the value of the director

Sometimes I have my doubts as to my value as a director; or indeed, the value of a director at all. Sometimes, doesn't it just seem that a good script and a good cast could do it on their own?

WELL-

1. Choosing an excellent script and casting it well are two of the director's most important tasks- sooo even if it seems they direct themselves, in fact the "click" that happens is due to the director.

2. When the director doesn't fulfill the tasks of directing- reading, interpreting, communicating the script to the many and varied artists-of-the-theater actors, designers, promoters- the entire fabric falls apart.

This was well demonstrated to me recently by one of the student teams doing the group project in my intro class. The director did not have a grasp of the play, and therefore all the different projects of scene design, costume design, poster design were disjointed, unconnected, lacked relevance and significance to character, plot or mood.

Once again, bad art illuminates the almost invisible *good* art of directing.

An Introduction to Theatre

I've been teaching Intro to Theatre for some time now. Recent events have me musing on what the purpose of such a class might be.

One important purpose is to develop new audiences.

Theatre has so much to compete with for entertainment in today's world. Television - now cable, high definition, 3-D! Movies- in theatres, on DVDs, STREAMING!

Not too mention sporting events of all types. And video games! And social networking!

What chance does theatre have? Without a live audience, there is no theatre.

And that is what we must capitalize on: theatre is live- intimate - in person. The physical, sensual presence of the live actor engaging with the energy of the live audience is something that technology cannot replicate.

Introduction to theatre- when it includes a requirement to GO and SEE SOME SHOWS- is an opportunity to bring this live experience to those who may never have tried it otherwise.

And once there- good theatre will do the rest.

the legacy

Michigan Youth Theatre: The Vision




Over the past decade, we have created something truly special. Michigan Youth Theater is about more than art: it is about acceptance. It is about collaboration. It is about love for our partners and the dramatic work we collectively create. MYT is a unique place where teens, during their most tumultuous years, can come together to create, share, and flourish in this atmosphere of love and acceptance. As founder of MYT, it has always been my belief that this is the artistic environment that fosters the greatest and highest art. This is a safe place where difficult issues can be explored, respectfully, without judgment or fear of rejection. We welcome everyone, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality. Anyone who is respectful and accepting of others will be respected and accepted by us.





This is the MYT Vision. This is our creed. If we do not adhere to these founding principles, MYT will no longer exist.





Lisa Hodge Kander

Artistic Director, 2000-2011

Founder, Michigan Youth Theater

play reading

I am teaching two theater classes currently: Introduction to theater, and Development of Drama from the Greeks to Moliere.

In both classes, at different levels, we are discussing how to read a play, and how to see a play.

It is a lot of work to actively read a play.

When reading a play, one must be simultaneously actor, director, designer- all in the mind's eye as one reads the dialogue and stage directions.

When reading an older play, there is also the challenge of putting the play into historical context, and looking for connections to the current era- connections and/or disconnects.

It's a challenge. And I'm not sure how close this literary exercise is to actual theater.

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!