www.backstage.com: The first time Martha Lavey performed with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, she was naked in body paint playing a South American Indian. Her then acting teacher John Malkovich cast her in what she calls a “notorious” production of Christopher Hampton’s “Savages,” alongside Laurie Metcalf, Glenne Headly, and Terry Kinney. She was living her dream.
Famously started in a school basement in 1974 by Gary Sinise, Jeff Perry, and Terry Kinney, Steppenwolf is one of the leading ensemble theaters in the country. So what’s the secret? Give the actors a voice.
4 comments:
The concept of putting actors first is a really good one. So often we think of how Actors come first but we are only thinking of the stars. Not all actors are stars, and those actors often get pushed to the sidelines. Stepenwolf is so well know that it's actually a little surprising to hear that they put their actors to the forefront of their thoughts throughout the run of a show. Then again that's probably why they produce such good theater. I feel like in educational theater, the actors tend to come first, but it makes sense that that might not be the thought process for many in the industry.
I wouldn't say that actors need to be put first, however, I agree to the fact that having an environment where anyone can speak up and share their ideas and thoughts is really refreshing. In most companies, you listen to the director and form your ideas to what they director envisions. The great thing about this concept of having an open environment allows for the people in the room to help shape the director's view of the show and really make the piece something everyone would enjoy being a part of. By doing this, you get a more personal show, rather than just simply putting on a show just for money.
This idea is great in concept, and works out even better in actuality. Creating an environment in which the actors feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their visions and ideas makes everyone more comfortable in the room and leads to great theater. Having worked with Terry Kinney, one of the co-founders of Steppenwolf, I can say from experience that this concept leads to a very healthy rehearsal environment, and a creates a work in which people are more willing to work together, try new things, and where no one is afraid of failure because failure is just another step on the path. It was interesting to see how this environment developed through hours upon hours and days upon days of table work between the director and the company. In the end, ir produced a great production.
What an amazing idea and person. Many companies use actors as toys and thats it but we are the people telling the story and we deserve a say in whatever story we are telling. Its always a plus when a person behind the scene has acted before and knows how to talk to us or handle us because they've been in the same position. The same thing goes for actors who also do backstage work. We need each other to do this one show so we all should be treated as equals. All of the decisions that are made are going to affect the actors therefore they should always be given a chance to ask questions and express opinions. Even if a request doesn't work out its always a good feeling knowing that atleast your voice was heard.
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