Reflection: Pippin

     My experiences with Pippin were definitely what should come from a good theatre internship. The performance aspect was quite fun, once the show opened, and the choreographer aspect was an excellent first-time experience. However, I did have to learn some other things the hard way.
     First, my eyes were forced open to how different directors can be. Throughout my time at ISU, I have had the same couple of directors, both of whom I work with very well and understand their methods and processes, one of whom was my mentor/professor in Directing classes. Within those classes, I was taught how to direct in a particular way, a way that after two different experiences putting into practice made logical sense to me. But because of my limited range of experiences and how set my directing education was, I wasn't quite prepared for how differently directors can work; its a reality I should have seen coming, but due to my time with Pippin, the reality is becoming much more real to me.
     Second, I really learned how vital a number of things are:
          1) Collaboration - all of the team leaders need to be able to work together to create a strong and united idea for the production, covering casting, set and lights, music and dancing, costuming, and the direction of the show
          2) Communication - it is beyond imperative that each team member be in constant communication with each other throughout the rehearsal and design process - this prevents any major problems from occurring, and helps correct the smaller problems efficiently. In addition, it helps strengthen the powers of collaboration (see #1)
          3) Pre-Planning and Preparation - this one was taught due to the fact that a number of our rehearsals, sadly, felt like a waste of time. I learned that to maximize progress made in rehearsals, there has to be a lot of work done before rehearsals, and this goes for everyone involved - actors, the director, the choreographer, designers, and musicians. Many of us in the cast, crew, and band grew frustrated when our rehearsal time was used to begin work on something new; I know that this could be how the director likes to work, but many of us felt that there still needed to be work done outside of the rehearsals.
     Finally, my last major learning experience came from my opportunity to choreograph a number of the pieces in the show. I gained at least a basic knowledge of the choreography process due to a number of my dance classes, and here I actually got to put it into practice. With that, I began to find my own style of working. It also dawned on me how vital "studio time" is; having that time to create a dance where you actually work through it piece by piece. Dipping my toes into the world of choreography came with a whirlwind of information, and the realization of how hard it can be.
     However, I had a wonderful time working as a choreographer for this show. It was an incredible learning experience for my first time doing it; though I know I could have done more with the dancing if I had had more time, I did what I could with the time I was given, and it turned out quite wonderful. I earned a lot of positive feedback, and even a few things I could have improved on (which is always a good thing). I know more rehearsal time could have made it even better, but at one point you have to stop and let it thrive on its own.
     Overall, though it was a local production, my experience with Pippin as both a performer and a choreographer was one of the best learning experiences I could have had, and definitely one I needed. Though I didn't really want to learn some of the things I did, they only made me a better theatre-maker. One of the greatest aspects with this show, however, was the cast; this was hands down one of the BEST ensembles I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I got to work alongside many old friends, make new ones, mentor a couple "theatre newbies" and learn from some of the veterans. I thank them all for such a wonderful run of Pippin. So, even though the show came with more struggles that I expected, it still turned out to be one of the best learning opportunities in my life thus far, and for that I am forever grateful.