tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post1465524344084254314..comments2024-02-12T18:54:37.441-08:00Comments on Guy Dads: California Musical Theatre: Artistic Director Scott EckernGuyDadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06225290125508992039noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-20808324416938141942008-11-17T13:12:00.000-08:002008-11-17T13:12:00.000-08:00Damn, his SISTER ought to boycott his ass.Damn, his SISTER ought to boycott his ass.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-56348087730127866982008-11-13T13:40:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:40:00.000-08:00Losing one's job over a religious belief? This is ...Losing one's job over a religious belief? This is insanity! Mr. Eckern does not earn his living "off" of actors, musicians, crew etc., he EMPLOYS them! and the best in the business. He has given a start to many in the business and has embraced all types. We are indebted to his inclusion of people of all persuasions on the CMT payroll and the theater community has been lucky to have a champion like Mr. Eckern on their side for so long!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-63839438038912826542008-11-13T10:33:00.000-08:002008-11-13T10:33:00.000-08:00While I was surprised Scott contributed $1K to the...While I was surprised Scott contributed $1K to the Yes on 8 campaign, I also realized that he is Mormon, and was undoubtedly subjected to many sermons STRONGLY encouraging him to contribute to 8's passage.<BR/>I voted NO on 8, and am angry that a good man who has contributed 25 years of service to Sacramento's theater community has been forced out for having a differing opinion.<BR/>Isn't it illegal to pay people to vote a certain way? Then... how can it be legal to punish someone (financially in his case) for voting a certain way?<BR/>Like I said, I voted NO, but I understand that many don't agree with me. That doesn't mean I want them to lose their jobs.<BR/>This is wrong -- and I fear for our "no" side. How will we win converts and change minds by blacklisting people like this? <BR/>This could blow up badly and be extremely divisive.<BR/>It WILL be overturned, though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-1664888970208355722008-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:002008-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00I have worked with Scott also and my problem isn't...I have worked with Scott also and my problem isn't that he is Mormon or what his political views are. The problem I have with Scott is the favoritism that he frequently indulges in and that he often blurs the line between work and religion. I also have the sneaking suspicion that he is as bi-polar as the day is long. It's a bit like walking on eggshells around him. Let me tell you that the summer is incomplete at the Music Circus until someone has had it out with Scott. <BR/><BR/>I'm sad that this is happening, but hopeful that the Music Circus will be able to have more artistic freedom now. I guess this might knock out a few Rodgers and Hammerstein shows that were planned for the next few summers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-5192237875822326672008-11-12T14:35:00.000-08:002008-11-12T14:35:00.000-08:00Not only SHOULD he lose his job, he apparently HAS...Not only SHOULD he lose his job, he apparently HAS lost his job.<BR/><BR/>http://www.sacbee.com/391/story/1390297.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-13714810798761496342008-11-12T14:27:00.000-08:002008-11-12T14:27:00.000-08:00You are the ones who are bigoted, not Mr Eckhern. ...You are the ones who are bigoted, not Mr Eckhern. He works with those he evidently knows are gay; does he only hire straight actors and musicians? No, he hires the best he can afford, straight or gay. Does he discrimate against or not associate with gay people? I doubt it.<BR/>Yet you want him to lose his job because he exercised his right to vote, or make a political contribution, and you don't actually know how he voted! You say he is evidently Mormon without knowing him. He supported Prop 8 because his personal, moral and religious beliefs, his core values, told him that same sex marriage was wrong, that he didn't want HIS children to learn that it was ok, that he didn't want more interference by the government in his church and personal life.<BR/>HYPOCRITES, all of you. You need to look at yourself in the mirror and see what you really believe. Maybe you need to reread 1984. Your actions and words are so Orwellian, can't you see that?<BR/>Mark<BR/>Lake Elsinore, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-12050599029157198742008-11-12T09:33:00.000-08:002008-11-12T09:33:00.000-08:00I agree with the above cogent statement. We should...I agree with the above cogent statement. We should appeal to eachother's sense of fairness, stop making a scape goat of Mr. Eckern, who has done nothing wrong, and continue to judge only on the basis of talent, skill and experience. After all, isn't that what we all want, to be judged fairly, not to be judged on our political, religious, sexual or social orientations? I am shocked at the "knee jerk" reaction towards Mr. Eckern, two wrongs do not make a right. His resignation is uncalled for based on his record of inclusion and respect towards those in his employ.