If You Want This Choice Position

We got one step closer to the start of Mary Poppins earlier this week when I attended the Summer Season Directors Meeting. This is held every year for those of us directing in the 5 show Summer season at Corn Stock’s Tent (this year, Mary Poppins is the big finale, show #5). At this meeting, we receive our approved budgets and our “Directors Binder” from the Theatre Manager, which carries all the responsibilities, policies, and other “business” that concerns a director. Much of it their cast never hears about, and if you’ve never directed, probably didn’t even know happens. We also cover basic rules and code of conduct for everyone in your company, both onstage and backstage, so all can be guaranteed a fun, positive experience when they work with you. Once we were done, all of us directors posed for a picture! I’m in good company this summer, as all the other directors are close friends of mine. That’s always helpful when you’re producing five shows in three months; you have to share a lot of resources, space, and play nicely.

One of the other matters covered in our meeting was preparing for one of my favorite events when directing: the Annual Season “Get Acquainted” event. Before each season we hold one of these, it’s a public meet and greet with the directors where they can answer questions and it’s really the first time you get to talk in public about your shows (unless of course, you start a blog about it!) Directors will also use this event as a way to recruit additional backstage help if they need it, and Mary Poppins will need it! Anyone who is interested in participating in this summer’s season should try and attend. These events usually draw a nice sized crowd, you’ll get free entertainment (hear songs from the upcoming shows, and see a short scene from the play, which I’m taking part in!) and there are usually some light refreshments too. Then the party moves elsewhere (the Fieldhouse this year) for more food and drinks and conversation.

I think one of the great things about this event is if you’ve never met the director of a show you are interested in, this gives you a casual fun opportunity to do so and you’ll learn we are actually all very nice! And in turn,  I am eager to meet new people interested in the show. This event will be taking place next Saturday (details below) so maybe I will see you there!