Four Questions

As part of our continuing series, Four Questions, I have interviewed myself in an attempt to understand why it is I do the things that I do...turns out I'm a tough interviewer to face. Read and comment as you will.

You’ve studied theatre abroad in England – what’s one thing you’re really glad to have learned from this experience?
Obviously it was great to meet new people and experience all the cultural differences, but the most useful thing I learned while there was how to properly write a theatre review. I took a class that was dedicated to this style of writing, and as a requirement we had to see and review six shows. I learned that it is a tricky balancing act of summarizing plot quickly, getting across all your points succinctly and clearly, and being opinionated while still seeming rational. As with the rest of my writing experience, I found the hardest part was the art of being concise. No one is going to sit and read a ten-page essay on why they should or shouldn’t see a play.

Why aren’t you writing reviews of San Diego theatre now that you’re here?
I do on occasion, but I still want to work in other aspects of theatre in San Diego and it’s hard to do both at the same time. I also think it’s difficult for people to understand that a negative review doesn’t equate to dislike of the producing theatre company. In fact, a negative review should be seen as supportive encouragement to improve future productions. After all, reviewers want the theatres to succeed just as much as anyone else, otherwise they would be out of a job.

Why do you stage manage? Isn’t it a lot of work for little reward?
Yes and no. It is a lot of work. And there is often very little monetary reward. That sounds like a full-hearted yes to the latter question. But the question is akin to asking someone why they breathe. It is hardly adequate to reply, “Because I’m good at it and I want to.” That may be true, but it is more of a calling, a love, and perhaps a bit of masochism. Stage management picks you, not the other way around. Stage management is difficult, but it is like being on top of the world; you know everything and everyone within the production and can help all to succeed and reach their fullest potential. And although it’s a heck of a climb to get through rehearsals and tech, there is a beautiful sense of accomplishment when a show goes off smoothly.

If you could do anything in theatre, what would it be?
I would own my own small black box theatre and invite theatre companies and groups to come perform. In this ideal world there would be a coffee shop / bookstore / bar next door with whom we would collaborate. On off nights there would be everything from mini rock concerts, to poetry slams, to readings of new plays, to art shows, to classes, and more. And as long as we’re talking hypothetically, the cost of a ticket would never be more than a trip to the movies. A person can dream, can’t they?