Should we quit having CASA General Assemblies?

[Karen Hemmerle]

Right now, we have three people (other than Darla and me) signed up to attend the October GA. There's just no way this is a workable number of people for a GA. I understand the reasons why people quit attending in 2008, but over the last year, we really haven't seen attendance come back to the numbers that make the GA work. At this point, I'm seriously tempted to cancel the General Assemblies.

Do you hundreds of CASA members want the GAs to continue? Will you attend them? Is there some change we can make to lure you back?

I really need to hear some feedback, and know that someone is going to attend.

Karen

[Jim Brennan]

We have in the past done scenes where we have the cold read first and then had someone give direction and had the actors do it again. I think that worked well. We would need to develop a way to mete out that responsibility (directing) in an effective way.

As for the amount of scripts, my guess is that we don't have to "cut down" since we aren't getting much participation at all at the moment. In the past we have limited the amount of pages and scripts beforehand, but we have never done it as a workshop, which is what it sounds like you are describing. I personally believe there is value in that, because as a writer and director I know there would be a lot to learn from watching other people's work in a more thorough way than typically happens at the GA. The caveat is the perception of it seeming a bit exclusive. The one thing I have always loved about CASA is that the actors cold read the first crappy script I brought them. That was one of the things that kept me coming back.

All good points and worth discussing though. I have my opinions, which I voiced, but my commitment to CASA (my lack of recent attendance at the GA notwithstanding) is unflagging. It is a great resource and it needs to continue.

Sometimes the fear of death helps you live more vibrantly. So thanks Karen, for the shot of adrenaline...and the fear of death ;-)

[Tanya Ishikawa]

I like your ideas and perspective, Haylar.
I really like the GAs and they were very important to me when I first started getting more serious about screenwriting and film. I'm so glad they were there for me.
I have not attended more than 2-3 a year recently because of scheduling conflicts.
Tanya

[Leigh Ann Otte]

Um ... er ... OK, it's possible that I'm just the most selfish oaf in CASA, but I have a sneaking suspicion most people--like me--aren't as generous as people like Karen, Darla and Jim. I don't even understand how you guys can be so unselfish. You're like these generous alien entertainment-industry beings who have swooped down to unite the indie film industry with love, respect and helping, helping, helping. ... Over the top a bit? OK, I'll scale back. Moving on ...

I do love being able to help up-and-coming actors in CASA by giving the best, most thorough constructive criticism I can. However, I'd not be inclined to take four hours out of my Saturday (and drive all that way; I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a drive to the Bug) ONLY to help out. And that's never why I've gone to CASA. I've gone because I got something out of it.

I know that's not what anyone's suggesting; we all believe in what CASA gives us individually; but I guess I'm saying that I think in order to get people--newbies and pros--to come, CASA will need to spread the message, "You'll get all kinds of great stuff out of it! You! Yes, you!"

What stuff do you get out of it? For actors:

---------
Workshop your audition monologues FOR FREE! Industry professionals offer constructive criticism to help your performance become the best it can be.

Plus, hone your cold-reading skills like you never thought possible. Jump onstage with a local screenwriter's script, and in a matter of seconds, you're acting it out! Learn to get out of your head and into your instincts--like you have to in the real world, outside the acting theory classes.

Sound scary? CASA is a supportive community made up of people from all levels. You're welcome to lurk and watch, but be warned, it's so fun, you'll probably be hopping on stage before the afternoon is out. Besides, what have you got to lose? It's all FREE!

Networking, audition practice and more. Come hob-knob with and learn from Colorado's indie producers, writers and actors.
------------

As an aside, if you do consider lectures, maybe keep them to 15 minutes and require that they teach something and stick around for at least that CASA meeting to offer constructive criticism. (You could word it like, "We just ask that ..."--something diplomatic.) I'd expect their motive to be getting students into their classes--and that's a great motive to appeal to to get pros there (maybe even regularly?)--but yes, it's a good idea also to make clear that they're expected to do something more than just pitch a class.

The more people CASA can lure in who have some experience--no matter their motive--the better.

