The Value of Theatre

When I was a little girl, I often found myself digging through my mother’s closet and drawers to create what I termed “old-timey” clothes. My mother’s fashion sense was not in any way “old timey”—but her nightgowns could be layered and belted on my frame to resemble the great robes of eighteenth-century royalty. It fascinated me that people from long ago did not attire themselves as we did in the early 1980s, and I wanted to explore that with my own designs and imagination. . . .

The Make-Believe Major

This post begins with a love story.  Crush.  Ill-advised infatuation.

And a competition.

During my time as an undergraduate, there was a certain young man who took an interest in me, and I definitely took an interest in him.  He was whip smart, witty, ambitious, handsome enough, and a great conversationalist. . . .

People Say the Darndest Things

This blog is a continuation of a discussion I began with the previous post which focused on criticisms typically leveled at those who pursue theatre as a profession. What was so surprising about that initial post were the reactions it generated from a variety of individuals in vastly different professions. I received emails, blog responses, and comments from many wonderful people who shared their struggle with similar naysayers. . . .

Everyone Is a Critic

“You’re only as good as your last show.”

I know exactly where those words come from.  I know they aren’t healthy and, furthermore, that they aren’t the truth.  Ironic as it may sound, I *know* my self-worth is not found in my work.  But what I feel… that’s a different matter. . . .

Choosing a Season

Once, after a contemporary play performance, a patron told me, “You should do more Shakespeare.”  

Sometimes it’s hard to find the grace to respond with kindness when I’d rather be banging my head against the wall.  Repeatedly.

Connection

This week one of my colleagues suggested I discuss how we connect with a production.  And, in reflection, each one has a different… love story.

Initially, we certainly hope to be touched by the narrative itself.  We all have our favorite novels, short stories, movies, or television shows. . . .

The Power of Design

The design process of a play is so important to any production.  It can literally make or break a work apart from the direction or performances.  Design is that often unspeakable something that takes your breath away when the curtain parts.  It is a feast on the eyes (or ears) that works together with actors to bring the playwright’s world to life. . . .

The Audition

For the performer—whether actor, singer, or dancer—auditions are a mainstay of theatre.  And I believe that not enough training actually focuses on how to audition.  That’s a shame really.

Because…

Our world *is* rejection. . . .

The Creative Process

The creative process is a fickle phenomenon.

As artists, I firmly believe we are compelled to create.  It’s more than just a passing interest—it’s a consuming need to express our world: its beauty, its hardships, its messed-up-murky-monkey business—all in an attempt to make sense of it. . . .

I Can’t—I Have Rehearsal

Maybe you’ve seen the t-shirt. 

I can’t.  I have rehearsal.

It’s true, too.  Few people realize what a sacrifice it is to actually be a theatre major or practitioner.  There are so many events, opportunities, organizations, and televisions shows that we give up because rehearsals take precedence. . . .

“Just” a Technician (Part I)

What goes on behind the scenes of a production is far more important than most anyone outside the world of theatre realizes.  I’ve spoken a little on the actors’ work with the director.  I now want to highlight the often-unacknowledged work of the carpenters, costumers, painters, purchasers, managers, electricians, and board operators.  So these two blogs will focus on the absolutely essential work of our technicians. . . .

“Just” a Technician (Part II)

Here I continue to highlight the jobs done behind the scenes by our technicians who are so very essential to our success.  Please remember, what you read here is just a basic overview of what these hard-working individuals actually do during the production season. . . .

Tech & Dress Rehearsals

It’s amazing how the timing of things works out.  As I sit writing this, we’ve just completed a weekend of tech rehearsals and two weekday dress rehearsals.  One dress rehearsal remains before the show opens and closes.

Technical rehearsals are the long hours where every light and sound cue are worked into the performance.

That’s oversimplifying it a bit. . . .

In Performance & Actor Training

Theatre performance, in its most basic form, requires an actor, a space, and an audience.  Historically speaking, I can’t think of a single deviation from those requirements.  But a good performance requires something more.  Something brave.

It requires vulnerability. . . .

Audience Etiquette

To be a member of an audience for a live performance is to hold a certain amount of power.

Think about it.

Actors prepare weeks in advance to bring the public their very best.  Their work is exposed for the audience to either praise or pan.  The energy a full house brings to the performance can lift the spirits of those on stage and behind the scenes or. . .

. . .it can dash them. . . .