No one can deny that any theatre piece is a team effort. There is, however, some argument on the dynamics of the team. Some say that the components of a team are like cogs in a wheel. The different pieces must fit together, with ones strengths filling anothers weaknesses and vice versa. Some even go as far as to say that in order for productions to be truly cohesive, those who work closely should be settled or friendly outside the workplace, since all too frequently in life we do not check our social baggage at the door. This perspective I think applies not only to technical workers but also the actors. As I witnessed first hand in Our Town, a cast that doesn't love working and working together can still create a substantial work but will lack the magic that could have been portrayed to the audience through the love of each other and the story.
On the other hand...
There is the idea some have that people don't necessarily need to like each other, they just need to be able to do their job properly. While in some positions the "like factor" isn't necessary, I think that if you enjoy the presence of another the lines of communication are further opened and a better relationship is formed. However, once these lines are opened the relationship tracked beyond work an gets into tricky territory. If the relationship goes awry, then the work relationship is compromised and and then the entire performance can be hindered.
I realize in high school keeping that amount of professionalism can be almost impossible, as so many aspects of life cross over with those same people. But does the difficulty of keeping the drama out of theatre easen up in a bigger pool of people? Or in a community theatre production? While I used to be all for the personal relationship backstage and behind the scenes, I worry that having your heart too deep into the production can make it a bloody mess for all involved.
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