playbill vip

Note from the Director

    While at a glance the world of David Ives might seem “out there,” I have always felt that it is as if each play is observing the world from a very skewed point of view, but once you take the journey with the characters that point of view is obvious.  “Why wouldn’t someone want to be a famous, French, impressionist painter for a day?,” “What happens in the mind of a composer during an emotionally searing moment?,” “Is physical affection really appreciation?,” “The saying goes ‘monkeys with typewriters will sooner or later produce Hamlet,’ let’s see.”

    I was introduced to Ives' work when I was a freshman in high school and his plays have influenced me as an artist ever since.  His gift with language and his ability to turn an everyday situation into something fascinating have always astounded me.  I have also found his work very accessible.  That is why I chose these plays for The Freshman Project, actors of varying experience can find access points into Ives. These students range from theatrical newbies to developing artists with multiple plays under their belts. His plays allow the students to grow from each personal starting point and at the rate they need. The fact that working on these shows it so much fun it is ridiculous is just icing on the cake.  And what an odd and wonderful cake it is.

Special thanks to…
All the students that came back from last year’s Freshman Project.  Especially Sarah, Dan, Shelli, and Senegal.

Rebecca Karpen for our amazing photos.

These year’s crop of freshman.  For putting up with crazy schedule changes and making me laugh on a weekly basis.

My Stage Managers for herding cats.

Adam Hetrick for PlaybillVIP and moral support.

and...

Jo Ann Cimato, and B’DAT, for giving these students the opportunity.