An open letter to the "Walter Plunts" of this world regarding your Finley "feedback" - civility being wasted on u
Y'know what, having read the churlish complaints by the abovenamed in a related thread about the Finleys I took it as a comment about what the ITA does and what the ITA doesn't do (particularly with regard the Finleys) so I thought I'd shame a few of you "Walter Plunts" for the hell of it because you deserve taking down a peg or two.
I thought I could shake off your comments but y'know what, SURPRISE, I couldn't.
Not in a heartbeat.
I dislike you simply because you're anonymous.
No, truely. (this post is starting to become Pinter-like in prose - sorry 'bout that).
I think you're the worst thing about amateur theatre - ego unchecked and unchallenged.
We need you like we need a dose of piles (I was going to say syphillis but it's a moderated forum).
You offer nothing constructive which is rude and you're rude....which is unforgiveable. Let me stoop to your level (except you know who I am) because I wanted to see what it was like.
Feels good - think I'll continue.
Here's the challenge - do you sit on Walter Plunt's side of the fence or not? If so, read on.
I'm the outgoing ITA treasurer. I filled the role of treasurer this year and did a damn good job if I may say so as did those before me. I filled the role because THE LACK OF VOLUNTEERS FROM THE AFFILIATE CLUBS WAS ASTOUNDING. Everyone get that? Good, lets move on.
Let's make sure it doesn't happen again Walter. You have a mouth obviously, wanna job?
Yeah...thought not.
I work over 60 hours a week in a professional capacity and like you all I enjoy being involved in amateur theatre in something other than an administration role. Sometimes my role as treasurer chews up my (whole freaking)weekend whilst I'm juggling lines (script, not the drug) and professional commitments. I have Friday off - thats my time.
Up til now I haven't complained.
Up til now.
You people who complain about what we do and don't do - you who hide behind your "Walter Plunt" pseudonyms - how many of you are on your local theatres' committee? (kudos to Jeff Hansen in the related thread - cogent argument eloquently put - we don't have a solution to it as yet but at least it was reasonably argued and you're doing something for local theatre at a committee level, well done mate).
While I'm at it (and to prove I'm unbiased) I understand that "Alias" comments were made from the heart although your intent may have been misinterpreted (negative feedback isn't necessarily WRONG feedback). You are wrong about bias though - just trust me on this 
Look at the average age of your local theatre committee - how old are they? Is the average age increasing? Why is that?
Could it be the youngbloods of the "I-generation" want to be fed roles and do little else?
(I'm assuming you're young and immature Walter Plunt - if not, hang your head in freaking shame).
If so, continue your whinging - sooner or later there will be no-one to listen.
Obviously there are people in the forums who want change.
Who has the balls to promote it?
Hmmmmmmmmm?
Yeah, thought not.
Go back to sleep Walter.
How many of the Walters who complain turn up at AGMs?
How many Walters THANK the adjudicators for VOLUNTEERING their time to turn up at their shows?
How many Walters ask to bring their ideas to the ITA meetings? (we're a committee, not an autocracy).
How many Walters think "y'know, maybe they've done this in response to feedback they've had before"
(sound of crickets chirping)
Yep, thought so.
I like reasoned arguments.
I love people who debate and promote constructive feedback.
I despise cowards and people who use the word "suck" or "crap" without being at least a partways witty whenever they provide feedback on this site, e.g "I think the ITA suck-seed". (That would be at least funny in principle and I could high five it).
Walter Plunt, you stand accused of having complained without offering anything more than that - you don't deserve the Finleys, Dramafest, Masterclasses or anything else for that matter.
Suffer in your jocks!!! (it's a moderated forum - I'd be more explicit in person)
THE ITA WILL DIE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.
Attend the ITA AGM and change my view that we have leeches like "Walter Plunt" in our community - please.
By the way, I can vouch that I'm not an orphan - certain others in our committee work longer hours professionally or commit to other leadership roles in the theatre community other than the ITA.
I write this from a very deep concern that the ITA faces a crises in regard to having fresh blood driving it in the years ahead.
It makes me angry.
I saw a lot of happy faces at the Finleys last Saturday catching up with old friends in a relaxed environment. I drove Beryl Silvester who has interracted in the Perth theatre community for the better part of 5 decades to the night and she caught up with many people she hadn't seen in many a long year. The Finleys isn't about awards solely people - it's about coming together, fellowship, having a drink with old mates, running into people you haven't seen in years.
I ran around like a mad sod most of the night doing this and that and gave the most apalling best actor/best actress ntro ever in the history of the awards but I had fun and I'm not ashamed we didn't give out an award for "Best Lighting" or "Best Sound".......oh hang on, we did....but I guess you had to be there.
Get involved people or cease your complaining.
Here endeth the lesson.
Thank you to the majority who provided heartfelt and thoughtful response to the initial forum - lots to be taken from your comments. However, if you missed the night, you missed Perth Theatre coming together (right now as "the beatles" said)
"Phew" - I feel better now.
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