I have always wanted to try my hand at directing. Partly for the experience, partly because it would be different, but mostly because I wanted to see if I could tell a story in a different way.
Almost exactly a year ago, I had asked the producer of “Sugar” about apprentice opportunities for directing and she said “I will put your name on our contacts list just in case something comes up.” I was totally satisfied with that and happily continued the rehearsal when they were ready for me to pop back into the scene. I had asked another company the same thing and got the same answer so it wasn’t unexpected.
Little did I know that three weeks later I would be asked to present an idea to sit IN the director’s seat of Jesus Christ Superstar. Ever since I found out it was in the season, all I thought about was auditioning to play Judas one more time. At first, I didn’t know what to say. Do I jump at the chance knowing that I have never done anything like this and have no training for it? I had a little dilemma. After taking a few days to think about it, I decided “Why not?” Sure this could mean that if this goes horribly wrong, I may never get the chance to do this again. But if it goes right…
Rehearsals are right around the corner, and to say that I am excited is an understatement. I have been thinking about the show for the last 8 months! Regardless of my nerves, I really think that this is going to be the best learning experience of my life. Not only is it a chance to try something new and in the realm of theatre, but it will allow me to strengthen skills that I can use anywhere and in any job.
Listening: I like to think that I do a pretty darn good job of listening to people. In any theatrical endeavor, collaborating with everyone is essential, and that means listening to everyone’s concerns, ideas, and criticisms.
Problem Solving: Taking all that information and making it useful or addressing why the information can’t be used.
Decision Making: I never knew how much planning and questions I would have to answer even BEFORE auditions. I am usually a “feely” kind of decider. So if something feels right or not is how I usually decide. With a project like this, I had to learn to look ahead and see if the decision would affect anything else in the show.
Time Management: Once the ball gets rolling, there isn’t much time to waste getting all the ducks in a row. I really need to be wary on how I use every minute of rehearsal time so that the actors aren’t sitting around. It’s not fair to them to make them spend their time waiting if I can help it. Also, I have to make sure that all the pieces are put together well in advance of tech week. My goal is to have the show running two weeks before tech.
I can bet that the management at the nursery will love this. It’s amazing at how many skills one can acquire and/or develop in the Arts and yet the educational system deems them less than “academics.” It’s a real damn shame.
Like I said, I never thought I would have this kind of chance this quickly, so I am nervous about this but once we get into the swing of things, I feel like it will be SUPER!!
