3 minute read
BVG Players 2023-2024 (The Glen, Spring 2024)
Directing this year’s BVG Players production of “She Kills Monsters (Young Adventurers Edition)” by Qui Nguyen was such an amazing experience. From the early auditions in October to the final curtain call at the end of February, the whole journey of bringing this production to life was a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and growth.
After spending much time behind the scenes this year, as opposed to on stage like we did during our actor years, we finally understand how much care and detail the creation process requires. Through helping select the play, starting rehearsals, witnessing all the progress from the actors and crew members, and making various creative decisions, we learned that it takes a great deal of time, collaboration, and commitment to create a production that’s truly out of this world.
As directors, our creative decision making was crucial to the production process. Due to the intricate nature of the play we had to make many kinds of choices - from picking soundtracks, to finalizing the unique 90’s and fantasy costumes, deciding how to distinguish between the two profound worlds within the play, and much more. But after getting input from the creative minds of our peers and teachers, we were able to finalize every detail of this play to present something spectacular.
We encountered obstacles throughout our time as directors. At first, it took some time to construct rehearsal timelines that took all the actors’ schedules into consideration. However, this new approach allowed actors to use their rehearsal time wisely, getting more on-stage time rather than simply waiting for their scenes to come up. Although it was hard working around everyone’s commitments, and we often had to alter the schedule when new commitments arose, this more dynamic rehearsal structure was worth it as the actors felt actively engaged throughout rehearsal, ultimately enhancing their overall experience.
Being the director of a school play is beyond just putting on a spectacular show. It involves strengthening bonds with the school community and improving yourself. From communication to problem-solving to time management, we learned many invaluable lessons that will serve us in the future, whether it be at university or as a leader in our community. By being in this position, we helped provide an opportunity for other students to explore their passions and unleash their creativity. Ever since we were actors in the Prep School productions, we’ve been committed to the pursuit of the arts, as musicians, actors, and artists. So, being in a position that helps guide students’ creativity is something that we are very grateful for. In general, having leadership opportunities like these available within the school community provides us with meaningful and transformative experiences. So, if you’re thinking about stepping up and being a leader of something you love, do it… it’s so worth it.
Those timbits-filled late nights and Saturday rehearsals full of hard work and fun brought all of us together for the final curtain call. As we both move on to our post-secondary plans, we know that we will always remember the special memories that we made this year; from the amazing to the challenging, all of those memories will be forever ingrained within our minds.
