On the way to next season...

This past Sunday was the Season meeting with the Board of Directors. Weeks prior I gave them copies of the scripts I was proposing, plus two back-ups in case they didn't like those that I chose (for whatever reasons - hopefully legitimate ones - not just aesthetics). In addition I gave them a 4 page document outlining why I put the season together as I did. The season should be balanced and have a variety of works and you have to serve the producing membership as well as the audience. I also feel you need to have something in your season that might challenge your audience. In any case, after a lengthy discussion my first choice roster of plays were approved (pending availability of rights). There was one switch in scheduling, but that was minor in my eyes. Interestingly enough, the script I thought would be the biggest no-brainer was the one most challenged. It just goes to show you cannot know how other people will react to what you put forward.

Stay tuned for an announcement. it will probably be made during the Footlights Festival!

Post-Mortem - Hamlet

Today I went to the Hamlet Post-Mortem. Though the title is somewhat macabre, it is a very valuable tool in the Walterdale Toolbox. The Post-Mortem allows the team to look at the Production and determine the challenges and the triumphs of the process and to pass along concerns and tips for future shows. As a future AD I find this extremely useful. I have been to several Post-Mortems over the last few years. At every single one of them communication has been highlighted as an issue. When you think about how Walterdale runs, it is easy to see that this would be an issue. Every show has a different Team, some familiar to Walterdale and some brand new. Some people are in their first show, while the person next to them has done over 30. The new person may feel inundated with information and the old-timer may zone out because they already feel they know the information provided. I doubt anyone hears everything. It will no doubt continue to be an item for discussion at every future Post-Mortem I attend.