The Wardrobe - Connections 2014 - A directors perspective...

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So you pick a play, you cross your fingers that you’re going to be able to direct it and that you’ll have enough actors who’ll want to be part of it…you cast it, you cross your fingers you’ve made the right decisions, you gather a creative team…you cross your fingers they’ll stick with you…

Then you start rehearsals, you experiment and play, you build characters and relationships, you challenge and make demands…you cross your fingers that at some point the pieces of the production you are creating are going to fit together.

Slowly, slowly your production emerges…there are frustrations and break throughs…there are crises and victories but all the time everyone in the production is growing sometimes slowly, sometimes in leaps and bounds.  They’re growing in ability, in skills, in understanding and in confidence.  They’re growing into young people who believe they have something to say and the voice to say it with.  They’re growing into theatre makers and creative minds…

Eventually you share it with others, the audience…you cross your fingers and wonder if what you’ve created in the rehearsal room will translate onto the stage and you’re delighted when it does.  You reflect on the response and you revel in the happiness of the cast as they acknowledge their achievements.

Finally you come to the finale – a performance in a venue bigger and more significant to an audience who owe us no loyalty (apart from the wonderful people who’ve gone above and beyond to support us there.)  You’re greeted with such warmth and loveliness from fellow professionals.  Then you watch the cast literally let the play fly with an eloquence that takes your breath away and you laugh at yourself for crossing your fingers because these young people are truly brilliant…there was never any need to fear that they wouldn’t achieve everything you hoped for them and more…you celebrate with them and enjoy their sheer joy at a world that offers such opportunities.

As a final bonus you spend the weekend listening to people tell you what you know to be true and enjoying every minute of it…that Yew Tree Youth Theatre in general and the cast of The Wardrobe specifically are some of the most talented and lovely young people you’d ever have the privilege to meet…there are no bounds to your pride and happiness…it’s the best feeling in the world.

Connections 2014 you have been something I’ll never forget…thanks to every actor, crew member, thanks to Mikey, thanks to every audience member…it’s been a brilliant 6 months!

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