Below is my letter to the Programming Committee and FCOA Board when I submitted my request to be picked as the Director of Children of Eden. I am sharing it so you know the depth of passion and knowledge I have for this production; both of which I believe will pour into the show itself. I also believe you shouldn't be directing a show if you don't have passion for the material.
I hope you read and find yourself inspired to return to or to join us for the first time on the Barrow-Civic Theatre Stage.
Ted
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October 29, 2010
Please accept this letter as my desire to direct the musical Children of Eden for the Barrow-Civic Theatre for Applefest 2011.
It is with great privilege that I put in to direct Children of Eden. I am excited that it will be presented at the Barrow-Civic Theatre and I believe my previous production experience with musicals supports my passion to direct this show. I feel that I bring a well-organized approach to directing, along with a critical eye to production quality, experience building and motivating a cast, and putting together a top-notch crew. In directing previous musicals, I have found attention to detail as well as a unique and creative approach is desirable for a high-quality production; in addition, keeping an eye on budgetary concerns is key as well.
In previous productions I have directed, I have been fortunate enough to bring forth some new and interesting design elements to the Barrow stage, including stage extensions, running fountains & pools on stage, and expanding the visual and spatial impact of the show beyond the “fourth wall” and straight to the audience. It has been my honor to work with the acting community on Sweet Charity, Wizard of Oz, Kiss Me, Kate!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2 by 5, as well as representing the theatre in directing the 50th Anniversary Gala and currently directing the BCT premiere of White Christmas.
Children of Eden, to quote the MTI website, is “is a frank, heartfelt and often humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children.” I cannot think of any better theme to address in our society today than that of family relationships. In fact, I believe that as a theatre community, we are a family and the family for many of our actors, crew, and other volunteers. The theatre arts inspire us to be communicators, to be supportive, to discover who it we are inside while interacting with those we live with. From the opening number “Let There Be” where the show and the earth is created before our eyes, Children of Eden examines the emotions and decisions individuals and families make that shape their futures. Stephen Schwartz has taken a biblical medium and adapted it to appeal to many different audiences, without losing the core meanings and story. I doubt that anyone could walk away from seeing this show without being touched by the intrinsic story of love, respect, and the choices of life we all must face.
It is not unknown to the theatre that I have been a strong advocate for the Barrow-Civic Theatre to produce Children of Eden. I have based that passionate support on the subject matter of the show, the opportunities for flexible staging, and the potential wide-spread range of roles, both lead and ensemble, for many in our community. Having a solid and strong record of success with directing and show production behind me, I strongly feel in my soul that I would be able to bring Children of Eden to the stage in an inspiring and dynamic experience for all involved. I have always felt a director should be knowledgeable of the show they wish to undertake-not just of the script as written but of the nuances of the writing and music. I believe I fit that bill.
Children of Eden is, like many musicals, a detailed and ambitious undertaking; many view its chief weakness as being an “unknown” show, little known amongst our patrons and without the “draw” of the better known undertakings. I embrace the challenge of making this the strength of the show. I have the privilege of performing in a production of Children of Eden before and thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself immersed in the production. I can honestly say the script and music are one of the most inspiring for a show that I have been involved with. Stephen Schwartz, who also is the writer of Wicked, is an accomplished playwright and composer and I find his materials for Children of Eden both relatable and manageable for community theatre.
Children of Eden is played in two acts, with a minimum cast of 11-20 people; however the show is extremely flexible and can accommodate a much larger ensemble cast. The show is set in multiple settings but lends itself ideally (in my vision) to a single unit set, the concept of which I have had previous success in utilizing onstage at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. My initial thoughts on stage setting include a “floating” disc supporting the production, along with use of minimal sets, along with scrims and an onstage orchestra. In addition, there is the opportunity for fluidity in set design to enhance the movement between scenes and utilize the fly system to its fullest capability. I believe that the show can be designed within a traditional BCT show budget and done in at a level of quality and technique the theatre requires. I also firmly stand behind my directors notes from the program for Wizard of Oz, in which I said “I believe that community theatre can do professional theatre.” That single sentence is the driving force behind every moment I spend both on and off stage.
I have designed several shows keeping in mind not only visual impact for our audience, but also balancing the “picture” with the cast of characters on stage, so that they are not overshadowed. I have always sought ways to utilize sets to their fullest capability without over-complicating the work of the stage crew, while incorporating unique elements and staging in the production. In two productions, I have been able to utilize materials already owned in stock, thereby not spending a set budget and being able to utilize those monies for specialty drops or rental sound equipment) and staying within budget.
As with any of the shows I have previously directed, I would anticipate beginning production work on the show early in the spring, forming a production crew as soon as I can, and establishing a blog for the show (which I began with Wizard of Oz and have continued with great success with subsequent shows). My goal would be to have set designs completed by late spring and actually begin constructing the set in the warehouse (around other productions), to maximize time and space once the stage is free for the production to move into the theatre.
I also strongly expect to be able to attract a first-class production crew, as I have done for previous productions I have helmed and directed. It would also be my goal to continue offering opportunities for technical experience to both newcomers and regional college students studying the theatre arts. The inclusion of these individuals, who wish to learn new skills, to be mentored in a first-class facility, and to put their classroom knowledge to actual use has been very successful in previous productions I have directed and I would continue to seek out those opportunities.
As it is truly a privilege and honor to direct in a facility like the Barrow, I am confident that if I were chosen as director for Children of Eden, the Barrow-Civic Theatre would be pleased with the resulting production quality and impression on our patrons and community.
Thank you very much,
Ted Smith
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