Stories from the Professional Theatre Training Program: Andrea Runge

Our Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) offers financial support for unique and flexible training with a chosen mentor in any theatrical discipline (except performance.)

Andrea Runge training in directing with Ashlie Corcoran at Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque

The other side of the table

(June 23, 2017) As an actor, before rehearsals begin, I experience an excited anticipation as I work on the script, looking forward to a world as yet undiscovered.  I work on plotting the story and charting my character’s function within it: breaking down the scenes, clarifying my character’s point of view. 

A somewhat self-centered preparation is required of the actor—the study of one character, with only one set of eyes through which to see the world of the play, and the other characters in it.

It’s very interesting now to work on the script of Leading Ladies from a director’s perspective instead of an actor’s. Now all 8 characters are equally important. The given circumstances must be seen through 8 pairs of eyes as opposed to only one. There are 8 journeys to track, 8 super-objectives to investigate, and countless conflicts, arcs, and obstacles to clarify. Then there is the weaving in of the designs (very fun to get to see the costume renderings and set models before rehearsals begin!) and the technical elements—every light and sound cue, set changes, quick changes, props—all needing to be considered. Reading the play with all of these elements in mind is like unravelling an intricate web, which will eventually come together as one cohesive piece in the rehearsal hall, to then be clearly communicated and shared with the audience.

I am really looking forward to exploring this play from the other side of the table, particularly alongside Ashlie and her fantastic team of artists. To see the whole picture, and to watch the entirety of the piece be put together day by day, choice by choice. Looking at all elements technical and artistic is daunting in the most exciting way, as is using my knowledge of the theatre as I look at this play through a new and different lens. 

The next application deadline for the Professional Theatre Training Program is October 2, 2017.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario's Professional Theatre Training Program

Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program is funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.