What can I say? Between 2022 and 2023, I was so busy that I really didn’t have a chance to keep posting here. (As a writer, you’d think I’d be better at this.) So let’s catch you up on what’s been going on.

My Blue Heaven, Continued (Pivot Theatre – 2022)

Continuing on from my last post, Pivot did indeed win the wildcard slot at TheatreBC’s Mainstage Festival in Vernon. We were awarded Best Ensemble and the Backstage Cooperation Award, along with a certificate recognizing us as the “New Kids on the Block”. First road trip to Vernon, and recognition that we’re doing good work felt fantastic. And it also was an extra chance to work with these lovely folks again. (Plus snuck in a little camping trip afterwards.)

Twist (North Vancouver Community Players – 2022)

Twist was another show that was sidelined by the pandemic, and originally assigned to a different director. But the fates handed it to me, and it was nice to be directing at the theatre that’s close to home for a change! This was a logistical challenge, with people hiding in chests and dumb waiters, not to mention an actor who ended up having to do almost the entire run on crutches.

Rumors (Vagabond Players – 2023)

Rumors is a Neil Simon classic, and due to a scheduling issue, we had to turn it around in four weeks (which is about six less than I like). Thank god for great actors, and an even better stage manager. Working with friends old and new was therapeutic, and I loved every second of it.

Perfect Arrangement (Pivot Theatre – 2023)

A masterpiece in every way. The Canadian premiere of a script to die for, and actors who made my job incredibly easy. We won the Fraser Valley Zone Festival, and got to go to Mainstage for the second year in a row. Didn’t win there, but won Best Ensemble (again, second year in a row). I miss working with these ones, because the work was so rewarding.

Doin’ Time at the Alamo (North Vancouver Community Players – 2023)

Finally, a trip down to Texas with this play by Mary Hanes. This show is one of my favourites, primarily due to the people I got to work with on it. My second at NVCP, I’m really proud of how this cast bonded together, and that we had so much fun together.

And Finally, a Break! (Sort of…)

The way that the current season shook out has given me a break from directing for a few months, which I’m really enjoying. But I also have been learning how to build sets, and have done two so far. They certainly aren’t masterpieces, but I’m definitely a member of the ‘how hard could it be?’ club, and they didn’t fall down during the runs, so I’d call that a win.

And that brings us up to date. Hopefully I’ll get better at keeping up. But I wouldn’t bet the farm on it…