“A Terrapin for Tuesday” . . .
. . . written and directed by A.J. Perlin will be performed on Monday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m.
1. Where did you come up with the creative idea for your piece?
The creative idea for my piece came directly from the title, “A Terrapin for Tuesday.” All of the lines, characters, and plot spawned from my desire to put on a show about, related to or including turtles. The idea for the turtles came from Ezra’s mom, who originally gave him the idea when he was suffering from writer’s block. Although Ezra moved on to a more clearly developed idea for his show, I stuck with the turtle idea. I can’t give away anymore of the plot, except that the turtles will make their appearance in the very beginning of the show and will have little effect on the plot.
2. Where do you think your piece succeeds, and where do you see challenges for yourself as a playwright or director?
My piece in particular succeeds with the use of language. The language, particularly for one of the characters, is almost perfect in my mind. I am very proud of it. Also, my show is very brief. I had originally written a two-page draft, which I later extended to four pages of text. Either way, it will certainly not drag on, whereas my show last year was much longer. The biggest challenge for me as a director is trying to convey my ideas to the actors. I’m just not great at it, and I’m never quite sure what I really want. They have definitely helped me out and told me what I should do when my mind was wandering in a bad direction.
3. What is the greatest challenge you have found so far (writing, working with actors, tech, etc)?
My greatest challenge so far has been making a particular costume. I have spent hours on it, and it is known in my script only as “The coat of many pockets.”
4. Why were you interested in writing and directing a piece for SpringFest?
The best part about SpringFest is the writing and directing. That was my entire reason for joining the class. It is a great opportunity to create something, and I’m always excited about that.
5. What other pieces, besides your own, are you looking forward to? Why?
I will be seeing every show and, as a student producer, I watched all the shows at evaluations, except “Eggsicles.” Because of this, I am particularly excited to see “Eggsicles” written by Adam Levine. Also, I always look forward to watching Ezra’s show each year. He is probably the most experienced and talented writer that we have in the class, and the only one with three years experience. He never disappoints.
6. In addition to writing and directing, are you performing any other roles, performance or technical, in SpringFest?
I am one of the two student producers, so Kate Fulop, the other student producer, and I will be filling in the down time between shows with our signature brand of funny. I am directing a second piece for the Theatre Repertory Class called “Water Music.” Also, look for me in “Kiosk Man,” directed by Chris Schraufnagel and the “The Least Offensive Play in the Whole Darn World,” also directed by Chris Schraufnagel.
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