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-63213186647489167982008-11-11T20:03:00.000-08:002008-11-11T20:03:00.000-08:00Or maybe the heart of the problem is that stereoty...Or maybe the heart of the problem is that stereotyping and hatred have emerged within the LGBT movement and are reaching levels of hysteria toward the religiously inclined folks they have vilified.<BR/><BR/>Kitty is right, this does have more to do with general civil liberties than gay rights.<BR/><BR/>Remember the Methodist church in New Jersey that lost their non-profit status for withholding one of the their buildings, a sanctuary, from the gay wedding requested for their site. <BR/><BR/>Remember the father in Massachusetts that spent the night in jail demanding his promised "opt out" rights for his kindergartner.<BR/><BR/>This is about freedom of speech and freedom to follow your religious conscience within the confines of your own church, and home.<BR/><BR/>Multiple precedent setting cases have occurred removing rights from those that exercise their conscience. Tolerance now can only be expected if your sexual orientation is at stake, not your religious beliefs. <BR/><BR/>If only religion were still considered a civil right and private citizens could still voice their opinion without fear. Scott Eckern has experienced something that should never have happened in our country.<BR/> <BR/>One can only hope that some day the LGBT population will learn to tolerate freedom of speech and the constitutionally designed civil right of religion. I have never infringed on others rights to live their lives as they see fit, but please don't ask any church to condone and perform gay marraiges that violate the foundation of their beliefs. Give me a bill expanding civil union benefits and I will be first in line to pass it, as long as it doesn't curtail the freedom of speech of others.<BR/><BR/>An old saying from the WWII era goes something like this, "Your right to move your fist ends where my nose begins." Please stop swinging your political fists. Religious folks didn't start this fight...we are defending our God-given right to worship.nofreespeechherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05801016090457969978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-23770809078406644032008-11-11T19:34:00.000-08:002008-11-11T19:34:00.000-08:00I would think this kind of support for hatred woul...I would think this kind of support for hatred would put LGBT persons in a hostile environment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-20276373879953000172008-11-11T17:46:00.000-08:002008-11-11T17:46:00.000-08:00I've attended CMT performances since 1964. My par...I've attended CMT performances since 1964. My parents started buying season tickets in the early 70's. I started buying season tickets in the early 80's. I've donated money every year since they started asking for charitable contributions. <BR/><BR/>I sent an email to Richard (exec. Producer) about my feelings. Yes, everyone has a right to free speech, including Mr Eckern. But it has consequences, and the CMT is going to feel the pressure.<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure firing is right; but a demotion may be appropriate. Artistic Director? Huh? Show Boat was the first production of the company and its the most produced show in the company's history. Doe the Artistic Director not understand the theme? He probably is over his head. <BR/><BR/>Maybe his punsihment should be to watch a performance of Show Boat with his eyes taped open and write an essay on what is the point of the show.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-37790177036401259072008-11-11T12:37:00.000-08:002008-11-11T12:37:00.000-08:00This is all so very sad. I know Scott as well and...This is all so very sad. I know Scott as well and he is a very kind and good man. Having worked in theatre in the Sacramento region for a long time, I can find no excuse for the donation. He knew, he has close friendships with many of the gay artists that work either with him or in other theatres nearby, this is a small community. What he did has hurt people, hurt many of his so called friends personally. The pain of the broken marriages and families and friends vs friends, this is real. I am not sure what will happen, but perhaps this action is one that cannot be forgiven or forgotten...it carries too much hypocrisy. I am deeply saddened, but hold steadfast in the belief that the donation was wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-44179032153235758882008-11-10T17:40:00.000-08:002008-11-10T17:40:00.000-08:00I have notified Actors Equity Assoc. And over a th...I have notified Actors Equity Assoc. And over a thousand of it's memebers of this insanity. I wrote a letter to CMT executive director Richard Little and also emailed many friends who are executives at major corporate producing offices and regional theatres across the country. Word travels fast in the theatre community. I am going to write a letter to playbill.com as well and hope they choose to cover it... The SF and LA times needs to know about this as well. They're next on my list... This man should be OUT of there!