Rick Dethlefsen
was kind enough to take a little break from directing "Rumors," which opened Friday September 12th, to answer a few questions about the show, and graciously answer a few other questions I posed...
1. 6 doors. Want to comment on the complexity of that for you directing the actors, and for the actors themselves? I know you really prepare, but to get the timing to be precise must be rather difficult...
While it is true that working on a multi-level set with multiple doors can present some challenges, by and large it also gives the imagination a lot more room to play. I was blessed with a very good cast who was willing to experiment so the largest challenge was to time entrances and exits that were almost always "blind" in that the actors couldn't tell sight-wise what the other actors were doing. We solved those problem with sound cues in some cases and prompts from stage manager or light booth in others.
2. How do you define comedy? I mean - what is funny, and what isn't, to you?
I think the answer probably lies somewhere between the situation and the writing and how it relates to the audience. The story has to flow and follow a predetermined path, but the situations are at their funniest when it is something that the audience can relate to - when they can say, "I've seen that" or "that's happened to me."
3. Why did you pick "Rumors" of all of Neil Simon's shows to direct?
I selected Rumors because submitting directors were asked to do shows that had been successfully produced at LCP during their 80 year life span. Rumors was the first show that I ever appeared in at LCP and the first show in which I worked with Bob Gras so it had nostalgic value to me as well as being a very funny play.
4. What is your secret (or method) to directing comedy - and do you find it more or less difficult than a drama or musical?
I'm not sure I have any secrets to reveal. In any play I try to make the story work and make it something the audience can relate to. I work with the actors to develop characters to relate and react to each other and not the fact that it is "their turn to talk". Both as an actor and a director I believe that comedy is the most difficult venue to make work - timing is so much a part of the equation as is the necessity to keep from going over the top. I believe that any good comedic actor can also pull of a dramatic role but don't believe the reverse is true for a good dramatic actor.
5. What do you look for in actors when you audition - innate talent, willingness to take direction, risk-taking, tenacity? How do you know you've got the right person for the right part?
I think any director is going to look for all of the above in terms of your question. Certainly the willingness to try and to take risks is important, but I also look for "sparks" between actors. I also look for actors who appear as if they want the play to be the central theme and not themselves - I want it to be a fun and learning experience for all and don't really have much use for egos.
6. How would you describe your directing style?
I guess my directing style goes to that same team experience I talked about in the previous question. While I have a vision as to what the characters and play is all about, I want the actors and technicians to be equally invested so I do spend a lot of time talking about why a particular character is doing something and the kinds of moods we might want to set. Another very valuable realization came to me many years ago - I don't have the market on brains. I am surrounded by highly creative people and I frequently find myself saying - "Oh, I hadn't considered that", which, in turn, helps to create a more believable character that both I and the actor can more fully appreciate.
7. What was the first show you directed and how do you pick the shows you want to undertake?
The first show I ever directed was "Bye Bye Birdie" I selected that because of an opportunity to work with high school students and direct their play and because I loved it when I first saw it. I try to pick shows that I think the audience will be able to lose themselves in. Sometimes I just want them to sit back and laugh, other times I hope that they will walk away and be filled with questions. Ultimately though, I want it to be entertaining.
8. Why is theatre important to you?
I think theater is important to me on a couple of levels. It is a creative outlet for me that allows me to relax on some levels and create on others. While most people would probably argue the point - for the most part I am extremely shy which is why you don't see me at a lot of parties, etc. I found that if I used some of the talents that God so generously gave me, that I'm able to put myself out there and function rather well. I also think that theater gives us all a chance to think, to smile, to question, and a myriad of other things. I am saddened by the willingness on some people's part to cut theater, music, and art programs to save money while, at the same time, build stadiums or build rain gardens or whatever. The arts are important and make us all better people so it is important to me to do it and especially to work with the kids who are the future of the arts.
I'd like to thank Rick for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to give us some of his perspectives about theatre, why he's directing "Rumors" by Neil Simon, and what makes theatre important to him. Rick is a talented director and actor - as well as a natural teacher and insightful person all-around. With any luck you have been able to work with him already, or will in the future. Thanks, Rick!
And - go see "RUMORS" - it plays tonight at the Hannah Center at 8pm, tomorrow at 2pm, and then September 19th and 20th at 8pm, and will wrap on Sunday, September 21st at 2pm.
Adults: $15.00
Seniors(60+)/Students: $13.00
Children: $10.00
Special opening night STUDENT ticket: $8.00
For reservations call: 484.9191
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