By Lana Meier with files from Gail Aubin
Nothing misses Faye Harms’ watchful eye as Back on Cue’s director. We found this director’s experience and personality go a long way toward a play’s success.
The latest play, “The Tin Woman” by Sean Grennan, is a monumental show, but Harms loves the challenge and said excitement is building with the upcoming shows on Nov. 8 and 9.
We managed to sit Harms down to talk more about directing a play.
What is your experience directing plays?
I have directed plays/productions/musicals for a number of years – both church and community theatre.
How do you do the casting?
A casting call is sent out. All respondents are given the chance to audition. They are given snippets of scripts to review and then present during the audition.
How do you choose a play?
Much reading is involved. Location, content, language, number of characters, age of characters, size of roles, length of play, etc. are taken into consideration.
How do you help actors develop their characters?
You try to help them see the character they are playing not only from their perspective and interpretation of the role, but also as an outsider looking in, such as the audience. Suggestions are made regarding delivery of lines, body language, facial expression.
What challenges have you experienced as a director, and how have you addressed them?
Some days it’s like herding cats. Schedules don’t jive, cast members become sick, COVID rears its ugly head, finding venues to rehearse in, and so on. Patience is needed as ‘life’ takes place for everyone. An early start with rehearsals, helps solidify roles and set the pace in anticipation of performance dates. Knowing there are people in the background who can fill in during rehearsals, and who are taking care of all of the other facets of a production helps greatly.
Tell me about your drama experience growing up?
In church plays, then in plays and musicals during high school. We tackled After that On Cue Theatre was born, where we performed plays and dinner theatres for quite a number of years.
Why are you directing Back on Cue plays?
I enjoy being part of our community theatre and working with all involved with BOC. Friendships formed are treasures in the journey of life. Who knows, there may be an aspiring actor/actress in our group who hits Broadway!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about what a director does?
It’s almost like you are taking care of a family. A director prays, crosses their fingers, and sits with pride during the performances, watching all their children on stage.
Back by popular demand is the dinner and show.
“The cast and crew had positive feedback last year on this,” said Harms.
Bistro on the Boyne and Breakaway Restaurant are offering a special meal before the show, by reservation. Then guests can enjoy the show in the VIP section at the Carman Collegiate and Community Theatre.
Tickets are available at several Carman businesses: One Insurance, Golden Prairie Arts Council and Toews Printing.
There are also many cast members selling tickets.
Harms said they are hoping for a sold-out show!