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-42644551224734292962008-11-10T16:01:00.000-08:002008-11-10T16:01:00.000-08:00I see him at GAY bars all the time in SF. He's a c...I see him at GAY bars all the time in SF. He's a closted Homo. <BR/><BR/>Cum out already! <BR/><BR/>What a tool!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-52654362936827212882008-11-10T15:57:00.000-08:002008-11-10T15:57:00.000-08:00the rumor i heard was that since the donation was ...the rumor i heard was that since the donation was $1000 or over, it couldn't be anonymous. It is certainly a lapse in judgement. I too, having known both men and the theatre for a while, hope there is some scenario where Eckern acknowledges how his action offended so many, and yet somehow the theatre's reputation (and other employees, both full-time and seasonal) do not suffer unduly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-72489768713448568342008-11-10T12:37:00.000-08:002008-11-10T12:37:00.000-08:00Perhaps a letter of resignation by that person, an...Perhaps a letter of resignation by that person, and statement from the head of the company disavowing that persons monetary support of prop 8 is the answer. That's one way for the convesation to start and the healing to begin.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-58057679772969402202008-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:002008-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:00Anonymous @ 11:00 pm ~How about you bring it up wi...Anonymous @ 11:00 pm ~<BR/><BR/>How about <B>you</B> bring it up with Eckarn? Tell him that <B>yes!</B> people are going to boycott the theater because of his actions? <BR/><BR/>Because we are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-29694104980381263112008-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:002008-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00No one wants anyone to lose work over this. I thin...No one wants anyone to lose work over this. I think the point is, threaten to boycott, let the theatre know how we feel about it and hope they do the right thing. I know the executive producer, Richard Lewis, he's an upstanding guy. He, and his father Russell before him, were and are very compassionate about gay people. I don't believe for a moment, that Richard will stand for this. Go to the website and let them know how you feel!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-45509971025783359942008-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:002008-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00TOTALLY agree with the above comment! Why do the w...TOTALLY agree with the above comment! Why do the workers NOT bring it up?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-80630908480784862172008-11-10T06:51:00.000-08:002008-11-10T06:51:00.000-08:00As someone who opposes Prop 8, and also as a Music...As someone who opposes Prop 8, and also as a Musical Director - I feel that this kind of belief from a man who makes his living off of actors, musicians, and crew where a large percentage are gay is not a place that I would be willing to work for.<BR/><BR/>By making a donation in his name, and using his theater name and title (whether they supported him or not) he has opened himself up for public scrutiny.<BR/><BR/>To the current employee who posted above - I understand where you are coming from - and I don't plan on getting married anytime soon so I am not really affected by this Proposition right now. However some of my friends are - and I personally don't agree with his beliefs.<BR/><BR/>I also believe that in this day in age the only way to get a message across is to keep money away from the organizations that do not support what you do. If I were in California I would be leading a picket line against this theater - not to hurt you or any fellow coworkers, but to express my beliefs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-45309274821863948012008-11-09T23:00:00.000-08:002008-11-09T23:00:00.000-08:00I work for CMT and I am openly gay. I certainly am...I work for CMT and I am openly gay. I certainly am not happy about Mr. Eckern's choices based on his personal faith. But... if everyone opposed to Prop 8 refuses to attend Music Circus or other CMT productions over this issue, then it is seriously going to affect my income and fellow employees incomes. How does that help? These are very hard economic times for those of us working in theatre. I urge you to bring your opinions up to Mr. Lewis and the board of directors, and call for change, but don't boycott.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10861879.post-65884692673204066082008-11-09T16:01:00.000-08:002008-11-09T16:01:00.000-08:00Unbelievable that he could be in that line of work...Unbelievable that he could be in that line of work and have so much contempt for gay people. Sadly, we've seen from recent history that familiarity doesn't always breed respect or understanding or compassion. Look at Nazi Germany or Rwanda. Amazing, isn't it, how quickly we turn on our fellow human beings.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16076517542540421210noreply@blogger.com