What I learned from directing Antigone
- You have to delegate.
- The importance of a great cast. It's not only about talent; it's about enthusiasm, risk-taking and kindness.
- When someone asks if there's anything they can do, they really mean it. Give them something to do!
- Trust. Trust that everything will work out. Trust your actors. Trust your instincts.
- Loving a play makes a huge difference.
A few years ago, I wrote up a "Bucket List of Plays I would like to Direct", and Sophocle's Antigone was at the top of the list. Done!
Why I Love Directing:
Directing allows me to connect with my creative side and rekindle my love of the theatre. It keeps me youthful and on my toes (there's a lot of jumping around and doing crazy voices!). It gives me a sense of accomplishment. It keeps me busy in a good way. It stimulates my mind and body. It excites me. It makes me laugh and cry (literally).
Directing allows me to connect with my creative side and rekindle my love of the theatre. It keeps me youthful and on my toes (there's a lot of jumping around and doing crazy voices!). It gives me a sense of accomplishment. It keeps me busy in a good way. It stimulates my mind and body. It excites me. It makes me laugh and cry (literally).
Downside of Directing:
Yes, sometimes it's tiring after a long day of "performing in front of a class"(I sometimes don't step outside until 9:30pm). Yes, sometimes I'd rather be home hanging out with Simon and Margot (interestingly enough, Margot goes to bed earlier and without fuss when it's only Simon at home and they get along à merveille!) . Yes, sometimes I wonder "What's the point? I don't even get paid for this! I don't even get a reduced teaching load for the countless hours I commit to this production!"
Yes, sometimes it's tiring after a long day of "performing in front of a class"(I sometimes don't step outside until 9:30pm). Yes, sometimes I'd rather be home hanging out with Simon and Margot (interestingly enough, Margot goes to bed earlier and without fuss when it's only Simon at home and they get along à merveille!) . Yes, sometimes I wonder "What's the point? I don't even get paid for this! I don't even get a reduced teaching load for the countless hours I commit to this production!"
Advantages:
I don't have to worry about financial or job issues.
I'm in the best boat: I have access to an ample supply of willing young adults who wish to act (who are involved for their pure enjoyment, not for school credits or money); I rehearse and perform in a rent-free beautiful auditorium; I don't have to worry about an audience coming to see the shows (parents and friends and students flock the auditorium) ; lastly, I have a team of talented and dedicated colleagues who have faith in my abilities and believe in the importance of theatre.
I don't have to worry about financial or job issues.
I'm in the best boat: I have access to an ample supply of willing young adults who wish to act (who are involved for their pure enjoyment, not for school credits or money); I rehearse and perform in a rent-free beautiful auditorium; I don't have to worry about an audience coming to see the shows (parents and friends and students flock the auditorium) ; lastly, I have a team of talented and dedicated colleagues who have faith in my abilities and believe in the importance of theatre.
