Our first show of this busy 2011-2012 Season, 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, has taught this old dog a few new tricks and reminded this old dog of some old tricks. Lessons that, of course, apply to theatre, but also lessons I hope the cast/crew/director will take and apply and remember elsewhere in life.
- Directing an ORIGINAL show, especially a musical, is among the most difficult, but rewarding tasks.
- Safety latches on power nail guns are a VERY good thing.
- Believing in kids is NEVER a wasted effort.
- Always, always, be involved with something that is bigger than yourself and serves the needs of others.
- It's one thing to read a story to someone, but it's quite another thing to tell a story, whether person to person or through a musical. Personal communication can't be duplicated or replaced.
- Text, Facebook, Email, and yes, even Blog less...communicate more face-to-face and make eye contact.
- Kathryn Tucker Windham never cared if you believed in ghosts, just cared that we as a people would keep telling the stories and legends of those who lived long ago, thus communicating.
- Admit that it takes a village and step aside when it serves the greater good.
- Check you Ego at the door; then kick it to the curb.
- Grades, GPA's, and Test Scores matter...a work ethic matters more.
- Encourage kids to explore and think; we don't need robots to run the world.
- Always keep the first-aid kit near Mike Putman.
- Never, ever, underestimate a kid, especially, a CT Kid.
