New York Times article about theater space. It is not about dance space - but about theater space with some interesting comments. The article is three pages long - so when you get to the bottom - click on 2 and then 3......<P><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>LET'S turn to the dictionary once more: a theater is supposed to be a space where important things happen, as in the theater of war, the theater of slavery or the theater of operations, where medical students watch doctors give, or rather stage, surgical demonstrations. Speaking of theater as art, Martha Graham used to say that it was a verb before it was a noun: from the Greek, meaning to view, see or contemplate; even to send ambassadors to consult oracles or attend games.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR><A HREF="http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/14/arts/14JEFF.html" TARGET=_blank>MORE</A><P> <P>

In more concrete terms, a theater should be a place in which art can be created. I'm often told that I'll enjoy working in this or that theater, only to find that the space has ancient, poorly-maintained lighting fixtures, an obsolescent control console, impossible hanging positions, etc. -- I'm supposed to enjoy working there merely because it's a pretty building.<P>Sorry, folks; there's a city park right down the street from me whose beauty far surpasses that of any theater building I've ever seen. When I enjoy working in a theater, it's because the space allows me to create my art; when I enjoy attending a theater, it's because the space allows me to see <I>other</I> people's art.<P>That's what counts; the rest is commentary.<P>------------------<BR>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<BR>Jeffrey E. Salzberg, Lighting Designer<BR>This Day in Arts History: <A HREF="http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg/arthist.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg/arthist.htm</A><BR>Online portfolio: <A HREF="http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg" TARGET=_blank>http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg</A> <BR><p>[This message has been edited by salzberg (edited January 15, 2001).]

Do you think companies are becoming more creative in their selections of performance space, due to current economic problems?

Only if "creative" has become a synonym for "desperate".