November 17, 2010
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-January/February, 2011
Seeking proposals from theatre companies.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between January 5-January 16, 2011 OR February 14-February 27, 2011) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our web site.
For JANUARY: Non Prime Profit sharing! 60% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 40% to Grant Recipient.
For FEBRUARY: Prime time Profit sharing! 75% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 25% to Grant Recipient.
Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.
DEADLINE: Applications accepted now through Monday, December 6 at 6pm.
NOTE: Early submission encouraged for January applicants. Will be considered upon submission.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment. Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions. Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, December, 10, 2010.
What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.
OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
Bottom line-Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with AEA members can be considered.
1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between January 5-January 16, 2011 OR February 14-February 27, 2011 (Maximum of 8 performances)
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.
Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.
Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.
Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467
Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Winter Forum 2010- Notes from Justine
Notes from Justine
Forum Rehearsal 11/15/10
The three plays chosen for this week of shorts are a truly fascinating bunch. While only The Plane Ride is overtly non-realistic none of these plays is merely what it appears on the surface.
What a quirky, challenging piece Melinda Prom has chosen! Written by our own Artistic Associate Karin Diann Williams, The Cleaning Service featuring Suzanna Chmielarz, Maria Concha, Rick J. Koch & Kelsey Ruvolo is a play about communication and sometimes about the lack thereof. Two maids who don’t speak each others’ language do more communicating with gestures and charade-like behavior while working than the occupants of the house they are cleaning can manage at their leisure. Acting however does communicate to us everything we need to know about both pairs (the two maids and the couple in the house they must clean). I hope the subtleties in this thirteen minute play continue to emerge in the next couple of weeks of rehearsal. After my conversation with Melinda I feel sure that they will indeed and be added to with a few subtleties of her own.
The Plane Ride by Diana Stahl, directed by Alex Mallory, featuring Shannon Altner, Andi Bohs & Mark Vashro is about a family about to crash. What will they do? Well really, what can they do? Panic, and talk, and… How will they resolve unspoken frustrations, questions and needs? Yet we ask as an audience, is there really a plane or is it just their dysfunctional lives that are about to crash into the Pacific Ocean? Alex and her team have a lot of choices to make and questions to answer for themselves as they continue to delve deep into the myriad meanings behind the complex dialogue of this play. We as an audience just get to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Mayan Mask by Lynn Snyder, directed by Jen Browne, featuring Victor Albaum, Eliza Huberth, Ashley Rutherford & Michael Wetherbee seems on its surface a realistic piece about a couple and their friends at a crossroads in life. Will Mitch change jobs and throw all their life plans into flux? Will turning thirty really mean giving up Joan’s dreams? But the spotlight also shines on the friendship between the two couples. This “best” friendship is questionable. How can you lie for selfish needs to your closest friends and what about that affair back in college? But what I would like to know is, is there anything real or valuable in this world? Do the big questions matter and are these questions about being fulfilled at work and feeling comfortable where you live or are they about the meaning of friendship and love? Am I even asking the right questions about this play? My interest is totally piqued! Perhaps the Playwright, Actors, Directors and Assistant Directors will let me know on opening night.
Much thanks to Assistant Directors/Stage Managers Alisha Silver and Abigail Strange for all their work! Extra thanks to Abby for holding it together while things are in flux and listening patiently all night.
Week One of the Winter 2010 Writer/Director Forum opens on December 2. Can’t wait!
Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director
Looking Glass Theatre
Forum Rehearsal 11/15/10
The three plays chosen for this week of shorts are a truly fascinating bunch. While only The Plane Ride is overtly non-realistic none of these plays is merely what it appears on the surface.
Much thanks to Assistant Directors/Stage Managers Alisha Silver and Abigail Strange for all their work! Extra thanks to Abby for holding it together while things are in flux and listening patiently all night.
Week One of the Winter 2010 Writer/Director Forum opens on December 2. Can’t wait!
Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director
Looking Glass Theatre
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored!- Rehearsal Notes From Justine
Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored! is off to an interesting start!
I was able to watch a rehearsal on Monday night and enjoyed the fresh fun character interpretations beginning to emerge. The kids are well… kid- like; spunky, whiney and cute. Betsy is a girl who just can’t stay bored for long. She tries to act like a typical “tween”: moping, complaining and protesting that she has no imagination but she quickly finds herself completely engaged in her own brain’s crazy machinations. She’s helpless in her inability to stay bored! Her big sister is even less able to remain cranky and seems completely excited by slinky races and even washing dishes! Dad is adorable, funny and likeable in his efforts to be the perfect dad and have the perfect family while weathering a long rainy day and Mom is so sweet that when she has to be the bad guy (by sneezing…) we can’t be mad at her. Then there’s the cat…hmmm, catty and sassy, she may just be the most human of them all but I’m still not sure I believe in her…
My chat with director Amanda Thompson was lots of fun. She already knew what I was going to say and I already knew that she would, but I think we still managed to be quite productive in our meeting. For anyone who is closely following my blogs; yes I definitely feel like I’m getting to know her more and more.
