West Suburban Theatre Blog [WSTB] asked Galaxy Theatre’s Crimes of the Heart Director Andrew Brown to discuss the nature of directing a community theatre production.
Andrew started in theater about 7 years ago as a way to spend more time with his actor wife Nancy Alvarez. He quickly found out he had a talent he never realized he had, which sparked a love for the art. He has previously been seen on stage at Hale Park Theater Company’s production of Company, Children of Eden and Women of Lockerbie. Andrew moved to production side of theater with Galaxy Theaters group’s productions of Steel Magnolias as Assistant Director. From there moving to assistant direct O’Brian and O’Brien, And Then There Were None, Stage Manger for Lend Me a Tenor and Co-Director of Arsenic And Old Lace. All at Galaxy Theater Company.
Role of Director:
West Suburban Theatre Blog (WTSB): Alexander Lee-Rukers in a Stagemilk article shares the thought that “A director’s job is to direct the audience to what’s important in the story.” Would you agree?
A. Brown: I never really though about it like that but yes, I would agree. For me directing is about guiding all the different artists involved with a show into one cohesive piece of art.
WSTB: I often hear the couplet “Producer/Director” as if it were one position. What are some of the ways the roles differ?
A. Brown: A director guilds the artistic vision of the show while the producer makes that vision happen for the director.
WSTB: Why did you choose theatre as your medium for expression? Or, put another way, what inspires you to do what you do?
A. Brown: I love exploring different characters. Theater teaches me to be empathetic to my fellow humans. As an actor, I get to explore different types of people in depth and learn how they think and react. As a director, I get to do this with the actors, and then together we create, a moving piece of art.
Theatres:
WSTB: What are some of the ways Community Theatre differs from Professional Theatre?
A. Brown: Aside from the obvious, like budget size and everything that goes with that. Community theaters give almost everyone an opportunity regardless off skill level, a place to create something, while serving the community they are in with desperately needed art.
WSTB: How does working in a large seating venue versus a so-called “Black Box” theatre with limited seating affect your directing style?
A. Brown: I have only ever director or performed in small venues. I love this though as it gives me the chance to be more subtle with characters performances. The closer the audience is the better they can see the facial expression of the actors.
Casting:
WSTB: What did you look for in casting the actors? What specific traits did you need for Crimes of the Heart?
A. Brown: I wanted actors that brought more depth of emotion to the roles than just what was obvious on the page.
WSTB: The Lee-Rukers article mentioned earlier claims that “Actors in theatre are not easily replaced—meaning a director’s first choice is usually their only shot at getting it right.” Do you agree?
A. Brown: I do not agree with this. Having been assistant director and now Director of a several shows, all of which had to go through casting changes at various stages of the productions. I think we ended up some performances that were just as good as would have had in the original actor had not had to drop out.
Play:
WSTB: My Meetup site members’ genre preferences are overwhelmingly Musicals, Drama and Comedy. Do you find that limiting?
A. Brown: That is almost every show out there. Most shows are one of, if not more than one type. You can tell almost limitless amounts of stories with just those three genres.
WSTB: How do you handle copyright restrictions when adapting a play to the audience you anticipate?
A. Brown: I have not had any real issues with harsh copy right restrictions. My goal as a director is to bring to life what is in the script and tell the authors story as it is written. I tend to not stray from the show much.
WSTB: The Crimes of the Heart script deals with some important issues about society. How do you and your cast turn these issues into an enjoyable night of theatre?
A. Brown: We strive to make the characters real, flaws and all. Art should make you feel something. Its not always enjoyable. I want the audience to believe these characters are real people with real emotions and flaws and in the end see the love these sisters have for each other. If the audience can feel that love, then we have done our jobs are artists.
WSTB: What encouraged you to direct Crimes of the Heart?
A. Brown: Honestly, I volunteered to help out with the show and was asked to be assistant director. I agreed. The original director had to drop out of the production, and I was left to direct it on my own. I have since fallen in love with the show and hope it moves people like it has me.
WSTB: Have you made any discoveries about this play during the rehearsal process?
A. Brown: Yes, there is a reference to daddy’s white teeth made by Meg. Diving into that we came to some dark inferences that I hope the audience picks up on.
WSTB: What has been your biggest challenge about Crimes of the Heart in rehearsing this production?
A. Brown: Blocking, Blocking is always my challenge directing. In the real world you may have an entire conversation just sitting at a table but that is not visually interesting watching it as an audience, so finding times to move characters around and create a dynamic picture but still make feel natural is a challenge.
WSTB: What does an audience need to take away from spending an evening with Crimes of the Heart characters?
A. Brown: That family is complicated and messy sometimes but ultimately there is great love there.
West Suburban Theatre Blog thanks Galaxy Theatre’s Crimes of the Heart Director Andrew Brown for sharing his view of the nature of directing a community theatre production.