MeACT Links

Editorial

NOTE: These and other issues and topics can be discussed at length on our Backstage Maine discussion list.

GUEST EDITORIAL

My First Festival with MeACT
By Mary Ann Giasson, Camden Civic Theatre

This was first experience with MeACT, it's one-act play festival, and all it encompasses. I found it to be enjoyable and not nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. As the representative for Camden Civic Theatre I was on the MeACT board of directors for several months the leading up to this 2006 festival. Planning and organizing are the keys to any successful event and I think we did both well. There was never any confusion about who was doing what and what didn't get done at the last minute.

Another key to the success of an event such as this is location. I think that the Montgomery Auditorium at Morse High School in Bath worked well for everyone. The location seemed to be central for the groups participating and easily accessible to everyone. The staff (John Upham as Technical Director) and students (Kacie McGlinchey on Lighting) made us feel welcome and were very helpful. I enjoyed getting to see the venue space and the lighting that was available prior to the Festival. It's important to see the space beforehand so you know how to direct your actors and crew.

As a first time participant and one-act director there were a few times when I felt confused or unsure of what was going on. I think another part of the success was the workshop with Callum Coates that was offered. However, in the future publication of an event like this might produce a bigger draw.

My biggest disappointment was the lack of support by the theater members of my own group to come and take part in the event. I'm not sure if it was just my theater group but I would like to know, for future projects, how to get more involvement and enthusiasm out of the folks in my own backyard.

(HOME)