- CPF people for organizing the event.
- The businesses who paid/got invited to be in pride
- The media covering the story to make it even bigger and better by having people come out.
- The City of Chicago workers who approved the permits, arranged the emergency personnel to be on standby, provided logistical paths on the busy streets of Chicago for the parade, etc.
- CSz people who organized our contribution donated their time, money, effort, and vehicles for the cause.
- The people who stood by on the parade path and yelled, screamed, and acted nuts in support of Pride.
…and a litany of others I’m probably not aware of. I was so grateful I thanked as many of the police officers standing along the parade route for the job they were doing. It was cool to watch their bored, hardened faces light up at a simple “thank you”. It made me wonder how often they truly hear that in their daily lives. My guess would be not a whole lot.
Thank Your Everyone In Your Production
Just like my experience above, the same rule applies to your theatre productions. There is no *ONE* person that makes or breaks a production. It truly is a team effort. Thank each and everyone one of the people you encounter along the way. Even if that person did something relatively trivial like standing around a door to make sure nobody came backstage, thank them anyway.
Producing is a very thankless job when it should be considered just as
important as the ultra-talented actor on stage singing her “I Wish”
number downstage. There are people who handle contracts, fundraising, costumes, props, transportation, set design, lighting, sound, musical duties, stage management, audio & video recording/editing, marketing, directing, and multiple other things that aren’t outright noticeable when watching the show on stage. However, without those people, those actors on stage wouldn’t be where they are soaking up the limelight.
So, don’t be a d*ckhead when you’re part of a show. Thank your cast & crew top to bottom the whole way there. Support your success by recognizing and appreciating those who helped make it possible.