Competitive Drama

People often ask me why I am an advocate for high school competitive drama and my answer is always the same: Nobody questions competitive sports, so why is the theatre any different? Obviously theatre is far more subjective than the number of touchdowns in football or goals in soccer; however, it's the spirit of competition that thrills me. Drama festivals help frazzled teachers keep their actors and stage crew committed to the play. Of course every production has its star who would gladly attend rehearsal in the middle of an earthquake, but far more often teachers face the dilemma of keeping students who are still on the fence about drama from straying to less creative endeavours.

This past weekend I attended the Saskatchewan Drama Association's Region 1 drama festival in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. I am happy to say the competitive spirit is alive and well! Over the weekend I was treated to 5 productions and all of them had their strengths. This particular festival holds a special place in my heart, because from grade 7 until I graduated, I was involved as a participant. In those 6 years, I was either involved as an actor, director or playwright, and while I was mostly stimulated by the work, I must confess that a part of me always really, really, really wanted to win. Well, this weekend I came across dozens of students (and teachers, too, I might add) with that same drive. TO WIN!

The first play of the weekend was a play of mine, Laughing Stock. I had never seen this particular play in the company of a live audience, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to drive down and see Carlyle High School's production. Carlyle has been a strong supporter of my work, having produced 2 others before this, so I always try to reciprocate that support whenever possible. I have to say that I absolutely adored their production! From top to bottom, they nailed it. As a writer, it's always gratifying when students are patient with my material and allow it to be funny, rather than force it to be funny by assaulting the audience at every turn. And the directors were simply amazing, staging the play with terrific levels and strong technical choices. If you have not read the play, it features well over 40 different characters, disappearing and reappearing in a variety of costumes. One teacher said I should be shot for writing so many costume changes and another said the title should be switched to "Costume Hell." But Carlyle really pulled it off and the production was a visual stunner. Also, the performances from the entire cast were spot on. I particularly enjoyed the comic stylings of Rachel Corrigan and Bjorn Rekken in a wide variety of roles, but everyone was great and had a moment to shine. It was my honour to meet the students afterwards and congratulate them for making the play funnier than I ever imagined in my wildest dreams.

The second play was Rest in Peace by Pat Cook, presented by Oxbow Prairie Heights School. Oxbow is my hometown, so I always cross my fingers they do a nice job. Oddly enough, I played the lead in this play back when I was 16, so it was interesting to me that very few of the lines were familiar. I guess my brain had to do some spring cleaning to let in more data, but I enjoyed the production regardless.

Third on the bill was Genre by Wade Bradford, presented by Lampman High School. Lampman won this festival last year with another Bradford play, Conflict. I think Conflict is one of the best one act plays ever written, so this one had an enormous set of shoes to fill. I really enjoyed this play, although not quite as much its companion piece. However, the play is brand spanking new, so I'm sure by the time it goes into print, it will be just as polished as Bradford's rapidly growing roster of wonderful comedies. I'm always excited to see what he has in store.

Next up was Mmmbeth by Allison Williams, presented by McNaughton High in Moosomin. I had read this play previously, but this is the first time I had ever seen it staged. The costumes and set were beautifully designed, and I really enjoyed the 3 witches who narrated the unfortunate events that transpired. Also of note, my cousin Kendra was an actor in this production. After years of working backstage, it was awesome to see her up on stage with such gusto!

The last play was a second entry from Lampman, The Celebrity by Paul D. Patton. Student director Taylor Fornwald went all out with this 10 minute play, and her creativity burst right off the stage and into the audience. Visually stunning, gloriously paced and energetically staged, this play had me in stitches from start to finish. I actually quite enjoy the 10 minute format. For a student director especially, I believe it offers a challenge to grab the audience's attention immediately and hold it. This one succeeded on both counts.

If you hadn't already noticed, all 5 plays were comedies. Usually 1 or 2 are dramatic pieces, but not as many serious one acts are written these days. One could dust off and old relic, but I find more and more that teachers are clamouring for new plays that speak to modern audiences. And thank heavens for that or I would have no career. I enjoy both genres, but as a comedic writer, it thrills me to see comedy becoming a more valid choice as a competition piece. Back when I was in high school, it was normally the serious plays that took home the most hardware.

Needless to say I was thrilled when Laughing Stock was chosen as Best Overall Production! Runner-Up to Best Overall was awarded to Genre, and over two dozen other awards were spread around to the immense amount of teenage talent involved in all 5 plays. The most endearing moment of the entire festival was when Rachel Corrigan was awarded the Mary Ellen Burgess Award for acting excellence. This is the top acting trophy of the festival, and one that I won for two consecutive years many moons ago. Well, it touched me dearly when Rachel ran up to me, all smiles, and said, "I won the award with YOUR name on it!" It's hard to believe it's been 14 years since I held that very plaque, but it felt somehow full circle to pass the torch on via one of my plays.

