I love all types of music and the theatre, so musical theatre is an integration of these two passions. For the ten years before directing my first musical, I wrote plays and music for my church because I like producing original work. If I had anything to say to a first-time director I would say, “Don't just think about ‘wanting’ to produce or direct a play, just do it. So many times, out of fear, people prevent themselves from tackling a play because of the magnitude of work. Instead of looking at the "Big Job’ all at once, plan out little jobs each day, building up to the entirety of the responsibility. Eventually, before you know it, your audience is applauding. Another piece of advice I might give any first-time director is, “Start with a small one-act show - then move up.” If you have a small performance area, know that smaller stage areas can be built up using platforms to create an image of multiple settings. Flats can also be combined to create depth and contrast. – Mary Lou Piccola, Theater Teacher, Julian Charter School Murrieta High School Academy, Temecula, CA
