Barbara Pitcher

Excerpts From Archieval Interview For: James Jennings-American Theatre of Actors

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:30:14 -0500

“What have you gotten, by working at ATA?
Experience working with James Jennings?
How is it different working at ATA, compared to other theaters?
--Tell about your experience.”
-------------------------------------
“How did I come to ATA?
I was attending a Stage Directors & Choreographers Society meeting, and met a director who was scheduled to act in a one woman play, which was written by Alex Menza, and was being done in the Sargent Theatre at ATA. I offered to coach her for one session. We met in Central Park, worked, and consequently she asked me to direct the entire evening, which consisted of two one act plays. Well, it wasn't quite that simple! It turned out that since James Jennings was producing the event, and usually selected the directors -- I would have to interview with him before we could proceed. During the interview, he said that he didn't just have anyone come and direct in his theatre, just because an actress wanted to have them direct her!!! James and I talked at great length and discovered that we had the same mentor and similar experience in our early training and guidance in the theatre, in the personage of Lee Strasberg. We both decided that my directing would be a good idea to go ahead with.

This started a theatre adventure, in which I ended up doing 17 plays, sometimes once a year, sometimes twice a year. I have worked in both the Sargent Theatre and The Churnichin Theatre directing new plays that were prescreened by James and then selected by me. He would give me anywhere from 10 to 15 scripts before I would pick one I was excited to work on and present.

This process is extremely important, having the director pick from scripts James wants to produce -- because, in not "assigning" scripts -- his directors can be passionate for one reason or another -- not just getting the experience of directing, which they might have in another theatre dynamic.

Another wonderful aspect of working with James, is that he keeps a current list of actors that he has had audition for him, or has had previous experience with. He has the sensitivity to sense whether an actor could possibly be "right" for a part. After a number of suggestions for each part -- the director is on his/her own. There is also the freedom to choose someone else the director has worked with in the past -- or knows on some level, which is wonderful for all concerned, because not only does the director use their choice, but if the chosen actor wishes, they are put into James' file of actors -- and can possibly be suggested for other parts produced at ATA.

I especially enjoy working with James, because he runs what I call a ‘tight ship’ -- he keeps a careful watch over certain things like schedules -- for instance you always know that when you are scheduled to be in one of the four theaters, that the show before you has left the theatre, dressing rooms, rehearsal halls in complete order -- enabling you to start any work afresh.

And I have always felt extremely supported creatively by James. One can set up a meeting with him, to brainstorm any ideas, problems -- whatever -- and he will be there for you. On the other hand, he will leave you completely alone, to work at your own pace and in your own directorial style. I must admit, when I first started in 1993, with the two one acts, he did step into a couple of rehearsals to make sure he had made the correct decision to have me direct -- his level of excellence always being evident.

When you work with James, you do feel you are striving for very special productions. We work with the idea of full production -- sets, costumes, etc. -- at ATA you can strive for the very best you can do -- it's not just one thing or another -- a showcase for an actor, writer, or director -- but a collaboration of the writer, director, actor, technical, and -- the audience -- to create a special theatrical experience for everyone involved.”
--------------------------------
“What have you done at ATA?”

“-- 17 new plays, working with over 120 actors -- there was a time when I didn't miss a year -- and sometimes did two productions a year.”
---------------------------------
“Will you work again at ATA?”

“Yes, i am considered a permanent resident director of ATA, and lately, when I can fit it into my professional directing schedule -- I do.
----------------------------------
All in all, I cherish the theatrical collaboration and experiences I have had with James Jennings over the years -- and am looking forward to many more.”

www.americantheatreofactors.org

Notes On Directing The Performance of -- “The 32nd Annual John Lennon Tribute”

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

“How did the 32nd Annual John Lennon Tribute at Symphony Space on November 30, 2012 go?”. . . “It was the best ever -- the talent was beautiful -- a well rounded group of 22 musicians, including: Aztec Two-Step, Dan Bern, Judy Collins, David Johansen, Shelby Lynne, Rhett Miller, The Nutopians, Joan Osborne, Rich Pagano, Toshi Reagon, and Dar Williams, with our House Band: Andy Ezrin, keyboards, John Leventhal, guitar, Adam Minkoff, bass, and our Musical Director, Rich Pagano on drums. Directing Joe Roala, with his annual monologue is alway fun and rewarding. . .And having John Platt of WFUV, as our Host is always a treat. . . My technical team, 10 in all, with one exception, was outstanding! This gave the show an intimacy and flow, and professionalism that fulfilled my vision. The audience was with us from beginning to end; they stood and participated, singing with the musicians in the finale -- And you could feel the excitement -- the spirit of John, having touched them as they left the theatre. I love this event, because it allows me to direct live, and guide it, during the show -- almost like directing for TV. One exciting part for me, was, when an audience member, who knows my directorial work, said it had my stamp on it -- they could tell I had directed it -- this of course made me feel extremely good. Of all the venues in which I've directed the Tributes, Symphony Space, is ideal, I do hope we are able to work there again for our 33rd Tribute next year. This will, of course, depend on our Donor base. . . “

www.theatrewithin.org
www.LennonTibute.org

32nd Annual John Lennon Tribute

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

“It’s time again to start work on the Annusl John Lennon Tribute. I can’t believe it is the 32nd year the tribute has been in existence! This year there is such a beautiful groupe of Artists, singing their feelings and interpretation of John’s music. What a wonderful way to celebrate the man, his ideals, and creativity. As production Director, it is a lot of work to put together a very special evening, but when I see audiences enjoying being part of it, it is worth every second I put in. Coordinating with Executive Producer, Joe Raiola, creatively, and Rich Pagano, Muiscal Director is always a terrific experience. Initial task is to get the technical team together -- with a strong team in place, we give the Artists the essential base from which to perform. In addition to the Artists listed above scheduled to perform are The Nutopians Joan Osborne, Rich Pagano, Joe Raiola, and Dar Williams -- How exciting it will be to see Judy Collins, with her accompanist at the Steinway!” More to come as the performance date of November 30th arrives.