Can’t wait for next Monday when I get to see it again!
Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored! runs October 16-November 21.
Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
The Looking Glass Theatre - www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/LookingGlassNYC
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TheLookingGlassTheatre?ref=ts
Follow our blog! http://lookingglasstheatre.blogspot.com/
I was able to watch a rehearsal on Monday night and enjoyed the fresh fun character interpretations beginning to emerge. The kids are well… kid- like; spunky, whiney and cute. Betsy is a girl who just can’t stay bored for long. She tries to act like a typical “tween”: moping, complaining and protesting that she has no imagination but she quickly finds herself completely engaged in her own brain’s crazy machinations. She’s helpless in her inability to stay bored! Her big sister is even less able to remain cranky and seems completely excited by slinky races and even washing dishes! Dad is adorable, funny and likeable in his efforts to be the perfect dad and have the perfect family while weathering a long rainy day and Mom is so sweet that when she has to be the bad guy (by sneezing…) we can’t be mad at her. Then there’s the cat…hmmm, catty and sassy, she may just be the most human of them all but I’m still not sure I believe in her…
My chat with director Amanda Thompson was lots of fun. She already knew what I was going to say and I already knew that she would, but I think we still managed to be quite productive in our meeting. For anyone who is closely following my blogs; yes I definitely feel like I’m getting to know her more and more.
Can’t wait for next Monday when I get to see it again!
Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored! runs October 16-November 21.
Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
The Looking Glass Theatre - www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/LookingGlassNYC
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TheLookingGlassTheatre?ref=ts
Follow our blog! http://lookingglasstheatre.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-November, 2010
August 31, 2010
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-November, 2010
Seeking proposals from theatre companies.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between November 3-November 21, 2010) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our web site.
Prime time Profit sharing!
80% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass with 20% going to the Grant Recipient.
Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.
DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday, September 13 at 6pm.
Final Deadline: Monday, September 13 at 6pm.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com
as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, September, 17, 2010.
What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.
OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line-Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with AEA members can be considered.
1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between 3-November 21, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances).s
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.
Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.
Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.
Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves).
212-307-9467 http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-November, 2010
Seeking proposals from theatre companies.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between November 3-November 21, 2010) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our web site.
Prime time Profit sharing!
80% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass with 20% going to the Grant Recipient.
Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.
DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday, September 13 at 6pm.
Final Deadline: Monday, September 13 at 6pm.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com
as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, September, 17, 2010.
What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.
OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line-Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with AEA members can be considered.
1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between 3-November 21, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances).s
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.
Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.
Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.
Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves).
212-307-9467 http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director
Thursday, August 19, 2010
LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT
August 12, 2010
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT
September-October, 2010
Seeking proposals from theatre companies.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between September 15-October 9, 2010) including one technical rehearsal; marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists; and a full show page on our web site. Additional rehearsal time provided at a discount rate when available.
Prime time Profit sharing! 80% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 20% to the Grant Recipient.
Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday August, 23 at 6pm.
Final Deadline: Monday, August 23 at 6pm.
NOTE: Companies requesting performance time in SEPTEMBER may submit early and request early decision.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Founding Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday August, 27, 2010.
What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.
OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision and creating a community of artistic freedom. See web site for more! www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line: Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with plans for an AEA showcase can be considered.
1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between September 15-October 9, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances). NOTE: If you have a show that is ready to go up early in September please submit your proposal ASAP. This will increase your chances.
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd.
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.
Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.
Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.
Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467 www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT
September-October, 2010
Seeking proposals from theatre companies.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between September 15-October 9, 2010) including one technical rehearsal; marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists; and a full show page on our web site. Additional rehearsal time provided at a discount rate when available.
Prime time Profit sharing! 80% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 20% to the Grant Recipient.
Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday August, 23 at 6pm.
Final Deadline: Monday, August 23 at 6pm.
NOTE: Companies requesting performance time in SEPTEMBER may submit early and request early decision.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Founding Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday August, 27, 2010.
What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.
OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision and creating a community of artistic freedom. See web site for more! www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line: Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with plans for an AEA showcase can be considered.
1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between September 15-October 9, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances). NOTE: If you have a show that is ready to go up early in September please submit your proposal ASAP. This will increase your chances.
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd.
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.
Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.
Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.
Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467 www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director
Thursday, August 5, 2010
ENGAGING IN DIALOGUE (Spring Forum 2010 Wrap Up)
Founding Artistic Director of Looking Glass Theatre, Justine Lambert begins the complicated process of Post- Forum Wrap Ups. After every Looking Glass Writer/Director Forum, each director has a one-on-one meeting with Justine to discuss the Forum: what went wrong, what went right, the overall creative process and how each artist can continue to move forward in her relationship with the theatre.
PART ONE: Engaging In Dialogue
First I got to meet with Amanda Thompson, Director of Ampersand: A Romeo & Juliet Story - ACT II by Mariah MacCarthy. We’ve done this before. This was Amanda’s fourth Forum so I feel like I know her a little. Yes, only a little. Isn’t that funny? People take a long time to really get to know and sometimes artists even more so. We put our stories out there in our work so often our personas are a bit guarded. But I digress. I’m really enjoying the process with Amanda. She’s talented and smart and a really interesting person to boot! I hope our relationship continues to grow.
We had so much ground to cover in our meeting. We discussed the current summer acting internship, the upcoming children’s show Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored!, a new script she’s interested in workshopping and of course Ampersand. I’m afraid that with so many subjects each one only got a few minutes, but a lot of good information came out of the discussions. I’m very excited to see what she’s going to do with Betsy not to mention many other projects going forward.
I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with the three first-time directors who each directed work by the lovely playwright Jennifer Barclay. Dara Malina directed Constriction; Laura Hirschberg directed Swallow It; and Alex Mallory directed Snapshot.
Having my first Forum follow up with these ladies was enlightening. So exciting to hear that Alex just worked with three-time Forum playwright Lauren Yee in the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. Small world. Who knew that Dara worked at the Prospect Park Alliance in my own ‘hood, Park Slope? What a great place to have a day job. And I learned that Laura just directed a full blown production of the opera The Magic Flute at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College with costumes from the Met - “.very posh!” Wow, these ladies are up to such cool stuff!
One thing all three agreed on was that Jennifer Barclay was terrific to work with, described as “lovely,” “wonderful” and “adorable.” I think Alex expressed something we all felt; that having a playwright be so enthusiastic and appreciative makes us all proud of our work and helps us remember that we’re doing something valuable.
As always, I felt honored by the opportunity to discuss these artists’ processes and get inside their heads. I learn so much from these conversations it’s like an ongoing class in directing and theatre
Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
Looking Glass Theatre - http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/LookingGlassNYC
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TheLookingGlassTheatre?ref=ts
Follow our blog! http://lookingglasstheatre.blogspot.com/
PART ONE: Engaging In Dialogue
First I got to meet with Amanda Thompson, Director of Ampersand: A Romeo & Juliet Story - ACT II by Mariah MacCarthy. We’ve done this before. This was Amanda’s fourth Forum so I feel like I know her a little. Yes, only a little. Isn’t that funny? People take a long time to really get to know and sometimes artists even more so. We put our stories out there in our work so often our personas are a bit guarded. But I digress. I’m really enjoying the process with Amanda. She’s talented and smart and a really interesting person to boot! I hope our relationship continues to grow.
We had so much ground to cover in our meeting. We discussed the current summer acting internship, the upcoming children’s show Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored!, a new script she’s interested in workshopping and of course Ampersand. I’m afraid that with so many subjects each one only got a few minutes, but a lot of good information came out of the discussions. I’m very excited to see what she’s going to do with Betsy not to mention many other projects going forward.
I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with the three first-time directors who each directed work by the lovely playwright Jennifer Barclay. Dara Malina directed Constriction; Laura Hirschberg directed Swallow It; and Alex Mallory directed Snapshot.
Having my first Forum follow up with these ladies was enlightening. So exciting to hear that Alex just worked with three-time Forum playwright Lauren Yee in the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. Small world. Who knew that Dara worked at the Prospect Park Alliance in my own ‘hood, Park Slope? What a great place to have a day job. And I learned that Laura just directed a full blown production of the opera The Magic Flute at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College with costumes from the Met - “.very posh!” Wow, these ladies are up to such cool stuff!
One thing all three agreed on was that Jennifer Barclay was terrific to work with, described as “lovely,” “wonderful” and “adorable.” I think Alex expressed something we all felt; that having a playwright be so enthusiastic and appreciative makes us all proud of our work and helps us remember that we’re doing something valuable.
As always, I felt honored by the opportunity to discuss these artists’ processes and get inside their heads. I learn so much from these conversations it’s like an ongoing class in directing and theatre
Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
Looking Glass Theatre - http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/LookingGlassNYC
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TheLookingGlassTheatre?ref=ts
Follow our blog! http://lookingglasstheatre.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Why We Rehash & Revisit
WHY WE REHASH & REVISIT
Follow up meetings are essential. This is where I get to know the directors I work with as artists & and people.
