End

April 15, 2013

The production day is quickly approaching. I am impressed with the "family" that the entire cast and crew have become. I have observed actors working together on the stage and off. While I am working on stage on a scene, I will turn around and see a group of Who's working diligently on their choreography. I will Gertrude and Horton running their lines and "talking about the conflict in the scene". I am touched by the growth I see in each of the actors. I am especially excited to see the character of Mayzie develop on so many levels. There is a scene where she decides to give away her egg to Horton. It is a touching moment in the script because we see just how vain and shallow she is and yet there is a moment when she gives her egg to Horton that we see her turn back and think about her choice. "Just for once I've done something right. Good luck when it hatches. Good luck and goodbye." I was actually brought to tears today when Alexis and Josh did the scene. I felt the choice that she made to walk away from her egg. It was an amazing moment for me as a director.

April 22, 2013

What do you get when you add 90 costumes, full makeup, props, and a moving set....CHAOS! The actors were so nervous and excited today that so many things went so wrong today. What is the saying? A bad rehearsal means a great show. After this evening, I can only hope that it's true. Actors were missing cues and half dressed throughout the run thru this evening. I even caught a few of my little Whos falling asleep. I guess they are TIRED! I am making a concerted effort to continue to tow the line of teaching self discipline. It is so hard sometimes because I too am exhausted. However, I know that if I can keep myself focused and on track the cast and crew will follow.

April 23, 2013

Major Break Down...

Today my stage manager just lost it. I haven't ever seen her cry. She felt like she was being disrespected by a few cast and crew members. It was a very difficult conundrum She didn't want me to address it as she wanted to handle it. However, I could see the burden she was carrying was rather heavy and I felt a bit stuck on how to help her! Then I had an idea. I asked her to start documenting everything that was happening right in front of the student. I let her know that she could do whatever she wanted with her notes at the conclusion of the show. I think she felt empowered knowing that she could keep a record of the conduct. She never did share the notes with me, and yet I know that she was able to gain confidence from the experience.

April 24, 2013

Today I experienced a first as a director. It was our final dress rehearsal and three of my actors didn't show up. I immediately starting texting and calling their dad. He let me know that they had a sporting event to attend that evening and he didn't realize how important it was for them to be there. I was a little upset with myself at first. Did I not clarify the importance of attending every night of hell week? Throughout the process I sent countless emails, had a show website, and verbally reminded the cast each night. What compounded the issue was that I have a personal relationship with the family. It made it very awkward for me to assert myself as the director. I didn't want for anything to negatively impact our friendship. I was relieved when the actors arrived at rehearsal. They were late, but they made it! Another lesson learned!

April 25, 2013

Pre-show Hair and Makeup

April 28, 2013

It is so hard to believe the show is over. It was a huge success due in part because of the training that I received at U of H last summer. I felt more prepared then ever to tackle such a large production. I was hyper focused on being organized, well prepared, and engaged in all aspects of the production. We were able to break even with our budget. I think that we would have actually exceeded our budget if an enormous storm hadn't entered the Houston Area just one hour before show open. This has been a life changing experience for me as a director. This cast has really achieved greatness. I am very thankful for all of the hard work of my actors, crew, administration, parents, and all of the amazing friends and family that have offered me support through out this process.