Is Talent Enough?

At the Strand Theater we have decided that we have a strictly no a-holes policy. I guess you don't really need to decide you don't want to works with a-holes, it is kind of a given, but we are going to trial and error it. If it turns out an a-hole slips through the cracks, then we never work with that person again. When we find hard-working, dedicated, lovely people, we hold onto them tightly and never let them go.

I have often heard that it takes a lot of talent to give someone permission to be a diva, or a-hole, or what have you. For some reason, if you acheive enough fame, or money, or status you should be given permission to treat others unkindly, or take them for granted. I disagree.

Speaking purely from the community theater stand point, everyone is doing this job for free! With everyone being a volunteer, it becomes crucial that the experience is pleasant for everyone. I realize theater can sometimes be a melting pot for different egos, etc, but we have decided to to our part to stop the a-holes! I mean, if we can weed them out, and give an actor or crew member an experience they have never had...um, a production with no backstage drama, then maybe everyone will realize that it can be better. There is hope. And if no one caters to the a-hole, then how long can they really survive being an a-hole?

I mean, if an a-hole demands a their own dressing room, or ice cream cone, and no one is there to give it to them...do they really make a sound?