[Talk Host]

The last couple of times that we attended shows at the Savannah Center, we have noticed that the rows of chairs are very closely spaced. Last night, we went to the Bowser Holiday Show and (of course) had seats in the center of the row. It was almost impossible to skinny in to our seats. My wife is tiny and had to almost crawl to her seat. During the show, she had to go out to the rest room and it was a major ordeal to get out and back in. My knees were against the back of the seat in front of me. The guy next to me had a cane and he had to hold it erect the entire show because there was no place to put it. I would think they could give us an extra couple of inches,

The show was very entertaining.

JLK

[Peachie]

That sounds very claustophobic, Talk Host. Thank goodness there wasn't a fire, how would they ever evacuate everyone quickly and safely?

[Aceskaters]

Yes, my son and I attended the Glenn Beck show and bought balcony (bleacher) seats. We are not large people and decided we would never attend the Savannah events again...the seats were so narrow they were painful to sit in, in fact, the people beside us were so uncomfortable they left at intermission.

[Number 6]

I am six foot tall and have never had a problem with the seats. I am very grateful that we get such good acts in such a small venue. No one is making a lot of money on these shows.

[Peggy D]

Originally Posted by Peachie

That sounds very claustophobic, Talk Host. Thank goodness there wasn't a fire, how would they ever evacuate everyone quickly and safely?

Good point. What is the seating capicity of the Savannah Center?

Since TV is growing, maybe they need to consider building another
center like Savannah.

[swrinfla]

Some thoughts, comments.

I avoid sitting on the floor at Savannah at all costs. 1) seats are tightly crammed together 2) they are amazingly uncomfortable for a 90 minute show 3) there's always someone taller and wider than me sitting in front of me!

My solution in general is to buy my tickets as soon as they go on sale, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting a seat I like (aisle, center, mid- to upper-"balcony." Be sure to study the floor plan when you buy the tickets in person at a TV box office.

I'm lead to believe that a "full house" is close to 900 folks.

As to emptying the venue quickly, haven't you seen how everyone appears to be gone within the first 90 seconds after the curtain falls!

SWR

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by Number 6

I am six foot tall and have never had a problem with the seats. I am very grateful that we get such good acts in such a small venue. No one is making a lot of money on these shows.

I'm pleased that the quality of the shows mitigates the cramped quarters for you. I'm curious, though, what you mean when you say, "no one is making a lot of money on these shows." The performers charge full price to appear here. They don't take a less amount than normal just because it's the Villages. I'm wondering how you might know how much money anybody is making? I'm also curious how the amount of money people make or don't make plays into the fact that the rows of chairs are way too close together? I for one am not fond of sitting with my knees in my chin just so that "nobody makes much money."

[Muncle]

Does anyone know the status of the effort to build a privately developed performing arts center? I haven't heard anything about it in several months. They (I think it was organized as the Performing Arts Alliance or some similar name) were doing preliminary organization and some fund-raising.

[SABRMnLgs]

While I do not have any connection with or am privy to any info on a State of the Art Performing Arts Center I do understand that it is still an underground grassroots thing. Some people want to keep the PAC in TV while others (me included) want to move it just outside TV and out from under the Villages thumb.
TV does not want to pony up new monies for a real PAC as it would cause them to spend some of it. Even though TV population has increased, the amenities at Savannah Center have not changed.
On Route 42 just East of where the new VA Center is going up is a very,very large parcel of land for sale. This would be a prime piece of real estate for the PAC. Parking galore and a 2000 seat Centre along with smaller
rooms for lesser venues would be outstanding.
But until the PACA goes public and gets some deep-pocketed backers, methinks we will have to suffer through the 800-900 seat archaic Savannah Center.

[Number 6]

All I am saying is that I am appreciative of the quality of talent that we get for a venue that seats under 1,000. I guess that, for me, quality trumps leg room. As far as this being a money maker, the talent gets their normal fee. I cannot imagine the producers are making much, again considering the size of the venue.

[sschuler1]

Here is the link to the Performing Arts Alliance:

http://www.vpaa.org/

I check in occasionally to see how they are doing. During our visits I was very disappointed with the lack of a decent performing arts center. Seems I am not the only one that thinks this is needed.

[graciegirl]

We strolled around the Savannah Center when our girls were visiting and found it very nice. Both our daughter and granddaughter have been and still are very active in Civic Theatre and they tell us how hard it is to find a venue for their performances.

While here they attended a play at the Lake Miona recreation center and found it quite nice.

I don't understand why you don't think the developers wouldn't lend them self to a PAC, Jerry. They have thought of and built all of these beautiful things for us already.

[swrinfla]

sschuler1's link is correct. It's for the Volunteers' Performing Arts Alliance. I believe it was originally called the Villages PAA, but ran into some "official" negative attitudes, thus the name change.

The group is trying desperately to fund and build a quality theatrical venue. I support them (emotionally, only, for the moment) and subscribe to their newsletter. Their hurdles are many, and I don't mean just the many millions of dollars that would be needed to accomplish their goals!

Meanwhile, I enjoy being able to see good shows for less than $20. Try that in any metroplitan area!

SWR

[SABRMnLgs]

Regarding being appreciative of the talent.

In no way am I being demeaning of anyone who attends various venues at the Savannah Center, but you ARE a customer. You should understand what it is like being a
performer at this facility. I have been only a few times to large facilities such as Radio City or Carnegie Hall. You cannot compare the two.
But when you are nickel and dimed to death (example: when we have a concert, we actually have to rent the chairs to sit on during a performance). Even though TV is taking a percentage of the door gate, they want more. Plus they charge for the lighting, sound, etc people. That is not included in the performace package either.
All that is needed is to look a bit south to the Bob Carr Theatre Group in Orlando. It also is not perfect, but is much better organized and run than Savannah Center.

[graciegirl]

But Jerry. I am told by my family members active in Civic theatre that the norm is to be charged for things like chairs and lights and sound and storage for props.

It is hard to find a place that will even rent to you sometimes too, if you are looking to perform.