Local Theater Shines With Fresh Directing Talent This Spring

Every year, the Sierra Vista Community Theatre, located in the Mall at Sierra Vista, puts on a New Director Showcase. The New Director Showcase is a production that highlights new directing potential, local scriptwriters, and community involvement. New directors who are selected to produce a one-act are given lessons and guidance on what goes into a show. This week, I interviewed some members of the theater about this production, and here's what I learned.

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About the Showcase

The New Director Showcase happens at the Sierra Vista Community Theatre every spring. It begins with a script call, asking writers to submit short, 20-minute one act to the theater. Then there is a read through, where scripts are selected for the showcase. Then four aspiring directors looking to learn more about their craft pitch for a script they'd like to direct.

For an entire weekend these projects are given their time to be shown to the community. Dave Dahl, the artistic director for SVCT, explained that the New Directors Showcase helps local directors learn and grow. 

A lot of them have in fact turned around and directed mainstage shows

On top of giving new directors skills to help them continue to grow, this program sets them up to direct mainstage shows at SVCT and gives them tools they can use at other theatres as well.

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Writers

This year there are four new directors, and three locally written scripts that were chosen for the showcase. Script writers are given the opportunity to see their creative image brought to life on stage. Ken, the writer of the one act "The House on Pearl St." told me seeing his work come to life has been an experience like none other.

When I heard everyone laughing at the jokes I put in this play, it made me feel really good...there's nothing like it.

He also explained that theater gives people a creative outlet that he hasn't experienced anywhere else.

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Directors

Directors who are a part of the showcase are given guidance through the process of putting a show together. They are taught different ways to guide actors, how to block and stage, how to prepare, and how to get to know their script. Basil, one of the new directors shared some insight into what he's learned throughout this process.

I found out a lot of directing is less about telling people what to do, and more about leading them in the direction of where you want them to go, so they can discover it for themselves.

With new directors learning the ropes, new ideas can take the mainstage during future seasons at SVCT.

If you are interested in seeing the one acts, tickets are $10 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm, on Friday and Saturday, with the show starting at 7. Sunday doors open at 2:30 pm, and the show starts at 3. Don't miss out on a one-of-a-kind show in The Mall at Sierra Vista!

Check out this video about the New Directors Showcase: LINK HERE

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