Background

Greg Beam suggested that I start a blog. Since I do EVERYTHING that Greg says, here it is! Ironically, this whole thing got started by a suggestion by Mr. Greg. One night this past summer I was up late watching TV. I had my computer open and iChat was running. Greg happened to be online, so I started talking to him. One thing led to another and before long he suggested that I think about directing a play.

I NEVER thought about directing before. I've been acting for a little over 10 years now. Most of the stuff I do is with the local community theater that's available to me in Staunton, Virginia. There's quite a bit actually. I have a love/hate relationship with theater. Usually it's more hate than love honestly. I never could figure out why that was! That is, until Greg suggested that I direct something. I realized that my dissatisfaction with theater stems from the fact that a good portion of the stuff I've done is CRAP.

Theater is supposed to entertain. I can understand that. But it can be SO MUCH MORE. Theater has the power to be a vehicle for social change.

The morning after talking to Greg, I was on my way to work and I realized that if I directed a play, I could pick something that could actually INFORM or EDUCATE an audience and expose them to something of social value. I knew that I wanted something dealing with either RACE or SEXUALITY - two areas that are commonly ignored in contemporary American society in the name of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!

That day at work I read a bunch of plays. I came across Neil LaBute and he struck me as a very powerful playright, who was tackling important issues. Also... his writing was ENTERTAINING. Two for the price of ONE.

That day I submitted my proposal to Ampersand and waited eagerly for their approval. Got it.

** Here's a little disclaimer about myself. I tend to go BALLS DEEP when I get into something. I either do it 0% or 150%. **

From there, I secured Morgan to be my producer. An excellent choice. She's top notch. From day one, she's been on top of stuff and willing to match my enthusiasm for this project. I'm very happy.

We've decided to transform this project into a production that bridges theater with visual art, music and social awareness. To accomplish this goal, we plan to assemble a team of local artists and use their works as set pieces which can be related to the overall picture of racism and bigotry in America. We've secured an excellent local musician, Lola Mullen, to perform some of her work every night before the show and plan to showcase a series of local musicians's recordings as post show entertainment. Each artist and musician will also be given the chance to offer their works for sale to the patrons of each night's show. In addition to this, we plan to assemble some "guest speakers" to lead discussions, panel sessions and public talks on race relations in America!

As you can see... this is a very AMBITIOUS project. We're totally going BALLS DEEP!

I plan to use this Blog to keep all those interested informed on the progress of this venture. I plan to take plenty of pictures and chronicle the whole process of directing the show!

For now, we've got Auditions happening on October 22nd and 23rd at 7PM - 15 E. Beverly Street in Staunton.
The performance dates are January 17-19 and 24-26, with a pay what you can night on January 16. The show will start at 8, but we will open the doors at 7:30 for a half an hour of live music by Lola Mullen. AS for a space - we're looking at a number of buildings downtown, with the possibility of using a space in the Masonic Building. Rehearsals will most likely be held at 15 E. Beverly Street.

I have a line on someone to serve as my Art Director - responsible for assembling and coordinating the "art" portion of this production.

We're still looking for people to work backstage, run props and costumes and possibly lights.

I think that's all for now, but I'll keep you posted!

J