... things Earnest taught me.

Life has been happening so quickly lately! So much has happened between this post and my last, but it’s been so fulfilling. Here is a small re-cap:

Directing The Importance of Being Earnest was a wonderful growing experience for me! I wouldn't trade those two plus months for anything. Like every production, there were bumps along the way, but the final product was worth every ounce of hardship. My actors were delightful to watch every night; not only were they all incredibly talented, but they all grew as actors throughout the process. My heart swells with pride when I think of those beautiful people.

Here are a few things I learned through the directing experience: 

1) Preparation is the key putting up a quick production. I didn't realize that as the director I really had to be involved in every aspect of the production. It wasn't like acting in a show, where the set magically appears on the stage one day; I had to be the one to make sure the set pieces came together. So many things are the director’s responsibility, and I had no idea. Luckily, I had an amazing assistant director who has experience in directing, and a fabulous stage manager who worked his tail off to make things work. My deepest thanks to them for helping me know what I needed to do. 

2) Sometimes it’s not easy to work with the board of the theatre, but you do your best with what you are given and move on. There was a lot of miscommunication between myself and the Board, and it caused some contention. Although it was hard to deal with, I learned from it and will be better for it. Communication is vitally important. 

3) Every person that is involved in the show brings something new to the production that you hadn't planned on. The scenes that ended up on that stage were not the scenes that I imagined before casting, but after seeing my actors at work, I wouldn't have it any other way. Each person wanted to make this play a success, and you could see their commitment in the way that they brought their characters to life. 

4) I really like directing! I had a small taste of it in the directing classes I took in college, but they did not prepare me for the love I would feel for a production that is mine. The Importance of Being Earnest will always be special to me.

To sum up, I cherish the experience of being a director, and I fully intend to take any future opportunities to direct again! I thought my love for theatre couldn't grow any deeper… but it really did.

I realized as I was working on Earnest that I had been participating in a theatrical production all year long. Remember the Magic began in January, and then I agreed to be the music director for Hello Dolly! immediately following, and then it went straight into Earnest. From January to the end of October I was at the Old Barn. I told myself that I need to take a break, I was tired, and I have more important things to plan now… but it’s been a month, and I feel like that’s been enough rest! I am craving the stage. Although I've been participating, I haven’t been performing all year… so I think that will be the next thing that I do. In fact, The Terrace Plaza Playhouse will be putting up a production of Little Women in the spring... and being Jo in Little Women is my DREAM!!! With any luck (and a lot of preparation), that will be my next theatrical pursuit.

In the meantime, I really do have bigger fish to fry: I’m getting’ married!!!

The Importance of Being... Awesome!

You know, I thought when I graduated college that I would have more free time, and I wouldn't feel so busy... I was very wrong. Although I am participating in fewer activities, they are taking up more time than the many activities I was doing before. Just a few short months ago I was going to school full time, working part time, performing in a show (which I had to commute an hour to), constructing 5 full costumes for said show, and trying to squeeze in homework (trying to graduate), practicum hours, and my church calling. People would ask me all the time how I could possibly do so much, and I can honestly say it almost killed me, and I was pretty numb by graduation, but I made it! Now that school isn't in the equation, I figured that I would have time to do more for myself, but I didn't realize that having a full time job would take up more of my week than all of those other things before. I'm only working, directing a show, and fulfilling my church calling; but I think I'm just as mentally and emotionally exhausted as before. But everything will work out, just like it did before. I have hope.


Don't misunderstand me, I really love my life right now. I finally feel like an independent adult: working full time, paying for my own living, and making my own decisions completely; and I love that! I am directing my first show, which is super exciting, if not absolutely terrifying... but we just had our first meeting and our get-to-know-you rehearsal, so we're not quite into the process yet. I have been making and developing amazing friendships lately, and these friends have been a real strength to me during this difficult time in my life. When I lay out the blessings that I have and really look at them, I can see that I have no reason to complain or to be unhappy. Life is really good, despite all of the recent confusion and heartache I've experienced. I'm not alone, and I have full faith that everything will be fine.

The thing that has been filling all of my thoughts and dreams lately has been The Importance of Being Earnest. Many months ago, I found out that the direct for the the Fall slot at The Old Barn Community Theatre would be moving away, and that they were looking for someone to direct the straight play, I jumped at the opportunity. I told the Board that I would soon be graduating from Weber State with my Bachelor or Arts in Musical Theatre, and I that I would love to have the chance to direct a full production. They took me on! I began looking for a straight comedy back in March (or even earlier, I was really excited), and I kept coming back to The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. This was the first play that I read just for the sake of reading a show, back when I was in junior high or high school, and I thought it was hilarious! I didn't think much of it after that point, other than watching the Collin Firth, Rupert Everret movie version every once in a while; but when the time came to choose a show, this one really spoke to me.

Once we decided to start ironing out the details of how we were going to put on this show, my assistant director gave a brilliant suggestion: set it in the 1920s. Genius, I know. He always is. It will be a different production from other Earnests, it will be easier to find costumes and set pieces, and we have the freedom to add a few interesting things (our Algernon is learning how to play the Ukulele!). I couldn't be more excited about the concept! What makes this whole thing even more exciting was the talent that came out to auditions last week. I am happy to say that casting was extremely difficult, because everyone was good! I didn't want to loose anyone that came out... but alas, even with the parts we added to the show, there are only 12 cast members. But these 12 people have so much talent, I have no doubts that they will all work hard to make this show as wonderful as I see in my mind!

I will post the show dates, times, and location when the event is closer. I want to share this beauty with everyone!