It’s not every day that a little theater in rural Virginia prints the words “A Gay Fantasia on National Themes” on its posters. When ShenanArts decided to mount Angels in America, I knew I had to see it, if only to encourage this kind of programming. I hadn’t ever seen Angels staged, although I have […]
Before I started rehearsals for Richard III, I was very nervous about the Skype plan. I talked about it with everyone I could think of, hoping someone would say, “Oh, I always rehearse that way, it’s not a big deal at all.” Nobody quite said that, but I did get a few helpful hints. I […]
This morning, my social media was buzzing with posts from friends at Pigeon Creek Shakespeare reporting their nominations for the Wilde Awards (Michigan’s professional theater awards, run by Encore Michigan). Kate Bode was nominated for “Best Performance–Bard” for her performance as Margaret in Henry VI (a role she continued in Richard III), Scott Lange for […]
Stephanie Lexis (not somebody I know, but someone who is obviously very cool) has started a project to promote body positivity in the theater. Her Facebook page is informative, funny, and super depressing, all at the same time. I’ve been especially interested in her recent run of anonymous stories about times when people have experienced […]
People I hardly know have started coming up to me and saying, “So, I hear you’re doing As You Like It at Harrisonburg High School next year,” which I guess means I can announce it! I’m excited to work with HHS students on their spring show. I’ve had a few eye rolls from snotty people […]
On my recent visit to Bridget to check out the Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, I noticed a phrase I think of as mostly mine popping up here and there. I overheard a stage manager say, “Thank you for your work” to an actor as she emerged from the theater door after a show. The next night, […]
A couple of years ago, around the time when I was trying the phrase “magical realism Shakespeare” on for size (it fits!), playwright Bob Bartlett told me, “You should check out Constellation Theater, in DC. They are your kind of people.” When I looked at their production history on their website, I about fell over. […]
I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. I don’t think they’re very helpful for me, or the way I think about time. But I do have areas of focus each year, especially for directing. Directing goals Each year, I think about something I don’t think I do very well as a director, and I spend […]
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be working with the York College Theater Division this fall! I’m directing On The Verge or: The Geography of Yearning. Being invited to do a show written in my lifetime is a fun change (much as I do love Renaissance drama!), and working with a new group of collaborators […]
For someone who practically never works with a dramaturg, I sure love dramaturgy. I love learning about the text, learning all of the history and backstory and background and cultural themes that contribute to the rich tapestry of the play. I haven’t thought of myself as a dramaturg, despite pretty much every dramaturg I know […]