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.

A Valuable Lesson...

I learned a valuable lesson about this new position today. Always think before you speak, or write. I will endeavour to have a better sense of discretion in future. I have never thought of myself as a public person before today. I am still not really wrapping my head around it, but for now and the next two years I will have to think about that.

Getting There...

The good thing is that I can usually tell within 25 pages if a script is a definite "no"... this saves on reading. As well, some of the submissions were already known to me, so that saved me some time. I think I am there. I need to check on availability of rights and I am waiting for one script to arrive via mail. I also have to decide which of two shows I will direct and locate a director for the remaining one. I will have to go back through the submitted resumes and figure out who might have the skill set needed... It's almost done! Now let's hope the Board likes what I present. I'd rather go with my first choice than my back-ups.

Got Some Stuff... How Come People Don't Read the Assignment?

I have a few things to read these next few weeks. I am puzzled, however, by some people who don't read what is asked of them. Some have been above and beyond with what they have submitted. Others, however, have simply dropped off a script and their name. Some the script and resume but no proposal. I thought I was clear in what I was asking for. I am not trying to be a stickler, but I want to know they know what is involved and I want to know they know why the show they picked is good for Walterdale.

The Deadline is today.

Getting a few things to read...

I received the first 2 scripts for my perusal last night. I know that more are coming. I will start taking a walk through the ones I have received. It feels a little like when you direct and you cast a show. You know that you are going to disappoint people, but you have to make the right choice for you. I want my seasons to be good, and I also want them to reflect me as the Artistic Director. At the same time I want to be collaborative about this process. It is hard to say what will happen until I get more scripts in...

I also spent some time perusing musicals online, looking for ones that would be good for Walterdale. I want ones that will attract both strong casts and audiences and that will suit the space.

Lots of nibbles, no bites yet...

I have heard from a few people that they intend to submit but have received nothing yet. Some I know are for sure so I am not worried. I hope that I get a variety so that I can use the submissions to build a diverse and exciting season. I can use my fall-backs but people want to direct shows they connect with so a submission is actually more ideal in my mind than simply matching up a director with a show I pick. I have encouraged people to submit more than one script so that I can have more options. It means more reading for me if they do this, but I read quickly and usually you can 'reject' poor scripts without necessarily reading the whole thing.