Virgin Director - Final Countdown

Well, we are now down to the last days - 5 days and a little less than 8 hours, but who's counting. Me, I guess. I am feeling nerves like I haven't felt since the first time I walked on-stage so many years back.

One of my cast made a very interesting comment at the last rehearsal, something I have been barely aware of myself but totally agree with - One Act Plays do not draw the same level of commitment than a full-length play. This was something I had thought about before venturing into the whole thing and tried to promise myself that I would not fall into. Generally, I have succeeded in this. However I have been rather lenient with my cast in terms of scheduling.

Fair enough, a One Act Play may not ALWAYS require as much rehearsal as a full length play and therefor may not require as much effort to fall together. One thing I have confirmed for myself however, is that the required focus and attention to details is just the same if not more so. You have a condensed story line - 45 minutes instead of 2 hours - and yet you still need to convey the same level of entertainment and technical direction.

Being my own worst enemy, I chose a play with quite a bit going on, and then added a bit more, but that's joy of playing devils advoate with youself. I only compete with myself because I am only the only person I can truely compare myself with. So I may have bitten off more than I can chew, the fact is, I have chewed and am about ready to swallow, and you know what? I am proud of what I have achieved. With all the problems that I encountered along the way, most of them were minor and easily overcome through a solid team and (I can say) a real dedication to doing the best we could.

I have been fortunate. I have a great cast, a solid script, a theatre ready to give me a go and possible a very receptive audience considering the level of anticipation that has reached my ears.

So, for now, I'll chew at my fingernails, pass the floor, have a few bad nights sleep, and then there will be definitely no turning back. Then, before we know it, it will be all over.

For those of you whom have followed my little diatribes during my Virginal Directorial experience, I thank you. I could not have done without all the fantastic support you have all given. To Logos, thank you for your assistance. To Kerrii, I can't thank you enough for your point of view. To everyone who offered to lend a hand, thank you all. While I am nervous to the hilt, I know that this will be an incredible experience.

Many regards, Jeff.