Director’s Note
In directing this show, I discovered the many elements at play. Not only the complexities of making the decisions, but the true skill it takes to orchestrate and create a cohesive piece; a work of art. Personally, I learned about “the unseen” of theatre; the behind the scenes. I quickly realized the hours it takes to block and position actors, the dedication to building, painting, sewing, lights, sounds; literally everything that makes a play a play. Without “the unseen” the show would never go on.
Besides the unseen, with the show itself there is the time spent with the students. I feel that I have learned so much from them. What comes to mind is Charles’s line, “Ruth, I was reasonably faithful to you…” Not with these students. There is no “reasonably faithful” about it. These kids live, eat, drink, and thrive on theatre. From the time spent with each other to the sacrifices made to be here every day and even late nights at Denny’s to line-bash, our students have put everything they have into this show.
With this show, I wanted to focus on my actors getting to know their characters. What makes Charles both a gentleman and a scoundrel? Ruth, a loving wife/ socialite and domineering? Elvira, lively, lovely and yet, deadly? Edith, the shy mouse, but also the key to the entire mystery? Madame Arcati, well, she’s a special type of bird, isn’t she? I wanted my students to learn from these characters, humanize them. How are they different from me, but how are we the same? My goal was for them to be able to take on another’s skin for a while and walk around it in, learn from the experience and take the lessons with them when they walk out our front doors.
In the little time I have known CHS, and her inner workings, I have learned much. I have learned there is so much more to teaching than simply teaching. I have learned that there are no bad kids, only bad days. I have learned that learning never stops, especially as a teacher. I have learned that there is so much more to love about my job then I ever imagined. Thank you to Wibbs, for teaching me everything about this wonderful program and being the never-stop-little-robot you are. Thank you, sweet Lord, that we have made it this far.
In the words of Madam Arcati, “Have a Sandwich.”
DLC
