It was just 2 months ago when I began rehearsals with The Way of the Cross. I don’t know where the time has gone, but tonight after all our hard work we open. The dress on Thursday went very well and it seems we’re all on the same page and ready to go. I’m proud of all 13 actors who have volunteered a lot of time and energy into this production. This really was a community effort, from the design of lights, to the sound design to the set and props and the artwork. My role not only included writing and directing the piece but also coordinating all the elements. It will be a gratifying experience to sit with an audience and finally watch it all play out.

The re-write of Home is nearly complete and I am feeling confident about the work. Re-writes are a tricking beast. Perspective helps in seeing what needs to be cut and re-worked. Perspective can come in the form of a critique by a trusted friend, an agency (like Bluecat who sent me a great critique) or even time. I had not read Home for over a year, but I knew I would one day go back to it because the script deserved it. The great thing about perspective is that what didn’t seem obvious before becomes abundantly clear afterward. This is what happened with Home and I’m glad I stuck with it. I will be re-submitting the script to Bluecat, Nichol Fellowships and Page International. I’ve entered all 3 of these contests before with the Home and had good results. I’m hoping for better results with this latest draft.

I will be returning to Circus once Home is complete. Circus is my play about mental illness and will require a page one re-write. It currently has four characters and I’ll be adding a fifth. I have some great ideas to improve the script and look forward to seeing where it goes. If I do not become too distracted with other projects, my plan is to have a reading by summer time. Blue was submitted into the Summerworks Festival in Toronto. Summerworks is a juried theatre festival that goes on in the month of August. Sadly, Blue was turned down. Like with my other rejections, this bothered me for a day or two, and then I moved on. You must always move on and be encouraged by doing the work, learning, getting better and getting your stuff out there.