Melissa Williams, Director's Note
Since the pandemic closed the doors on our blackbox theatre and truly altered the way we connected with others, I have been thinking alot about connecting during these 16 months. Maybe it is because I have been reading Daring Greatly by Brené Brown or maybe it is seeing my daughter off as she moves from the proximity of our basement bedroom to a new adventure at medical school in St Louis - so that both of my girls now live states away (but still as close as a phone or Zoom call).
I’ve been thinking of the connections that were just a bit harder to maintain or create during this pandemic - like the arts - but I also realized with some ingenuity and humor that connections were rediscovered through Zoom and the like.
I’m mindful of connections that have been created during this pandemic. I have opened my directing world to film and online digital productions. I have worked with actors across the globe without leaving my home studio. I have taught voice lessons via zoom to my former students in New York who I haven't seen in years- connections I may or may not have made otherwise.
Theatre is all about connection. Involvement in theatre helps us connect to our own strengths, talents, and abilities along with the opportunity to listen and interact with others. After this pandemic we all needed a reminder on how to connect to others “in-person”. How to read body language and express ourselves without the safety net of a “screen”. Even now, while our vulnerable populations are still wearing masks, we have to re-learn to connect more with our eyes and truly “see” that person behind the mask.
The energy in the room when we gathered for our first 13 The Musical rehearsal was unlike anything I have experienced as a director. Due to the months apart, we longed for creative connections, to hear our voices singing together, to laugh out loud and hear others join in, to dance and move with each other - we needed to be together.
And here we are - TOGETHER- finally!
Thank you to my amazing creative staff- Ian, Megan, & Stefanie. The unbelievable Tech Crew - Charlie, Terry, Greg, Eric, Kevin, Sam, Chris, Maggie & Julia. And to my "Right Hand WO-man" - Christina. TOGETHER we did our first outdoor show ! Connection is everything!
Enjoy the Show !
Melissa
