J’ville Pilot Club

April, 1999

Looked through files.. spoken to many of you so many times.. Discovered.. the one topic I probably know the best..

Who’s been in a play?

I admire the amateur actor.. no prima donnas.. up at 2 p.m. etc. Work full day, take care of kids… 3 hours rehearsal every night for 6 or 7 weeks. Doug.. kindergarten.. “Not everybody’s daddy….”

I’ve been involved with hundreds of plays .. high school, community, professional.. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life…

But what you see from the audience is only half the show…

The TEN Commandments of Theatre…

Thou Shalt Avoid Animals onstage… --Dog.. Of Mice and Men --Pig … L’il Abner --Action …
Thou Shalt Keep the Audience Awake…. --Bob Large, Vachel with a V, Cliffdwellers’ Club.. Chicago.. Studs Terkel, W.F. Buckley.. booze.. 7-course dinner.. sofas and easy chairs.. stepped on foot
Thou Shalt Only Bleed Offstage ---Witte, little Travis.. punch ---Abraham.. Scott…
Thou Shalt Avoid Doctors…. ---Me: Barefoot in the Park
Thou Shalt Check Your Props.. --Jon Robb, Lion in Winter ---Jefferson.. Diet Coke ---Me: knocked out in 1776
The audience Shalt Not have Any Lines ---Prairieland Heritage Museum.. Coonridge lady ---Vachel’s neice… ---State Hospital, Christmas Show.. King Todd.. “Well your highness, how was your trip?”
Thou Shalt Lead a Clean Life… --Mary Margaret
Thou Shalt Clear the Bugs out of Thy Throat Outdoor theatre.. wonderful for an audience.. torture for an actor.. All manner of things end up down your back.. If you don’t have an exit coming up, it will find a home even deeper into your costume…
Thou Shalt Remember your Lines --Hound of the Baskervilles.. Me: Watson
Thou Shalt Not Lose any Body Parts.. Man of La Mancha First, we tried to avoid it… “Is that the Innkeeper’s Arm?” Picked it up and fought with it.

Now.. as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, would say.. “On the Other Hand,” oh the joys. Craig.. Green Pastures.. “Joseph,” .. World’s Largest Perf. Arts Camp, Fifth CD of original music Chris Coffman.. Summertree Brandon Witte.. Bench press record, TD reception record, all-state basketball.....this show..Children of the Rainbow

My testimony?