The whirlwind of meetings and shows are now life long memories, as Professionals Week for the Directing Fellows has come to a close. Upon looking back I realize that I have emerged with a deeper understanding of myself, and the theatrical community which I am a part of. I remember the first night of meeting my fellow Fellows, and listening to their 90 second spiels of their accomplishments; boy was I intimidated. I kept thinking of things to say that would impress them the same way they had impressed me, and I eventually went with just being myself.
As the night grew on, we enjoyed good food, great conversation, and even better company, our 90 second spiels turned into 5 minute monologues (that could have been due to the wine-no qualms here!) I realized that no amount of accomplishments defined who one was as a director, no matter how long or short the spiel was, the accomplishments were just resumes; It was truly about who we are as people. It was how they listened, how they spoke, how they sat, what they drank, what they ate, what questions they asked-it was about who we are as humans-not our resume-we all have resumes. It was at that moment that I realized that we were not in competition with each other, because we were so different from one another, we had different tastes and interests, different directorial beliefs and philosophies, different thoughts on directorial execution, and different life experiences.
This realization was confirmed as our week progressed, meeting successful artistic leaders and alumni throughout the week. It was just amazing to be able to round table with each of these people on an individual basis, and ask honest and sincere questions. I was amazed at how obvious it was which of these leaders were speaking my language.
Then came the Drama League Awards. I had to lose weight just to fit in my suit, as my dancing days have passed. How amazing it was to be honored by major leaders, performers, and alumni; Being recognized by these people whom I have looked up to for so long, was certainly a humbling experience for me. It was also a realization of “so close yet so far.” I’d also like to add that the chocolate mousse dessert was just amazing!! There went the diet-oh well.
Immediately following the end of Professionals Week I headed out to Barrington Stage, where I am spending my summer. I was put up in a beautifully renovated home, with a bed and flat screen TV that is bigger than my apartment! (I’ll probably never watch it-but still!) Plus laundry in the house! What a concept! I was into rehearsals the very next day for Fiddler on the Roof- which I am Assistant Directing for Gary John La Rosa-a brilliant and attentive director-who is very efficient, productive, polite, and gives meaning to his work (meaning that it’s more than just an 8 count, his blocking is filled with intentions and dramaturgy)
In true Musical Theater fashion I will leave each posting with a lyric that expresses my feelings that go beyond the spoken word-venturing into music. Standing in the Press Line for the Drama League Awards:
I’ve always wanted to see the lights on Broadway! I’ve always wanted to hear the traffic roar! I’ve always wanted to be a part of New York City’s great Big Heart and now I am I couldn’t ask for more! I’ve always wanted to jingle with the right crowd-I’ve always wanted to feel like I belong!”- Lippa
SWAINE KAUI has had the extreme pleasure of crossing many stages throughout America and beyond, both on and off stage. Studies include: Webster University, CW Post/LIU. Directing credits: Hair, A New Brain, Blood Wedding, and Creeping Hard (NYC). Performance Credits include: La Rondine, As You Like It, Mame. Awards include the Carol Burnett/Tom Selleck Musical Theater Scholarship. Swaine is a member of AEA.