I find clarity in comedy. When we land on laughter, we land on unity. Laughter in an audience tells me that whatever just happened on stage happened at some point in each of our lives. That sense of connection says “Don’t worry, that awkward/scary thing happens to all of us. It’s not as mysterious asContinue reading “What’s Funny?”
Tag Archives: theatre
Odd Choices
In 2016 I directed a production of Morris Panych’s The Ends of the Earth. It’s a tale of two men who, acting on unfounded paranoia, flee from each other, only to meet each other again in a derelict hotel. A series of strange encounters and coincidences unfold during their adventures. The piece dabbles in absurdity,Continue reading “Odd Choices”
Take a Note
Celebrated Canadian playwright Michael Healey led a webinar through Citadel Theatre recently. Many things stood out to me but one thing I thought I’d share is his note on taking notes. In the writing process, we have to be able to take notes from others. You create a play in order for an audience toContinue reading “Take a Note”
Assumptions
You know the old saying. Assumptions can truly be very harmful. When we jump to scare tactics because we assume people are wrong or misguided and need to learn a lesson, we can cause serious damage. It’s important to have all the information before making any kind of judgment. I think of a director asContinue reading “Assumptions”
Offers vs. Actions
In my relatively short time working in the theatre industry and crafting stories in collaborative settings, I’ve come to notice a common bad habit. We assume that being open to criticism and willing to discuss issues with others is enough, but we don’t address the obstacles people face in seeking that help. If an individualContinue reading “Offers vs. Actions”
Out of Sight
In the process of being vulnerable (and creative), there will always be information and ideas that remain hidden. Directing a play, for example, requires one to be on high alert for that which is unseen. An actor may suddenly say a line in a way that completely unhinges the entire scene, and if you payContinue reading “Out of Sight”
Read, Read, Read
It sounds simple enough, but if you want to be a theatre artist, you have to read plays. A lot of plays. I have a bad habit of not reading plays. I often don’t enjoy them. Stage directions can bug me. “The table is set DSR. Christopher Xs left, holding the vase. A chair isContinue reading “Read, Read, Read”
Coat of Spice
Brief, brief thought tonight on dialogue. Good dialogue hooks me very quickly. I don’t need to try to feel connected to the world of the play. And when it comes to my personal taste, I love a thin film that lightly covers the surface: an understanding between the creator and the audience that is communicatedContinue reading “Coat of Spice”
luke brown 