STAGE NOTES
The WICA Blog
From the Newbie’s Knothole…..The Director
Director Phil Jordan
New to acting and the inner life of the theatre, I am fascinated by all of it. As a lifelong student of leadership and a practicing executive coach I’ve been riveted on Phil Jordan, the director. I entered this production wanting to discover if directing people in a play was different from in corporate settings. I’m delighted to report that best practices are, well, best practices in both domains. And I’ve discovered a delightful difference.
I asked Phil today what he liked most about being a Director. He said, ‘rehearsals,’ because he likes the interaction with the actors. It’s clear even to this newbie that he loves the challenge of shepherding creative people. What I see is him allowing the actors to find their characters and develop them (within his vision) without intrusion. So, I asked him what he does when it isn’t working.
“Actors are very good at reading the director,” he tells me. “They pick up the director’s vibe very quickly, so I don’t make it about living up to my vision. I ask myself how I can help them make it better. So, before I ask something of them, I ask myself, “what’s the next best thing to say that will best help them go deeper into themselves for their character.”
Perhaps its because the theatre’s lifeblood is creativity that he found this approach, for I cannot recall a corporate executive ever framing his primary role as one of growing his people’s reliance on their own wisdom and creativity. Imagine, the energy that could be released and sustained if our institutional leaders were so inclined.
From my vantage point, I see its effect in rehearsals. People are giving 150% every night. Every run through runs deeper and better. The cast is close and supportive. We solve problems together; asking each other how can I help. Laughter rings out easily and often. Every layer added makes it better and more exciting. People are popping ideas and Phil is listening.
This director realizes that the path to a truly brilliant production lies in supporting his people to depend on their own creativity. And, even this thespian newbie can already see…
Dead Man’s Cell Phone is going to be truly brilliant !
-Peggy Gilmer
A Tool for Set Design
Set Designer, Bonnie Stinson, shares one of the ways she looks for inspiration in designing her sets.
Set Designer, Bonnie Stinson
As set designer for the winter production of A Christmas Story at WICA, Bonnie shares one of the ways she looks for inspiration.
Meet the Cast
Production of 'A Christmas Story' is in full swing
There is plenty going on behind the scenes… rehearsals, costumes, sets… and all of the 101 details that make the magic happen.
Waylan Parsell with the FRAGILE leg lamp!
CAST
These are the talented actors who will bring A Christmas Story to life, right here at WICA.
Phil Jordan – Ralph
Rob Prosch – The Old Man
Kristin Carlson – Mother
Patricia Duff – Miss Shields/Voice of Schwartz Mom
Hillel Coates (age 11) – Ralphie
Waylan Parsell (age 9) – Randy
Soren Bratrude (age 11) – Flick
Leo Smith (age 10) – Schwartz
Joe Davies (age 14) – Scut Farkus
Ada Rose Faith-Feyma (age 10) – Helen
Jordan Schierbeek (age 11) – Esther Jane
Tess Patty Caldwell (age 10) – Ensemble-Bumpus hound
Phoenix Lester (age 10) – Ensemble-Bumpus hound
Jim Castaneda – Santa, Lead Crew
Christine Chittem – Elf, Crew
Meghan Parker – Elf, Crew
