DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Welcome to Southgate Community Players' production of While the Lights Were Out.
On behalf of the cast, crew, and everyone at SCP, we are deeply flattered and thrilled that you chose to spend your evening with us.
I first read While the Lights Were Out in the summer of 2020, when all of us theatre people were itching to do literally anything. I had originally envisioned it as a just-for-fun reading with a few friends in a safe space. Sadly, this never came to pass. But four years later, I get to direct it for real with a set and costumes and everything. And I get to direct it as my first ever show, at the theater where I got my start five years ago.
I came into this just hoping that people would want to do a somewhat obscure show with a first time director. What I got was beyond what I could have imagined. Fifteen of the most talented, hilarious people I could have ever hoped for. Seven of them are new to SCP (including a stage debut) and one hasn’t performed with us for decades, plus a number of them are directors in their own right. Not to mention a brilliant, hardworking crew. All of us gelling together flawlessly, sharing ideas and helping to build the finished product you’ll see tonight. I do not take for granted how fortunate I am to work with every single one of these people, and I can't thank them enough for all they've done for this show, and for me.
I can definitely say that this show has been a major learning experience for me. I've not only learned what kind of director and leader I am, I've also learned a lot about myself as a person. And every day, even up until this day, I am learning more. I am learning how to let myself be proud of the things I accomplish, and not just deflect or self-deprecate because I don't think I deserve it. I am also learning how not to hold myself to an unrealistic standard of perfection. I am learning to unlearn these bad habits. I have a long way to go, but I feel like I'm coming along.
I'd like to send a very special thanks to my producers, Alexis and Bella, who may have had the most difficult job of all: trying to keep this control freak from doing everything himself! Seriously, they have worked so hard on this show, keeping things neat and organized, and this show truly would not be what it is without their massive effort. I also owe a huge thanks to everyone at SCP. I can imagine I was a bit of a pain, and that as a first time director I made some big and unusual asks, but all along you believed in my vision and supported me in making this show the best it could be, and I will forever be grateful for that. And of course, thanks to every one of you for continuing to support the rich theatre community in our area. We are volunteers doing this completely out of love for the art. It's such a rewarding feeling sharing your art with an appreciative audience.
Now it's time to share our labor of love. We hope that you have as much fun watching it as we have creating it for you. It's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy While the Lights Were Out.
—Mike Stec
Director, While the Lights Were Out
March 16, 2024
