The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson

   I had originally auditioned to be an actress for Richland College's production of "The Revolutionists" by Lauren Gunderson, but after auditions Professor Andy Long asked me to stay back as he wanted to speak to me. He, along with Stage Manager Ava Stipe and Assistant Stage Manager Gloria Aguinaga, asked me if I wanted to be his Assistant Director for the show. I, at first, was surprised he asked this of me as I had no directing experience prior to this and was hesitant to accept, but after taking his Acting 1 and Acting 2 classes where I had to create my own one-person show and had written and assisted in the Richland College short film "The Auditions," he assured me that I would have no problem in adjusting to the role and he felt that I had an eye for directing. So, after Professor Long discussed his plans for the show and assured me that I would have a significant role in this production, I accepted this offer along with his offer that I also be the Understudy for all roles.

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   I would attend every rehearsal, always making notes in my script and in my journal, as well as trying to catch up with my role as the Understudy, and while Professor Long had given me the opportunity to share some of my notes to the actors, he eventually had me lead as the Music Director for "The Revolutionists." Lauren Gunderson wrote a song for "The Revolutionists" that is sung throughout the play, and when we realized we did not have a melody, I decided to write one and teach it to each of the actors during rehearsal time and outside of rehearsal time. I worked with Elora McLeod (Olympe DeGouge), Kendra Bailey (Marianne Angelle), Emily Penhollow (Charlotte Corday), and Mehrana Ghanadi (Marie Antoinette) the melodies to each of their songs and made appointments with each of them outside of rehearsal to not only strengthen their voices, but to provide the emotion and musicality necessary to share the stories of their characters. With Kendra Bailey, I would meet with her to also choreograph how she would deliver this song at the end of the play, as her character ties the story together with her rendition of the song, showing the true meaning of Olympe's narration. (You can find my drafts of music sheets and the audio for the song under the 'Songwriting' page in the 'Writing' tab.)

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   I was given access to Stage Manager files, would attend production meetings with Amy Otto, Costume Designer, and would be assist Andy Long after his meetings with Set Designer Jennifer Owen. In the events that neither Stage Managers could attend a rehearsal, I would take on the role of the Stage Manager and write out rehearsal reports and would send out emails to the Designers about what would be needed for the production. I also assisted Gloria Aguinaga (who was also graphic designer and dramaturg) in creating a lobby display about the history and details of 'The Reign of Terror' along with descriptions for each of the characters of the play.

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    Below you can find pictures of some of my directors notes as well as production pictures during my time as Assistant Director for "The Revolutionists."