So the weekend was a huge success and inspired the first creative domino to fall so far this year. One by one, the wacky ideas from my brain will collide with one another until there are hopefully a stack of new plays ready to take their place in the spotlight. Whether or not they are any good is yet to be determined, but it's the hope of something good that keeps me going. And the desire to win.

Saskatchewan Drama Festival

It's that time of year again, as high schools across Saskatchewan are preparing for their one act play festivals. I remember as a teenager looking forward to these weekends the whole year long. The weeks leading up to the festival, I could barely sleep from all the excitement. So it's funny that 12 years later, I am still looking forward to them, but from the other side of the stage. Instead of memorizing my lines, now I anxiously wait to find out which schools in my home province are producing my plays for the very festivals that inspired me to become a playwright in the first place.

This year I am very happy to be close enough to attend two of these performances. Maple Creek is producing High School for Dummies and Carlyle is set to perform Laughing Stock. Both plays are perfect for competitions and have done well in the past. However well they do, it's exciting to know how many students are spending sleepless nights learning words that I came up with many moons ago. Also of note, Yorkton Regional High School will be performing Imaginary Harry in Canora on March 26th as well. I can't make it to their show, but anyone in the vicinity should make the trip and cheer them on.

On March 8th, I will be in Maple Creek, speaking with the audience and students about the play. If you happen to be nearby, please stop in and say hello. Also, I will be in Carlyle on March 26th to support Gordon F. Kells and their cast. I only wish I could always meet the people involved in my plays. They always inspire me to keep writing, and if I listen closely enough to what the students have to say, the well of creativity never runs dry. Teenagers are ever growing creatures and it's my job to keep up with what matters to them most.

Imaginary Harry Video

Parkersburg High School in West Virginia took Imaginary Harry to the International Thespian Festival last year and did a fantastic job! Below is a video of the show, presented in its entirety. Enjoy!

Top 50 Films of the Decade (#10-#1)

10. Finding Nemo (2003)

Thanks to Ellen Degeneres and her wickedly funny performance as Dory, this comic showstopper never fails to delight.  With something to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, this visual feast for the eyes will stick around for many generations to come.

9. The Station Agent (2003)

So little happens during the course of the film that it’s amazing how it has stuck so clearly in my memory and comfortably in my heart.  Three drifters with no direction find one another and connect on a level far deeper than those of us distracted by our ambitions.  It’s poignant, moving and tremendously funny all at the same time.

8. Once (2007)

This low budget comedy came out of nowhere and knocked the socks off everyone who saw it.  Every moment is genuine, which is rare in this era of big budget blockbusters and dramas grandstanding for awards.  Plus it has incredible music performed by two sincere actors.  When all is said and done it makes you happy to be alive!

7. Wonder Boys (2000)

Underappreciated gem that’s wise and witty in all the right places.  Michael Douglas tosses his vanity aside to show us a man in desperate need of a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  Its spirited style protects the movie from becoming too melancholy, and when all is said and done, it’s rather quite sweet.

6. WALL-E (2008)

It may be difficult to believe one of the greatest love stories of all time is about two robots, but that’s the case.  The film has layers upon layers of subtext, but it all boils down to one heart finding another and not letting go.  Timeless.

5. Far From Heaven (2002)

This Douglas Sirk inspired melodrama could have been a slight experiment in recreating a genre that has long been a relic, but instead it overflows with relevant themes to modern day audiences.  Julianne Moore not only carries the picture, she propels it into the stratosphere.

4. About Schmidt (2002)

Jack Nicholson gives the performance of his career in this stunning character piece, chock full of subtle humor and wry observations about growing older.  Every single detail, from his windswept comb-over to the linoleum tile, is meticulously thought out and pitch-perfect.

3. Best in Show (2000)

Christopher Guest and company set the bar high with this deliriously funny mockumentary that has the most laughs a minute since the glory days of screwball comedy.  It hardly seems possible to top the sheer lunacy found in every reel, making the title oh-so appropriate.

2. Up (2009)

As touching and inventive as any movie ever made; I can nary think of another that can make me laugh and cry at equal measure.  Certainly the best Pixar film to date and damn close to being one of the greatest of all time.

1. A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

Robert Altman’s final film also turned out to be his finest.  It’s a touching and poetic end to an illustrious career, brimming with glorious dialogue and spectacular performances.   A knockout on every level.

Top 50 Films of the Decade (#20-#11)

20. Frozen River (2008)

Winner of the Sundance film festival, this movie sneaks up and sticks with you forever.  Melissa Leo has been working for years, but her performance here finally garnered the kind of attention she has deserved all along.  It also has a brilliantly spare screenplay that never hits a false note because every moment is necessary.

19. Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar never shies away from a challenge, as is evidenced by this utterly original and gutsy tale of Remy, a rat chef in Paris.  When I first heard about the plot, I thought to myself they must be crazy.  Crazy, sure…and brilliant.  This goes to show audiences are eager to see new and fresh ideas.

