A typical play meshes the ideas of: Playwright, Director, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer, Set Designer, Costume Designer. Let's throw in a Dramaturg, if there's budget & availability, and maybe an Assistant Director. Stage Manager keeps it all together and usually has some creative input with the team.
On a typical Babes show, we add the Violence Designer.
And on this Babes show, we've also added a Style Consultant.
That's a dozen voices in the actor's head while trying to simultaneously create & navigate a new world on stage - not to mention the actor's own instincts, experience, ideas, and understanding of the material. Everyone wants to do great work and everyone wants to put out the best possible product to the world. Theatre is a fleeting art and this is the only time this same group of people, at this place & time will create this experience. "Let's make it the best possible!" is everyone's goal, which means passion is strong. No one wants to be the weakest link and no one wants to let anyone down...No pressure, right?
Needless to say, this has been a farily high-stakes and sometimes frustrating process for me. Remembering that I can only control my personal contribution is an ongoing struggle for me and patience with myself has never been a virtue of mine (working on it though!). Last week we had our first 'stumble-through' of the whole show...and yesterday I spoke out loud the fear "I honestly am not sure if everything will be ready." when talking about pending previews (April 5th isn't that far away!).
Then, we had rehearsal last night - working various scenes, some things went well, some things felt 'eh'. Then we ran Act 1 Scene 1 - which was a bit of a surprise to the cast and probably the best thing that could have happened. No one had time to worry about all the voices in our heads and instincts & talent & training & rehearsal skills kicked into gear. And I left rehearsal with joy & hope & confidence, knowing that "It all turns out well."
To everyone involved in the show - thanks for rocking it out together!