How can one expect a behavior from others that they aren't willing to exhibit themselves?

I think that there is a reason that the ariZoni's sell out so quickly every year. The artists in the Valley love and appreciate the recognition, but it's also a chance to see each other and catch up on the latest and greatest in theatre. It's an opportunity to meet and see people that you've only heard or read about this season. Last, but certainly not least, having the ariZoni Awards demonstrates to us that theatre in Arizona still MEANS something!!! Everyone knows that theatre people love a good party but not one of us wants to host the damn thing!

That's where Mr. Cooper and the ariZoni committee come in. Granted, the method isn't perfect and the ceremony isn't without its own flaws. However, the flaws and the faults are usually the number one reason that artists have a passion for live theatre. True?

Maybe I'm trying to be a little too 'Suzy Sunshine', but I do believe that the ariZoni awards mean something. If they weren't SO important to some people, I don't think there would be any 'complaining' about the problems. (Especially not loudly or frequently.) I'll also take this moment to mention that my fiance won an ariZoni award last year for his performance as Puck with THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE. Do you believe that his Best Actor award for YOUR theatre was the result of a flawed process, Wes, or are you okay with that one?

I didn't think that Mr. Cooper was condescending, but was defensive of an ideal and a process that was under attack. "WHY HAS THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON EVERY SINGLE PRODUCTION OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD?" I certainly don't think that Mr. Cooper is personally responsible for a faulty process that has been in effect since before he took the helm. These are flaws that have existed for at least five years, then, yes?

Just some ramblings from an outsider looking in, I guess.

Hey Bobb...it's not your fault. Sometimes life sucks, but think of it this way, it gets handed off to some poor Schmoe next time, right??

Hey Wes...lighten up.

Regards,

Andi Watson