In his role as director, Jeryl Hoover's acting advice applies outside the theater. Photo by Phil Houseal

Details:
The Fredericksburg Theater Company's next production is Amadeus, a play turned into an Oscar-winning movie about the intrigue surrounding the death of Mozart. The play will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m., September 7 - 22, 2007. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 20 at the box office and on-line. Call 888-669-7114 or visit www.fredericksburgtheater.org.

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Words to act upon

by Phil Houseal
Aug 1, 2007

I had the opportunity to appear in the Fredericksburg Theater Company's summer production of the Wizard of Oz. Truth be told, I was the tree. Actually, I was one of three trees. Comically, that is the apex of my acting ambition. (click to see photo of me as a tree)

But even in my role of "scenery," I was privileged to observe how a theater production is put together. For those of us who were either out for sports or in the marching band in high school, and never had the opportunity to be in the school play, the camaraderie and learning and hard work that goes on behind the scenes is fascinating.

The most instructive part of theater work came during something called "everybody out." That is the time when everyone drops whatever they are doing and gathers around the director. The pre-rehearsal meeting gets everyone focused on what will be happening that night. The "post" is an often frank, but never brutal, analysis of what actually happened.

There we stood, some 90 of us - backstage crew and carpenters, kids and singers, bit players and leads, some in makeup, some half-costumed, but all concentrating on the words of Jeryl Hoover, Artistic Director of FTC.

As I listened to Jeryl (who had no idea I would write this) it dawned on me that his words of advice and guidance had meaning beyond the edge of the stage. I began jotting down his observations. I thought it intriguing how advice for putting on a play could apply to life.

Take, for example, the daily meeting itself. Imagine how much more productive we might be if we started every activity with a focus meeting and ended it with an analysis.

Here are some of his statements. As you read them, think how they also apply to your work, your schooling, and your daily interactions with family and friends.

"Never turn your back to your audience."

"I look for people with enough self-awareness to know what they need to fix; and then care enough to fix it."

"Your only job is to create the illusion for the audience."

"Your job is to do your job."

"Shows really are just a series of 'moments' connected by other stuff."

"When acting, don't pretend to pretend. Pretend."

"I won't let you do less than your best."

"You don't decide where you go - go to your marks every time."

"Don't worry about what your feet are doing - worry about what your face is doing. That's where the audience will be looking."

"Your job is telling the story."

"Always be 'in the moment.'"

He said that last one a lot. After weeks of watching the witch fly in dozens of times, the Munchkins had a harder time pretending to be frightened. But the larger point is to consider in how many parts of our lives we fail to be "in the moment." We are thinking about what we will do later, or analyzing what has already happened, rather than absorbing the beauty and the moment that is unfolding in front of us.

Jeryl's final comments at the wrap party were about "acts of service." His point: words and promises mean little. All that counts are the "acts of service" one performs in helping the group accomplish its mission.

The FTC is now preparing the first production slated for their new home south of Fredericksburg. It is Amadeus, and will open in September.

Having played a small part in a big play, I will watch that performance with a whole new understanding of what it means "to act."

XXX

My acting debut.That's me, the tree on the right.