On October 26th, I had a seat at the table for the first rehearsal of an upcoming reading of Heather Beasley's new comedy at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. And oh my goodness!
I already knew the play was funny because I'd had the chance to read it beforehand. But watching director Warren Sherrill and this talented group of actors bring it to life was thrilling.
I've seen every one of these actors onstage before, so their talent was no surprise. Yet sitting among them as they dove into the script just knocked me back.
Being part of that process was a special treat. A reading is the chance for the playwright to hear the rhythms of the dialogue and begin to feel how the story changes when other people bring it to life in front of an audience.
After years of covering the work of theatre artists, and now developing my own plays, being invited into someone else's creative process feels like a particularly meaningful kind of collaboration.
It's also a lovely reminder that, even as my professional life changes, acting remains part of who I am.
And there's a special satisfaction in helping another playwright take the next step with a new work.
The reading was Wednesday October 28th at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center.
post reading photo by Brian Landis Folkins