#directblr asks

1. Classics or New Works?

New Works, preferably…BUT in that same vein, classics reimagined or thought about in NEW WAYS.  Often because I like to take a fresh look at things or try something completely new, but also because I sometimes feel like I can’t or don’t want to try to find a way to remount something I feel has lost its relevance.  Or I’m just afraid of living up to standards of a classic.  Sometimes it’s just the fear, I admit.  But I always prefer doing something new if possible.

3. Plays or Musicals?

I got INTO theatre via the musical theatre genre. And now I kind of have to be dragged to go see them…often because I feel like they aren’t directed well, actually.  Or they’re just as deep as a puddle.  I’m not itching to direct a musical any time soon. I’m selfish and I don’t like how much time has to go to music and choreo rehearsals before I can get my hands on them, generally.  But there are some musicals I’d LOVE to direct.

11. What moves you to direct? Why theater and not film or tv?

This answer could change from day to day or moment to moment, honestly…but it probably all eventually is similar to the fact that there is just nothing more magical to me than live theatre. It’s unpredictable, and while I do think some control is necessary (for safety…both physical and emotional), it’s so exciting to know that no two nights are the same. It’s VISCERAL, and I feel like film and TV can be too manufactured. It’s the human experience right in front of our eyes. And I think that’s beautiful and special.

15. What’s your end goal? Where does it all lead to?

Answered! ;) 

8. A theater you’d love to direct for. (Why them in particular?)

EASY.  Second Thought Theatre in Dallas. I love their space, I love their aesthetic, I love the plays they select. I love that they do talkbacks after every show. I love that every Monday is Pay What You Can.  They are my Goal Theatre. 

9. What’s your one show? (You know the show.)

It used to be A Feminine Ending by Sarah Treem, but I got to direct that one! The one that always comes to mind now is Big Love by Charles Mee. 

10. Who would you most like to collaborate with? (Actor, Playwright, Designer? You name it!)

Real life or dream life?? Real Life: SM and ASM team of @thankyoufive​ and @housetohalf​, costume designer @costumersupportdept​ and props designer @backstageleft​ and sound designer/resident cartoonist @q2qcomics​ and of course I’d let @busyasabree​ and @tbbackus​ fight it out as Dramaturg. THE Tumblr Production Team because why not? Not even that I’ve seen examples from all of you, but your work ethic and passion for the art is enough for me.

Real Life also because those are all people I’ve never met…the Artistic Director of Second Thought, Alex, is a TREMENDOUS actor, and I’d love to share a scene with him some day and act for/direct him…whichever. I’ll collaborate with @haikumblr​ any time you let me because she’s my mentor and teaches me so much.

Dreams? God…Tommy Kail, please.  PLEASE let me just sit down with him and maybe also be his AD one day.  ALSO David Korins would be my all time set designer and arm candy.  

13. Who do you look up to?

Any working artists who also balance being parents and partners. It’s HARD not to feel like you’re slighting one or the other. So hard.

14. What part of directing do you find the hardest? 

Confidence in my abilities and owning the fact that I know what to do, or at least will figure it out b/c I work hard. I let my small (but meaningful!) resume and lack of formal education turn into the Fraud Police sometimes, and I’ll start to believe that I’m not good enough. 

15. What’s your end goal? Where does it all lead to?

Keep working. Keep learning. Keep doing.  Get as many educational opportunites as possible.  Create even when the opportunities are fewer or the answer “no” is coming more often. Ultimately…like when my kid(s) are out of school, I’d like for my husband to be the one with the full-time job at a University (Texas state schools really do have great insurance retirement plans!) and I’ll be the freelancer!!