mentoring new directors

Looking for one or two young people who would like to direct! The MYT Playwriting Competition winners will be directed by young artists- mentored in directing by Dr. Lisa Hodge Kander. Is this YOU? Email director@michiganyouththeater.org

comedy

Why is the number 3 funnier than the number 2 or the number 4?

In comedy, things often happen in threes (there is some aphorism about that, isn't there?).

Or, reactions are funnier in three beats.

And repetition is funny. The first time a gag appears, it may provoke a smile or just a notice- but the second time is funnier, the third funnier still- and soon the audience is expecting the next gag- and then if you pull a twist on it- you can bring the house down.

Make 'em laugh!

For the past two weeks, in near record-breaking heat and humidity, I've been spending about 12 hours a day rehearsing.

We open tonight with Taming of the Shrew.

We have two casts: one cast pretty much according to gender expectations: men playing the male roles, and women playing women.

The other is an all-female cast.

I am looking forward to the audience response.

I am nervously awaiting the audience response. With comedy, they gotta laugh. If they don't laugh, you didn't succeed.

The casts are both just about ready-- just awaiting the energy and sense of fun that the audience can bring.

Make 'em laugh, teams!