It’s a given when you agree to direct a musical that the job entails working with all of the cast, crew, and creative team. This year, the job also included how to unify 15 unique individuals’ ideas into one show. While the show you are about to see is no exception how we do all Actionplay shows, the end result came from innovating everyone’s ideas so that it is definitively “our show”.
An amazing thing to see as the year goes on is seeing certain participants feel comfortable enough to take risks and rise to the challenge of pretending to be a fantastic character for one hour at a time. One person may stand against the wall one day, but then create their own song and dance solo on the spot during the next rehearsal. The growth in their creativity and their confidence is truly remarkable to watch from week to week. The ability for them to feel safe and supported would not happen without the steadfast work of the staff and volunteers.
While this year’s show might be hard for me to fully summarize, the best that I can say is that you are invited into our grand fantasy filled with our favorite things: unlikely heroes saving the day, musicians coming up with their own wacky music, original scenes that are performed by a mashup of familiar characters, and tons of great laughs! Hopefully, you will enjoy stepping into this world and laughing along with us while you are here.
-Kate Trammell
