Earnest Work

Today I got twelve scripts for the upcoming spring production of The Importance of Being Earnest.  Mine is in a special binder and I've already lovingly flipped through it and tried to stop being giddy at the very thought of telling this story.

While I'm sad that I can't be in it, directing is a new challenge and last year I promised myself I would do things that scared me, to push myself beyond what I expect of myself, and to work hard for what I want.

So this will be an exercise in all three.  I'm absolutely terrified (and thrilled, at the same time) at this opportunity.  Acting was safe.  This is something I've never done before.

Much like my knitting and crochet projects that I'm currently at work on.

I'm attempting amigurumi (crocheting several things to make one plush animal) and socks.  A dragon and yoga socks, to be precise.  I'm learning new stitches in both (or re-learning) and the thing I'm discovering is that you have to have the right tools (so obvious but I'm so inclined to just wing things).  I need the right size needles and yarn.  I'm going to have to re-do my dragon once I get a smaller crochet hook.

I think directing is the same.  I need the right tools.  I'll be talking to a few people who have already directed, as well as watching some Inside the Actor's Studio episodes with directors (I already have Steven Spielberg on the list).  And I'm making lists for myself.  What I need to communicate to the actors (which requires a lot of forethought -- what do I need them to know?  How do I feel about certain aspects of theatre?  When do I need to say these things?), when to schedule things (I need to make a timeline), how to communicate (Google calendar?  Paper?  E-mail?), and how to go about thinking through every tiny little detail, right down to the actors' makeup.  I also need to watch other productions to get ideas for set dressing, costumes, and blocking.

I picture things in my head constantly -- addressing the people auditioning, talking to the actors, being in rehearsals, spending time with the cast, taking pictures...

Lots of prep required beforehand, but I've got two weeks until auditions.

I can't wait to meet my cast!