Deitner still finds herself working for a paycheck through a local temp agency. But the company to which she's assigned has been supportive, allowing her a flexible schedule so she could produce her play. Rehearsal space, though not free, is far less expensive in Northampton than in New York. And because this is a tighter community, Deitner said she finds she can make deals with people to knock down rental prices. Deitner also thinks local audiences are more likely to give her honest feedback after seeing her play.
People like to talk about what they saw.
Such feedback is invaluable to Deitner, who is still learning her craft. Deitner's goal is to reach a point where working in theater is her sole source of income and will allow her to live independently. Whether that will happen in Northampton, she still doesn't know.