How Not to Get Directing Assignments

I've got stuff going on these days. I inherited directing the July show at Silver Spring Stage; we're moving Mom to Very Assisted Living*; I have a cat who would like to see me. You know - stuff going on. So I have finally either grown a little backbone or - at long last - finally developed some tiny bit of common sense about my calendar.

As I can't seem to think more than a few days ahead right now (and sometimes it's hour to hour), I have started jettisoning projects that require any attention from me before the end of July. The lovely and wonderful Mary Ann let me out of directing a children's show in the fall; the equally lovely and wonderful John picked up that show slot for me; Susan was very understanding about my unwillingness to commit to her one act; and etc.

Back at the beginning of May, I went to see a show that some friends were doing in the theater where another friend, Dave, is the theater manager. They had announced their next season, so I asked who was directing each of the three shows and it turned out that they had directors chosen for the later two but not the first one.

I joked "Well, just get Dave fired** and have him do it."

"Actually, he suggested you."

At that point I was still attached to Mary Ann's children show which would run at the same time, which gave me a reasonable excuse to say no, although the discussion continued through the evening. A couple of times, the very persuasive Chip nearly had me agreeing to direct both the children's show and his mainstage production.

So from now on, I think I'll keep a copy of this webcomic in my purse. Just in case.


* Or, as I like to think of it, "Why is my Mother a prisoner in her room just because she uses a wheelchair? Living." More on that some time soon.

** Facility Conflict of Interest rules prevent him from working on shows while employed there.***

*** Which is, in itself, rather a pity, as he is a very good director.

(Note especially the text in the second frame, as Mary Ann once confirmed to me that she regards "No! Stop! Get away from me! I have a restraining order and a gun!" as a maybe. Producers for Children's Theater need to be that way.)

From Basic Instructions, Your all-inclusive guide to a life well-lived by Scott Meyer. (Used with permission - thanks, Scott!)