What do we talk about? Well, there’s a formula of sorts. First we chat, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. I love hearing about all the other projects these artists are working on and hearing a bit about their lives. And of course I enjoy telling people about me too :)
Then we get down to business and discuss the other artists involved in the project. [See my previous blog on this subject: http://justinelambert.tumblr.com/post/804249271/discussing-without-trashing] It's important to get this part done at the top and out of the way so we can move on to more artistic subject matter.
Here’s where it gets more loose and fun. We discuss the show; how it went, what went right, what went wrong and what the director might have wanted to change. I give what feedback I have after I’ve heard what she thought. It’s great to know when we already agree. Sometimes I really have something relevant to say that speaks to the process. My notes are informed by having seen a stumble through, had a discussion with the director right after it and two weeks later seen a performance. Being inside the process means that if we both know that actor “A” was a last minute replacement there may not be much reason to critique his performance. In this case we can hopefully focus on more relevant issues (such as how to avoid this problem in the future!).
Of course just as often this mostly feels like a chance to hear what went on from the inside. To understand how things went and why the chips fell where they did. In these cases most of what I have to say falls in the category of “yeah, uh, huh, oh,” Which is to say that listening and understanding the director’s goals is quite important at this stage.
I often get the chance to discuss what the director’s hopes are for the future. Not just “I wanna make a living as a director” but what kind of project(s) would you love to sink your teeth into next? What areas are you hoping to delve into in your work? This way I get an idea of what kind of artist she is or aspires to be.
For myself lately (this year at least) I’m feeling like telling stories with a point of view that is challenging. I want to tell stories that are not necessarily easy to agree with. I need to tell these stories through theatrical language. I do love realism of emotion, character and relationship and the truth of existing as a human always has a place in my work but I need to feel Why my work is on a Stage as opposed to being a novel, film or TV show. I need a touch of “Theatricality” with a capital T. I need to combine my love of Meisner technique and deeply real acting with my love of the avant-garde.
I happen to be right in line with what I hear from many of the talented inspiring ladies I have the privilege to work with and discuss our art with. My desires echo a lot of what I hear them saying lately.
Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
The Looking Glass Theatre - www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/LookingGlassNYC
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TheLookingGlassTheatre?ref=ts
Follow our blog! http://lookingglasstheatre.blogspot.com/
Follow up meetings are essential. This is where I get to know the directors I work with as artists & and people.
What do we talk about? Well, there’s a formula of sorts. First we chat, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. I love hearing about all the other projects these artists are working on and hearing a bit about their lives. And of course I enjoy telling people about me too :)
Then we get down to business and discuss the other artists involved in the project. [See my previous blog on this subject: http://justinelambert.tumblr.com/post/804249271/discussing-without-trashing] It's important to get this part done at the top and out of the way so we can move on to more artistic subject matter.
Here’s where it gets more loose and fun. We discuss the show; how it went, what went right, what went wrong and what the director might have wanted to change. I give what feedback I have after I’ve heard what she thought. It’s great to know when we already agree. Sometimes I really have something relevant to say that speaks to the process. My notes are informed by having seen a stumble through, had a discussion with the director right after it and two weeks later seen a performance. Being inside the process means that if we both know that actor “A” was a last minute replacement there may not be much reason to critique his performance. In this case we can hopefully focus on more relevant issues (such as how to avoid this problem in the future!).
Of course just as often this mostly feels like a chance to hear what went on from the inside. To understand how things went and why the chips fell where they did. In these cases most of what I have to say falls in the category of “yeah, uh, huh, oh,” Which is to say that listening and understanding the director’s goals is quite important at this stage.
I often get the chance to discuss what the director’s hopes are for the future. Not just “I wanna make a living as a director” but what kind of project(s) would you love to sink your teeth into next? What areas are you hoping to delve into in your work? This way I get an idea of what kind of artist she is or aspires to be.
For myself lately (this year at least) I’m feeling like telling stories with a point of view that is challenging. I want to tell stories that are not necessarily easy to agree with. I need to tell these stories through theatrical language. I do love realism of emotion, character and relationship and the truth of existing as a human always has a place in my work but I need to feel Why my work is on a Stage as opposed to being a novel, film or TV show. I need a touch of “Theatricality” with a capital T. I need to combine my love of Meisner technique and deeply real acting with my love of the avant-garde.
I happen to be right in line with what I hear from many of the talented inspiring ladies I have the privilege to work with and discuss our art with. My desires echo a lot of what I hear them saying lately.
Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
The Looking Glass Theatre - www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
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