A community theater in Hua Hin?

[gandalfinthai]

I wasn't sure where to put this - so I thought I try here. I am newly moved to HH and i miss doing theater. A bit about my background, I was a professional actor/director in the States and I started and ran a community theater as well for many years. I have taught theater and worked in theaters in a wide range of places outside the USA such as Hong Kong, Japan and Syria. I enjoy working with non-professionals ( folks who have no experience) as well as seasoned pros.

As far as I know, HH doesn't have anything like this. So, I thought I would reach out and see if there was interest in starting something. I do not speak Thai, so it would have to be primarily in English, although I see no reason why Thais who have some English could not participate. And if you like theater but are reluctant to get onstage, there are so many other areas that are creative and fun - designing, building, handling the box office or business aspects, running lights or sound.

I don't envision this as a profit making venture - rather as a voluntary community group. It could be a lot of fun and it is a great way of spending creative time with like-minded folks while doing something that contributes to the joy of the place.

At any rate, if you are interested let me know and if there are enough of us - I'll call a meeting and we can throw ideas around and see what happens.

Ted Guhl

[Dannie Boy]

As I'm sure others will expand on, the biggest obstacle are work permits for farangs, so as good an idea as it is, it probably doesn't have a chance, but good luck all the same.

[margaretcarnes]

I think it's an excellent idea. Unfortunately as an ex expat I wouldn't benefit from it now, but if something like that had been going on when I lived in HH I would certainly have supported it.

Yes - the work permit issue is a major consideration. But don't let it stop you trying. What you are suggesting is what in the UK would be called a 'not for profit' organisation. But in Thailand this - along with any other type of work - is strictly regulated and does legally need a work permit.
The real problem I think is not so much that you could apply for - and very likely obtain - a work permit. Given your past experience, no doubt supported by evidence of previous work in the field, I think that setting up an English language/culture theatre group could well qualify you for the WP.
Unfortunately the problems wouldn't end there, because all farang who took part in productions would also need work permits. So you would need income and it would cease to be 'not for profit,' It would become a business. Unless of course all performers obtained their own work permits?
A tricky one for sure. But there are a lot of farang in HH who might be able to advise you - those who are musicians for example and just do occasional gigs for free.
There are also various movie companies which film in Thailand and have farang producers etc who work alongside Thais. Try doing a bit of Googling and make contacts.

[jingjoe]

I don't think you will need any work permits if its kept as an amateur production,heres a link to a similar theatre company in pattaya,maybe you could contact them for some advice


http://www.pattayaplayers.org/

[dtaai-maai]

I think this is a fantastic idea, Ted. I've been involved with the theatre all my life, as an amateur and briefly as a professional, and I miss that world. I have often thought of trying to start what we Brits would call an AmDram group here, but I work and simply don't have the time to do all the organising. Another thing I've considered doing is getting in touch with the lady who runs the Hua Hin Vic south of town and seeing if she was interested in exploring some options involving farang residents.

The WP issue is a potential problem, but one that I'm sure can be overcome even in this addled bureacracy. But that would be way down the road, when it came to a possible production. It's my experience from several countries that when someone starts something like this, all sorts of talents are suddenly revealed among local residents - actors, musicians, directors, set-builders, electricians, costume makers, etc. Of course, it needs someone with the drive, energy and organisational skills to see it through.

I don't see any option but English language at the moment, but that's no reason to exclude non-native speakers. It would be a good opportunity for many to improve their English language skills.

Go for it, and the very best of luck. Please let me know by PM if you get to the stage where a few people are ready to chat - even if it only starts out as a play reading group or something.

Phil

[barrys]

I also think it's a great idea - I did some acting back in my uni days and thoroughly enjoyed it.
If there's going to be a meeting to talk it over, definitely count me in!!

[gandalfinthai]

As I'm sure others will expand on, the biggest obstacle are work permits for farangs, so as good an idea as it is, it probably doesn't have a chance, but good luck all the same.

Ah yes, the work permit difficulty.

I think there may be ways to enjoy doing this (at first) on a small, private scale perhaps - maybe something that takes place in a large home and only by invite. Or perhaps one of the larger local hotels would like to help out. I certainly don't contemplate trying to start as a large, well developed venture like the theater in Pattaya. Meanwhile, I will try to research the web to see what sort of possibilities exist - I have already written to Pattaya Players about how they handle work permit issues and await a reply.

If I get enough interest (3 people so far - I'd say at least 8+ would be reasonable) I will gladly organize a first meeting. So, if it truly interests you - pass the word around and tell people to send me their contact info.

I am not sure what the rules are about posting my email on the forum? However, if you type "Dead Buddha's Den" into Google, my webpage (with an email link) should come up at the top of the list.

Ted

[dtaai-maai]

At any rate, if you are interested let me know and if there are enough of us - I'll call a meeting and we can throw ideas around and see what happens.

Not enough interest? Pity.
We get a steady influx of new members, so it might be worth bumping this occsionally.

[LolaBeltran]

I remember a thread some time ago where this topic came up. . . .same general conclusion: no work permit = no community theatre.

I dont know how a group in Pattaya handles it ( paying off the police comes to mind as a solution that sometimes occurs here in the LOS)

I also have a substantial theatrical resume and certainly a continuing interest . ..but NO WAY would I risk the "fines, imprisonment and deportation" threatened by the current Thai visa laws.

[dtaai-maai]

I'm not worried about the WP issue at all. Even if we did manage to get some people together we would still be such a long way from any potential legal problems.
First and foremost we need bodies.

[barrys]

with D-M.

There's no harm in a bunch of like-minded people getting together to discuss this and get it off the ground - I'm also pretty sure there would not be a work permit issue if it's not commercial.

It would be such a shame for people to be scared off by the doom and gloom that almost always surfaces when a good idea comes up.

Hell, let's give it a go - I'm still in!!

[PeteC]

There's no difference with a bunch of you getting together and putting on a show than there is for a group of expats playing a football match with like minded farangs or Thais.....or rugby, cricket, darts, snooker, lawn bowling or even JW's quiz for that matter. If tickets are to be sold or donations solicited to cover costs, simply have a Thai do it and don't involve yourself with that aspect.

Check with your Sway Vista club. I think they have farang entertainers come up out of the audience all the time. Pete

[buksida]

There's no difference with a bunch of you getting together and putting on a show than there is for a group of expats playing a football match with like minded farangs or Thais.....or rugby, cricket, darts, snooker, lawn bowling or even JW's quiz for that matter.

Exactly - I think there is an inordinate amount of paranoia about work permits, especially in Hua Hin. I reckon 80% of the people that get busted have been done so because a competitor (usually another farang sadly) has grassed them up, the other 20% are caught on the annual raid which lasts for two weeks.

Go for it I say.

[sateeb]

I would advise that if you are serious in this venture you should garner support and then a number of you should approach the Tourist Police and Immigration to put forward your ideas and ask for their feedback. It wouldn't hurt to contact the Pattaya players and ask how they got it off the ground.

Any money made in ticket sales etc should be donated to local charities.