“It’s What’s for Dinner” . . .

. . . written and directed by Mike Stanton to be performed on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m.

1. Where did you come up with the creative idea for your piece?

My piece is really a parody of another play in which I was acting when I started writing it in Spring ‘07. The show was about an upright family out of a 1950’s sitcom trying to have dinner, and I said to myself, “What if they were eating people?”

2. Where do you think your piece succeeds, and where do you see challenges for yourself as a playwright or director?

I think my show uses the actors a lot, allowing them freedom to express their own views on the characters while still giving it enough structure to have a coherent plot. I do think it’s a bit on the short side, and most of the jokes are very setup-and-punch line. I think I’d like it to have more of a flow.

3. What is the greatest challenge you have found so far (writing, working with actors, tech, etc.)?

The biggest challenge was really just giving direction. I’m not big on specifics myself, so it was hard to really get under people and say “Make a choice,” as opposed to “Just do whatever.”

4. Why were you interested in writing and directing a piece for SpringFest?

I had acted in SpringFest before, and I had always wanted to try directing. I figured this was a great way to try it without too big of a repercussion if I mess up.

I really think the fact that SpringFest isn’t just one show on one night is a big factor in the way the playwriting and directing class is set up. The fact that anyone can try out and be in SpringFest provides a large pool of actors from which to choose. And the versatility of shows allows for special experiences for the directors, as well as the actors, and even the audience members.

5. What other pieces, besides your own, are you looking forward to? Why?

I’m definitely looking forward to Adam Levine’s show, “Eggsicles.” I’m doing the sound design for his show, and working with him has shown me this: any show that requires the creation of the sound effect of a tank of whales being dropped on a land mine simply has to be a good show.

6. In addition to writing or directing, are you performing any other roles, performance or technical, in SpringFest

I am acting in Zach Ehrlich’s show, and am doing the sound design for Adam Levine’s show. In addition, I’m the sound advisor for all technicians and am running all sound effects during the performances.