18. Doubt (2008)

A virtual master class in acting, this film should be studied by thespians for generations.  Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Viola Davis make up the strongest ensemble of actors I have ever seen in a movie.  That none of them won an Oscar should be a huge embarrassment for the Academy.

17. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

Sidney Lumet proves with this picture that you are never too old to keep making masterpieces, like many of his colleagues who rest solely on their previous laurels.  This ranks up there with his very best, which is considerable given his best includes the classics Network, Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict and 12 Angry Men.

16. The Polar Express (2004)

Okay, the motion capture is a wee bit creepy at times; however, it’s the story that matters and this one needed to be told.  And when it comes to storytelling, there is hardly anyone better than Robert Zemeckis.  This crowd pleaser is both majestic and intimate, making it a Christmas classic that will stand the test of time.

15. Man on Wire (2008)

Anyone who needs a reminder that anything is possible needs to witness the joie-de-vivre of Philippe Petit as he proudly recalls the momentous achievement of walking a tight rope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center.  It’s riveting, suspenseful and all together life affirming.

14. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s romantic tragedy about two cowboys in love is one of the most gut wrenching movies I have ever seen.  My heart breaks merely thinking about the film, especially Heath Ledger’s stolid face as he realizes his true love has gone forever.  It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s a triumph in every way.

13. Julie & Julia (2009)

Nora Ephron rarely gets the credit she deserves, especially considering she’s one of the funniest women working today.  After a string of fantastic movies over the past two decades, she came out swinging with her finest achievement to date.  It’s more than a story about food (and it certainly is that!), but a loving examination on how a complete stranger has the ability to be an inspiration to another.

12. Into the Wild (2007)

Sean Penn directed this mesmerizing drama about one man and the wilderness.  It takes a lot of courage to tell a story that relies so heavily on one actor (who spends virtually the whole movie alone), but thankfully Emile Hirsch was up the challenge.  It’s an exhausting journey, spiked with many emotional payoffs.

11. The Visitor (2008)

Sometimes slow and steady wins the race, as in this searing examination of the US immigration system and its effect on Americans and immigrants alike.  Richard Jenkins received his long overdue shot at a leading film role and knocked it out of the park with barely more than the look in his eye and subtle nod of his head.

Top 50 Films of the Decade (#30-#21)

30. Michael Clayton (2007)

 

You have to pay close attention, as this complex thriller is not served with a spoonful of Hollywood sugar.  It’s also far better the second time around, once you’ve had a chance to digest the shocking ending and its disturbing implications.  George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson are in a league all of their own.

29. The Queen (2006)

Playing a public figure is a daunting task for any actor, particularly when that figure is still alive and well.  Helen Mirren embodies Her Majesty with both grace and dignity, and Michael Sheen provides solid support as Prime Minister Tony Blair.  Their subtle and affecting performances are first rate. 

28. Enchanted (2007)

Amy Adams joined a very exclusive club when she signed on to play a Disney princess.  I cannot think of anyone more suited to the role of Giselle, as perky and naïve a princess as ever seen before.  Add Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden to the mix and suddenly you have a fairy tale of the highest order. 

27. Milk (2008)

Director Gus Van Sant always takes risks, whether for good or bad.  After years of toiling away on his pet project, he finally got to tell the story of Harvey Milk.  It’s clearly a labor of love, with each detail meticulously thought out and executed.  Sean Penn gives the performance of his career and certainly deserved that Oscar. 

26. American Splendor (2003)

Innovative hardly begins to describe the masterly structure of this screenplay, adapted from the graphic novel.  This is a difficult film to explain, but I promise it’s one of the most original and peculiar movies ever made.  I also promise it’s one of the best, with eccentric yet poignant characters, and a heap of cinematic pleasures. 

25. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2006)

Julianne Moore has a knack for playing 50’s housewives.  After tackling similar themes in Far From Heaven and The Hours, she put on the apron once more for this moving and humorous story about a woman raising her family in an era when women were never breadwinners, let alone prize winners. 

24. C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

This French-Canadian film takes a number of contradictory genres, mixes them all together, and hurls them up on the screen.  The energy is contagious and it’s remarkable how many places this film takes you, all unpredictable and all compelling. 

23. One Week (2008)

Another Canadian film makes the list; this one made me enormously proud to live in the great white North.  Joshua Jackson manages to be sympathetic without ever layering on the schmaltz.  It makes a huge number of profound observations, all wrapped up inside quiet little moments in time. 

22. Hairspray (2007)

This is a high octane musical ride that never lets up for a second.  The entire cast is first rate, each perfectly cast in their roles.  John Travolta is darling as Edna and newcomer Nikki Blonsky lights up the screen. 

21. Death at a Funeral (2007)

Farces very rarely work on film, but director Frank Oz and his daffy cast of characters make this story whiz along at such a rapid pace that you barely have a chance to catch your breath.  This one demands repeated viewing, as you will know doubt be laughing from one scene into the next.