Creating theatre in the time of COVID-19 is no small task. To maintain a safe environment takes commitment, attention to detail and hard work.
I am immensely grateful to an outstanding cast and crew who worked with me on this seemingly crazy idea and was totally up to the task, taking on not only their respective roles within traditional theater responsibilities, but willingly...enthusiastically, even...performing new roles that came with the safety protocols and capture process which were needed to bring Two Rooms to your screen.
Kaetlyn Allen was the best stage manager a team could hope for, but also handled 1st Assistant Director, Location Manager and Script Supervisor responsibilities - finding and managing our space, keeping the set moving and ensuring the script was captured as intended.
Blaine Fuson was our incredible scenic designer and properties master, all while operating the camera and ensuring continuity from scene to scene was in place.
Zack Saunders not only handled all lighting for the production, but completely mapped out and measured the space providing us with not only the usual paperwork for the production, but also a 3D drafting of the space, circuit map, focus areas, magic sheet, instrument schedule, and channel hookup (because he’s the best).
Abbey Nettleton expertly recorded individual audio from each of our actors, ensuring the sound mix would have as much flexibility as possible.
Daniel Massey has been with this production from the very beginning, handling numerous aspects of production management, providing immense technical coordination on set, and aiding in electrician assistance for Zack.
Melissa Hall-Reynolds did an exceptional job with costumes and make-up, and did so while adhering to all safety requirements ensuring our talent looked good, and were safe throughout the production. Melissa also provided the photography that we used to promote Two Rooms to the public.
Each of these team members took the safety and security of our company as seriously as it can be taken, as we all knew that having the privilege of making theatre in person during these times isn't something that can be taken for granted...and more importantly, that it was not more important than the health of this group of collaborators and friends.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to the amazing people at The Station Theatre in Urbana, Illinois, who opened their space to this team. It's absolutely clear we couldn't have done this without their collaboration and support.
Thanks go out to Bill Malott and Ian Sheridan as well, who lent their talents to the editing of this piece, unlocking the talent that we captured on-camera.
A special thank you to Emma Anderson, Corey Barlow and Lauren Hayes. These amazing people are talented actors and great friends who took the time to talk with me early in the development of Two Rooms. I greatly admire each of them and look forward to working together in the future.
My deepest thanks to each of you. Thank you for taking this journey with me and being brave enough to take on the challenge of bringing Two Rooms to life.
Always remember to roomba.
Lou
