St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival ~ Maid for a Musket ~ Diverse Personalities

www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival

Lucia Frangione, International Award Winning Playwright

“THE INSIDE SCOOP” is excited continue with the “SCOOP” from the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Prescott, Ontario about their upcoming performance “MAID for a MUSKET”, a brand new comedy by Lucia Frangione, Original music by Melissa Morris. Ian Farthing, Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has kindly introduced us to Ms. Lucia Frangione, internationally produced award winning playwright and actor, we continue …

DIVERSE PERSONALITIES ….

Dealing with actors and their diverse personalities, I asked Lucia to talk about how she might overcome some of the challenges that this may present. Telling us Ian Farthing might be best suited for this question, she did say …. “I think generally though, theatre attracts a very humble hardworking disciplined sort of personality with great communication skills. The divas go into other industries that make money. I mean, let’s face it. These are people who do it for love. That makes for a good sort of human”.

Ian Farthing continues by saying … “Because Lucia was able to join us last summer in Prescott, she was able to meet some of the actors who were subsequently cast in Maid for a Musket. Knowing them and their strengths can sometimes aid and enhance the writing process, as characters can develop with a particular actor in mind.

Part of the skill of directing is being able to discern how best to communicate with each actor to create a homogenous ensemble, where every actor is on board with the same vision for the play.”

As a watercolour artist, I am usually apprehensive how my works will be received. As a Playwright, I wondered if there were expectations Ms. Frangione had from the “actors” that make her apprehensive or nervous during a performance that you has written. She shares with us …“We have a great bunch. Prescott has a terrific pool of talent to choose from. I’m not apprehensive in the least. I simply look forward to all the new ideas they’ll bring to the table.”

PLANNING, PLANNING, PLANNING …

THE INSIDE SCOOP I asked Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival …During a Production such as “Maid for a Musket”, it would seem you and your staff, volunteers and performers would need to maintain professionalize and composure. I wondered if you have a system to help you stay organized and could you share some of your “technique & systems” with us! Mr. Farthing shares with us …“The key is planning, planning, planning. Leaving things to the last minute causes unnecessary stress! Of course, in theatre, there are always variables that mean some things will be thrown at you unexpectedly, but if the things that are in your control are running smoothly, there's room to deal with those issues without pushing you over the edge.”

Ontario Visited asked Mr. Farthing has any “problem solving techniques” used during a special event, or organizational techniques, problems solving techniques with respect to coordinating the Performers and other key participants during Production such as “Maid for a Musket”. Ian says …“Having a good Stage Manager is key. He/she will liaise with the directors, design team and marketing team to schedule rehearsals, costume fittings, media interviews etc. Any good Stage Manager will tell you that lists are the number one tool!”

Stay tuned for more exciting “SCOOP” from Lucia Frangione and Ian Farthing, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival! Check out their website for the details (www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca), plan on a fun, and great, memorable time!