November 28, 2006
-
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
–Robert FrostStopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
1 This edition of the DN is being brought to you LIVE from the Chill on the Hill, where the student directors have assembled in my office to use the paper cutter, the computer, and all manner of evil.
2 It’s showtime, folks.
3 Tonight I went over to YB to assist a bit in their lighting for the first all student-directed show in the school’s history.
4 I might remind you that these guys have done this almost alone, the decision to take on the challenge, the choosing of the plays, the auditions, the first rehearsal, the tech Saturdays, the cleansing and organization of the Theatre, the moments when one actor finally makes a breakthrough, the tensions, and finally, the sitting in the Theatre as the mirror ball swirls around, and Michael Buble crooning, “Put your head on my shoulders…” stopping time, as the lights dance across the walls and the set glows with moonlight and amber lighting, jazzy perfect, and all is well…
5 It’s later in the evening.These guys were just bonkers last night. I had brought all the directors up to the Chill on the Hill just to use the computer and stuff, but they laughed and relaxed and had a fun time. They were excited, almost in disbelief that what they have been straining and stressing about for two months is about to become a miracle. They have lots more to do, and promises to keep.
6 And miles to go before they sleep.
7 And miles to go before they sleep.
8 They open Friday, not Thursday night. I think they just got to thinking that they just might not quite make it on Thursday. This is where a show starts to get so intense that directors would HAVE second thoughts if they didn’t have so much damn work to do.
9 But it was all of them: Cam, Suny, Trinh, Sarah, and Nhat all bonding and enjoying the reality that they had almost climbed to the mountain peak. The Show is now on its way, and they are going through the madness of programs, flyers, parents who need rehearsal scheds, and all the rest.
10 And they are scared, and yet they are so unscared you wouldn’t believe it. They fully intend to conquer that mountain. They’re stopping by the snowy woods for a breather, and a frosty moment to laugh, and to re-group. And now they see the peak, and yes, it’s a bit daunting.
11 But they have the entire history of the Drama Workshop behind them.
12 And they have everything else that goes with a Show.
Those cold, crisp Winter nights.
The City below.
And All Good Gifts
To the Student Directors
We all Salute You.
Take it home.
Peace.
~H~
http://www.xanga.com/bharrington