The criticism I've heard about CASA is it's a bunch of amateur wannabes. On the one hand, if people with experience keep leaving CASA, they can hardly be justified in blaming it for being made up of people with less experience. On the other hand, CASA does have to do its part to woo experienced pros if it wants to beat that reputation. Even if that means appealing to selfish motives.

Sincerely,

Leigh Ann
Selfish-Business-Motives Expert
Let ME use YOU!
(hee hee ...)

[CoachDalton]

Karen,
I understand your point, however a mutually supportive group only works when everyone is mutually supportive of everyone, including members who hawk their businesses. Personally, I give free advice all the time and advertise my workshops on the boards. I think it's a fair "give and take" process.

We are all here for two reasons, to learn something from one another AND to get work. Am I wrong?

So, are we mutually supportive of only those who DON'T have a business to pitch? Then maybe the actors should stop asking anyone to hire them. I mean, we are all our own business, right?

just thought i'd stir things up a bit

-CoachDalton

[Todd Bradley]

I don't think I know these mythical people that nobody will name names of but who used to attend CASA and now don't. So, would someone kindly summarize their beef with the GA? And perhaps more importantly, if CASA has an image problem of being insular and catty, then not naming names is just going to perpetuate that. If you've got a criticism, speak up and share it; don't hide.

And with respect to Karen's comment about how "until Cheryl wants to change things" then they're going to stay the same: I've attended around 20 CASA events over the past 3 years, and I don't think I've ever met Cheryl. I'm sure she's awesome and all, but if she herself isn't participating regularly then why are we constrained to use her original mold? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but if changes need to be made and the original creator isn't around to make them, you should feel free to make them yourself. That's how communities work.

[Darla Rae]

I will way in on all of these comments individually or at least the best that I can,however I am way too frustrated with the majority of
what has been said.Just so everyone knows I have spent hours meeting with agents,actors,schools,and other
related groups trying to promote CASA and all of the benefits which Leigh Ann and Mikey and all have mentioned.
Made flyers and had them distributed to people directly.Not going to do FB page because we have a CASA page and site.If the membership can't get it from that and bring people along then it's not worth it. By the way most schools,agents,coaches,don't want to spread the word because it will take away from their classes,and if they tell you otherwise it's a lot of bunk.That's what I was told.
We kept with the same format because that is what we had been instructed to do.We also had asked for feedack,and received none.We asked the question at the schmoozer event last year by those in attendance,both oldies and newbies.(The question what do you like about CASA?What would you like to see happen different at CASA?The bottome line is someone even said I only come for the free candy?Really?No candy,no show!
I spent my own money having an event schmoozer this time last year and we started having some pretty good attendance.
We even gave out giveaways in an effort to raise interest,and market to a different group.I can't afford to do that every month.

As far as scheduling and notifications going out in advance ?The mtg is always the 2nd SAT of the month unless the BUG has a conflict.We understand that people have paying GIGs and the bottome line that is what matters.But keep in mind we set our schedule around our paying GIGS as well to have the BUG open.
Yes many people left because they thought their talent level was too high to be bothered with new writers material,and the same regarding writers not wanting their stuff read by beginning actors.Like it or not it caused a division in CASA which hasn't been pretty,and certainly did not give off a good vibe in the community.I know many people who are listed as a member yet they never come or if they come it's once in a blue moon.Then they are the very ones trashing CASA around town.
In case you don't know by now.I'm passionate about my craft,and helping others.

Like Dalton,Karen Jim, Ken,Gary,and myself all give a lot of free advise. All of us are professional and have specific areas of expertise, yet at the same time we are willing to learn new stuff as well.
You can't SPICE anything up without regular attendance.If you make a plan and nobody shows then once again you've wasted your time.

