Really interesting and challenging things recently. The Playwright’s Project that I mentioned earlier was a new experience for me. What a challenge for the playwrights. Three playwrights have 12 hours to prepare a script with the setting, perhaps a prop, and a cast of three assigned to them The actors are handed a 10 minute script at 9 a.m. the following morning and the show goes up at 8:00 p.m. for an audience. I was reminded of a time when I was asked to go on for a cast member who was ill. I got a call on Monday afternoon to go on Tuesday. No, I was not an understudy and hadn’t seen the script. I spent Monday evening and Tuesday morning working on the script in preparation for a 4 o’clock rehearsal in advance of the 7:30 show. It wasn’t a lead role but – remember, there are no small parts. I love live theatre and its challenges.
I recently attended the 40th anniversary celebration of Theatre for Young America. This group has been entertaining kids for 40 years and giving aspiring actors both adults and children an opportunity to perform in a professional venue along with other theatre professionals. Unable to attend in person but sending greetings via video were several professional ‘alums’ currently working in “the biz” in larger venues. The biggest surprise was when the muppets sent their greetings. No, they didn’t make their premiere appearances at TYA but they were co-workers of someone who did. Fun for all. Congratulations, Theatre for Young America.
What is next?
Next on my list is the Great Plains Theatre production of Driving Miss Daisy. Since the beautiful old building burned earlier this year the play will be in a theatre space on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential library. Artistic Director Doug Nuttleman will direct and I will be appearing as Daisy Werthan. The show runs November 7 through 16. Check out their web site: greatplainstheatre.com. I’ll see you in November in Abilene, Kansas.