A New York City Theatre Co-Operative of Actors, Directors, and Playwrights
A PARODY WEBSITE
Welcome to the new parody Polaris North Website
I'm making fun of my long term project...
Fifteen years ago I created a website and used it to espouse and promote the Theater Artist Cooperative of Polaris North in New York City. I used my skills and efforts (and money) to puff up and sell the organization and attract new members. After such a long time and lasting frustrations with the intransigence of recent Polaris North leaders, I have flipped the script and made a parody of my own efforts. What you will read on these pages is intended to have a little fun with all I wrote over the last decade and a half. I hope you enjoy it and get a few giggles from it. Every page has been tweaked and spoofed. I had fun creating it and hope you have fun perusing it. Read through every page and enjoy!
If you are familiar with the previous website you will find a familiar environment but entirely new content invented for this effort. I hope it is worth your time and that you enjoy the journey.
Still not official but now a lot of fun...
To be fair, this was never the Official site for Polaris North. I wanted to get in the website part of the internet and in 2010 I created one to advertise the events and activities of the organization. I was happy to create it and funded the test website with the help of another member. It was met with derision and hostility by one of the founders of the organization but steadily became a fixture. I suggested that the organization should pay for the ongoing expenses but was denied as it was termed frivolous and unnecessary. I continued to produce it, because I thought it had value.
I continued to request help with the costs several times in the ensuing years and was always denied (you can check the board meeting minutes). Leading the opposition to covering the costs was the person who is the immediate past president of the organization. She has promised to create her own website as a counter point several times but has never delivered.
After her most recent promise to create a new site fizzled again, I received a devastating personal health diagnosis and decided I would end my website before complications made it impossible for me to continue. I notified the current leadership of the board that the organization should create an official website of their own since they would not fund mine. After many delays and even yelling at me during a board meeting I decided instead of shelving my site to continue it and have a bit of fun at my own expense. They have finally started a new website that essentially (with my permission) copied the text of my old website. You can find it elsewhere on the web. Have fun with their new site and this old reflection. Cheers!
Just my opinion
My Two Cents Worth
I truly do not expect anyone to listen to me at Polaris North but I have been a member for two decades and believe I have some insights into the organization.
Polaris North began as a simple co-operative wherein theater artists pool their money to share the benefits of a studio that they use to enhance their skills and careers. It is a simple and genius idea that has helped generations of actors, playwrights and directors and enriched the lives of New Yorkers for nearly 50 years.
It has also attracted individuals who wish to bend it to their separate aims to create a not for profit platform for their own careers and self-aggrandizement. It is not surprising that in a cooperative group of artists they rise to leadership positions while the rest of membership just wants someone to do the dirty work of administration while they focus on their personal development.
The recent leadership of the Board of Directors have both been such individuals and indications are that this pattern will continue and will lead the organization to a place that is foreign to the founding principals and could lead to dissolutions and disaster.
Pick Polaris Leaders Who Are Not Bullies
So many things depend on the rank and file membership to step up and shoulder their share of the burden to continue the work of this wonderful organization. But as annual elections loom it seems that the same destructive clouds are gathering.
I once served on the board and tried to lend my hand to nurture the principals of Polaris North. I never tried to use my service to bend and twist the organization but to advance the principals I admired so much. It is why I founded the original website; to create a prescence beyond the studio. But it quickly became a target and punching bag for individuals that continued until I got sick and tired of being bullied about. When it comes time to vote, please try to choose leaders who will support the original mission of Polaris North so that this parody is no longer necessary. Thanks for lending an ear.
Meet the Polaris North Parody Website...
Polaris North Events
There is always something happening in our studio and now frequently on line. Some events are open to the public and others are only for Polaris North Members or membership candidates. You can find upcoming performances, readings and workshops on the Polaris North Events page.
How to Join Polaris North
Click the link below to learn about the many benefits of becoming a member of Polaris North. Additionally you can learn how actors, playwrights, and directors can qualify to join. The best news is that regardless of how you enter you may serve as any or all of the disciplines during your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Polaris North? Of course you do. Often the best way to learn about a new organization is to ask the right questions. We've assembled just such a list for your reference. You can also learn more by reviewing all the pages of this website or send us your own questions so we can answer.
Meet our Talented Members
Polaris North is made up of talented actors, directors, and playwrights, with emerging and established careers.You can view a slideshow and a showcase where you can reach out to them for inclusion in your next project.
COVID-19 Policy
Polaris North is concerned with the health and safety of both our artists and our audiences. For that reason the Board of Directors has established a COVID-19 Policy that is in effect for all events at the Polaris North Studio and all official gatherings.
Board of Directors
Polaris North is guided by a Board of Directors that are selected annually by an election of interested Members.
Polaris North Workshops
Workshops are a vital part of Polaris North and are operated by and for members. Here you can find a summary of all of these workshops.