Trust and respect are the important foundation of a working relationship
Dear Jessica,
Attending Rogue Theater Company’s recent production of “Gidion’s Knot,” I was intrigued by — among many aspects of the experience — the way the two characters moved around the stage, physically expressing the nature of their unfolding interaction.
Someone mentioned the characters’ movement at a talkback, asking who made that particular staging choice. The answer was that it was the director’s choice, but it got me wondering about collaboration between the playwright’s script, the director’s vision, and the actors’ embodiment. Can you speak to collaboration in the creative theater process?
— Eric E.
Dear Eric,
Wow! Thank you for your observations. You’ve given me the opportunity to talk about a favorite topic of mine: collaboration. The collaboration among the people involved in a production — and that includes everyone involved — is part of the magic that makes one rendition of a play very different from another. Moreover, it’s key to a strong, successful production.
From my perspective, what is truly interesting about collaboration is what it makes happen between people. As the artistic director of Rogue Theater Company, I am always looking for that special spark between a script, this director, those actors — But having worked with many productions and people throughout my career, I do have a mental checklist of what I’ve found instrumental in working toward a healthy and inspiring collaboration:
- Trust and respect. Right out of the gate, these two practices can foster a strong working relationship. They make fertile ground for all kinds of artistic exploration, whether we’re talking about set design, lighting, or the way the actors are interacting.
- An understanding of each other’s roles. Appreciating how each person is supposed to use his or her experience in a given production flows out of respect and is a great point from which to begin. And rather than see the roles as boundaries between individuals, I see them as points of overlap where exciting ideas can take hold.
- The knowledge that there is room and need for collaboration. This basic thought about human interaction is key to good art and always helps center us when we’re involved in a production.
- The belief that collaboration will bring the best results. This point is so simple and spot on that it leaves little to be said, but reminding myself of it always feel like a refreshing restart.
This only brushes the surface of collaboration, Eric, but, like the so many good ideas, its depth is what makes it so intriguing.
Theater lovers, what would you like to know about theater, acting, stagecraft, etc.? Send your questions to [email protected]. In the meantime, let’s bring up the houselights and have some fun!
Jessica Sage is artistic director of Rogue Theater Company. RTC’s 2025 season opens in February with Barry Kraft’s exploration of “Julius Caesar” and “As You Like It,” followed by “Doubt: A Parable,” beginning March 12. For more information about the entire season, see roguetheatercompany.com.
