The show was very successful though! We had a wonderful experience doing and I learned a lot about directing and coaching. It was wonderful to try and help other actors discover how to approach Chekhov. We did such a wonderful job at discovering the humor in this play as well as finding a very natural and honest feeling. We got reviewed by the Utah Theatre Bloggers Association. It was an alright review. Disappointing in that the reviewer missed the point of what we were doing and didn't fully recognize the hard work we put into it. The owner of the company, my friend Anne Shakespeare, however loved the review. You can read her response and explanation here.
I'm not really sure what to say about this experience. I sure learned a lot. I know for a fact that I never want to act and direct in a show ever again. Especially if I just have the show thrust upon me in the middle of the rehearsal process. I learned a lot though. I realized even more than I already knew the importance of vocal strength and physical presence on stage. It makes such a huge difference! If you don't take control of the stage, it can get so boring. It sucks the energy out of the play, even if you are honestly connected and doing everything else you are supposed to be doing. That was probably the biggest issue we faced, just getting the actors to support their voice and not indulge in the emotions.
Along that line I learned a lot about the value of "not acting". Especially for Chekhov it is essential to just "be" in the moment. Never show, never indicate, never "act". Just experience it. Just honestly experience what the character is experiencing. I certainly enjoyed many moments of this during the performance and I know that my fellow actors also experienced it. I improved in my ability to recognize when people are "acting" and trying too hard, and when they are just responding and living.
For future acting I want to remember what I've learned about the importance of vocal power and physical presence. Also, I want to remember the importance of really doing your homework. I need to stop procrastinating memorization and character work. The sooner that gets done, the sooner I can really get to work. It's hard. It's not always fun. It's probably my least favorite part of acting, but it's essential to the work.
For future directing I want to be more bold. I want to have more confidence and let the actors see that. I also want more discipline. I want my actors to be focused and attentive in a way that is almost reverent when we are rehearsing. I'm excited that for next time I will actually be able to prepare myself instead of being thrust into the midst of the rehearsal process.
Speaking of next time, I will be directing "The Importance of Being Earnest" in January for Utah Shakespeare in the Park. Hooray! I'm very excited. It will be a lot of fun and I'm committed to making it a very fine piece of theatre. My focus will be on the actors. I want to continue the training of very able, very aware, very natural and open artists. This is my desire and goal in training actors and I hope this experience will continue to help me along that path.
