Tell me a bit about yourself as a director.
I really like to work collaboratively. What I love about theatre is that it involves many people coming together to create something that will be shared and then will no longer exist. It is a truly special process. It involves good communication and respect. While I believe that it is essential that I have a clear vision and intention for my work I also feel that all involved should have ownership over the piece. It is important that I remain flexible and allow space to explore. Having begun my career as an actor I know that I can be more productive if I feel safe to experiment and offer suggestions. I can do this best if I have a good understanding of what the director is trying to achieve and I feel my opinion is welcome and respected. Therefore, I spend a lot of time up front sharing my thoughts and ideas and the problems that I anticipate. I want us to solve them together!
What do you find challenging about directing your section of Beyond Therapy?
It was difficult for me to land upon a concept that I felt good about. Because this specific project allows directors the opportunity to be more daring with their concept I initially felt daunted by all the possibilities. My training as a director taught me to analyze the text and work to serve the intention of the playwright. I studied in England and there was a lot of respect for the written word in my training. Because of this I wanted to find a way to serve the playwrights intentions while still having a unique concept. In the end I am really happy with what I came up with. We shall see how it plays out in rehearsals! They begin tonight!
What makes directing this play fun?
It is such a funny play! Really, no matter what each director decides to do it is impossible for it not to be hilarious. However, while it is absurd, like good absurd theatre, it has some real truth in it. There is a lot of heart in this piece. When the cast and I read through our section last week we were not only busting up laughing it prompted some really great discussions.
What's your favorite line in the play?
Out of my section it's a toss up between:
Bruce: "I was going to give you a fine dinner and then take you to see "The Tree of Wooden Clogs' and then home to my place for sexual intercourse, but now I think you should leave."
AND
Prudence: "I don't think men should cry unless something falls on them."
Too many great lines!
I really like to work collaboratively. What I love about theatre is that it involves many people coming together to create something that will be shared and then will no longer exist. It is a truly special process. It involves good communication and respect. While I believe that it is essential that I have a clear vision and intention for my work I also feel that all involved should have ownership over the piece. It is important that I remain flexible and allow space to explore. Having begun my career as an actor I know that I can be more productive if I feel safe to experiment and offer suggestions. I can do this best if I have a good understanding of what the director is trying to achieve and I feel my opinion is welcome and respected. Therefore, I spend a lot of time up front sharing my thoughts and ideas and the problems that I anticipate. I want us to solve them together!
What do you find challenging about directing your section of Beyond Therapy?
It was difficult for me to land upon a concept that I felt good about. Because this specific project allows directors the opportunity to be more daring with their concept I initially felt daunted by all the possibilities. My training as a director taught me to analyze the text and work to serve the intention of the playwright. I studied in England and there was a lot of respect for the written word in my training. Because of this I wanted to find a way to serve the playwrights intentions while still having a unique concept. In the end I am really happy with what I came up with. We shall see how it plays out in rehearsals! They begin tonight!
What makes directing this play fun?
It is such a funny play! Really, no matter what each director decides to do it is impossible for it not to be hilarious. However, while it is absurd, like good absurd theatre, it has some real truth in it. There is a lot of heart in this piece. When the cast and I read through our section last week we were not only busting up laughing it prompted some really great discussions.
What's your favorite line in the play?
Out of my section it's a toss up between:
Bruce: "I was going to give you a fine dinner and then take you to see "The Tree of Wooden Clogs' and then home to my place for sexual intercourse, but now I think you should leave."
AND
Prudence: "I don't think men should cry unless something falls on them."
Too many great lines!
