Directing two 10-minute plays in February!

I haven't been consistently bloggerific have I?

Than may be about to change as things seem to be heating up a bit. And the first piece of news is that I've been asked to direct two pieces for the Abingdon Theatre's Benefit series: The Denial Plays.

This is two evenings of 10-minute plays, (Staged readings - i.e. book in hand,) inspired by and played on the set that has been created for their mainstage production of Lost on the Natchez Trail. Cool set by the way.

In Series A (Feb 7 at 6:30 and 8:30)
"Death and the Matron" by Barbara Bleier

In Series B (Feb 14 at 6:30 and 8:30)
"The Curse of the Living Dead" by Lily Rusek

Met my cast for Death and the Matron last night; interesting process for this, in that I step in to direct but was not part of the casting process; a first for me. Playing Mariam is Joan Shepard and in the role of Death himself; Kim Allen. A pleasure to meet the actors and playwright and to begin the work. 

I'll meet The people involved with "The Curse of..." next Tuesday; Lily and the actors:  Patti Mariano,  Shari Brittany, Bill  Nabel. (That is the same night that "Death and.." opens - the next two weeks are going to be crazy!)

Not having a hand in casting does present a unique set of challenges - and opportunities. So much of the tone of the play is set by the actors involved; no matter how adept at transformation, there's always a core energy that exudes from each individual. And especially for a reading like this, where the rehearsals are limited, you're rather dependent on that energy. I'm enjoying the challenge! And I'm very grateful  to have this opportunity.

More news coming soon!
m