As far as people having a negative experience?We have all felt that way at CASA at one time or another.So why not try a different approach and give it another shot.
I love to help newbies in any way I can. I don't mind sharing what I've learned over the years in the industry.
What I mind is when RESPECT is not a two way street. Mark mentions protective and cliquish ,something which will always exist within a large group with those who have a common thread.Some times it's about length of time and people making an actual connection to someone in the group.I can tell you personally that I have been a victim of the very same thing.I sit there and watch the same old thing happen month after month.But the only way to get around it is to enter into conversations,and let people know
your there and want to help.Perception is a difficult topic,because it's hard to change one's perception from the outside in.I hope you will come back Mark and let us try to help you change your perception of CASA.
It's been a great asset for me personally and I hope it will continue to be for others in the future.
Since my lay off from Lockheed Martin last week I am now fulltime working to make the most out of my company Film It Productions. So with that being said my last meeting hosting CASA will be at this months meeting on SAT.Oct 10th.
I will be in attendance if and when I can,however if anyone needs help you know where to find me.

Cheers,
Darla Rae
Executive Producer,Director,Actor
CEO
Film It Productions

[Mark Dissette]

You make very good points Darla I will endeavor to change myself and strive to challenge others and learn as I go hopefully others will do the same.

[Jim Brennan]

I sit on boards and committees for a bunch of non-profits and educational agencies. Let me assure everyone that what we are talking about here is not unique to CASA. Everyone struggles with identity and participation. We are just facing an extreme of that.

One of the things that has CASA at a disadvantage is that it has no official leadership. Cheryl is great and founded a wonderful organization, but she is not in town much. Darla and Karen have taken up the mantle of hosting the GA. There are a number of moderators like David who approve photos, members and manage the forums on the site. But, unlike most organizations, there is no active, present and official head of CASA. So we are like kids in a playground,, wandering in and out, wondering who is playing what game, where it's at and if we could/should participate.

That brings me to one of the most important lessons I have ever learned. Whether you are talking about an individual or an organization, it is imperative that you understand and define your core competency. We can talk about speakers, or workshops or whatever we want. But what is CASA? What is the purpose of the GA? My opinion is:

The GA is a facilitated environment that allows actors and writers the opportunity to show their skills, garner feedback and network.

The key word there is FACILITATED. There is a difference between facilitation and teaching. Facilitation creates an interactive environment for all members of the community. That is the magic of the GA for me. I like workshops and lectures and I attend them often. I wish more people took advantage of them. But I don't think it is the purpose of the GA. I do believe it is appropriate for people to come in and make a pitch for themselves or their organization or company during announcements. But then we should move on to what we are really about: Actors reading scripts and monologues.

That is (IMHO) our core competency.

Of course, it's all moot if nobody shows up. How much of this is cyclical and how much is the result of something else is hard for me to say, especially since I have not been to the GA since early last Spring. I do know that this is not a new question. In the 6 or so years I have been involved in CASA I have seen attendance go up and down and people come and go.

[Haylar Garcia]

it is this exactly, that many years ago, made me bury my head in my own computer and work
outside the community.
So many opinnions and ideas, all of which have some sort of merit, but none are the complete answer.
In the end, the two things i think need to be decided are:

1. What is the actual purpose of a physical General Assembly.

2. How do we accomplish that purpose most effectively.

If after answering those two questions, you do not have something that benefits the attendees
then the GA's might as well become extinct.

It's just like cutting or keeping a scene from a film.
Does it actually have a purpose or not?

-H 09

[Paddy]

The Bug Theatre will remain open and available to CASA in whatever format CASA wants to pursue.

p

[Zee]

Having been actively involved in CASA for years before moving to Massachusetts, and being involved in a similar community here in Massachusetts that does not have a GA (www.ourfilmspace.com), I think I could safely say that the lack of a GA here has in no way put a damper on the community growing and thriving. There are regular get togethers sponsored by the online community's founder here, as well as many other networking events, and folks regularly meet to on their own to accomplish the same kinds of things the CASA GA does.

That said, I hope to pass through Denver in February when we hope to show Bridge Crusader at a Not So Hollywood night, and would love to come to a GA to catch up with everyone.

[Eloise Myfanwy Morris]

I think I would like to attend the assembly, the only reason I've never responded is that I'm a bit foggy on what the GA is. Couls you let me know?