Offstage > The Green Room
The Big "Thank You Notes" Thread!
Maribeth:
Thank you notes are a matter of personal preference- I think it's up to you when to deliver them. It's easiest before people leave town so if there are going to be more people around for soft opening that would be gone by fancy opening, I (personally) would do them at soft opening.
You could ask the PM- if they say no, then they say no. You could also email the folks directly and say, "I have a card that I was hoping to give you, but since I didn't catch you before you left town, is there a mailing address I could send it to?"
Dart:
Here I am with yet another question!
My second play at the same theatre in a row is about to open. Since rehearsals for #2 began on opening week for #1, and since I've also been working rentals at this same theatre, my relationship with my PM and TD hasn't changed - I have even sent texts asking for things related to #1, #2, and a rental at the same time.
I am, of course, writing thank-you notes for the director, designers, and production team, and break-a-leg notes for the actors. I'm planning on writing notes for the PM and TD as well, but my question is: Is there a point, in working with the same people and same theatre, in which you're writing these too often? Do resident SMs write thank-you notes every time?
I see thank-you notes as a nice gesture for people whose work you value, and I don't want to seem obnoxious!
Edited to add topic tag. - Maribeth
BayAreaSM:
For me, I've only written thank yous for directors and actors. Way back in the day I would include designers, but I was never one for going beyond that into regular company staff positions (TD, PM, Costume Shop Manager, etc).
My last "big" straight play was in 2008, and after that my residency at a ballet really took off - so with the same group of dancers, artistic staff and lighting designer all season long, no one was writing Thank You cards. Since then I've done smaller projects, lasting no more than 2 weeks and no one writes cards or notes for those either (except for a very thankful Director who was a friend of mine). I'd say focus on the new people for each show, the people there every day - and if you want, expand into designers. Otherwise I think you're going overboard.
Maribeth:
Thank you notes are great- especially if they are heartfelt and personal. I think thank you notes are a personal choice and if that's what feels right to you, then go for it. But, if you're concerned about it being overkill, consider another expression of gratitude, like doughnuts at an early meeting or the first round of beers. :)
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