Directing a play involves bringing words on a page to life. No small task.
Christopher Hampton, translator of “God of Carnage” states it well: “We’re a lump of potter’s clay and it’s up to us to fashion something out of it.”
Photo by Jonna Sekowski
Christopher Corrigan is attempting to fashion something out of Hampton’s words in his directorial debut this spring.
Corrigan sits comfortably in an enclave in Wentz Concert Hall. He knows the ins-and-outs of this building, having spent time acting in several NCC productions.
He is cheerful and easy to talk to, excited to talk about his directorial debut with “God of Carnage.” Excited, yet nervous.
Corrigan is a member of the Student Directed Series, a program allowing students to direct their own productions. With over 3,000 students at North Central, how is one student chosen?
“I chose North Central because they had a Student Directed Series,” he said. Luckily, his decision paid off.
The application process is strenuous. Corrigan explains students must “write a proposal similar to a grant proposal” over a period of five weeks.
Corrigan’s original proposal was 12 pages whittled down to five pages. Precise and concise, Corrigan submitted his proposal after several revisions.
For two months, there was nothing to do but wait.
After being selected, the pressure sets in. “It was hard. I was freaking out. It was difficult not to tell my friends I got it.”
At the Seasons Announcement at the end of spring term 2015, Corrigan was formally selected and began preparing right away.
The road to this point wasn’t easy. The road going forward poses its own unique challenges.
“I personally, as the director, have already put a lot of work into it. But it’s going to be a very collaborative process between the designers, actors, and me. It’s our show; it’s not just my show,” Corrigan said.
Corrigan won’t be going it alone. Aiding him in the process is Laura Lodewyck, assistant professor of theatre.
Though assisting Corrigan, Lodewyck insists that the show will be his.
“My role is to supervise. It’s their opportunity to justify what they want to do. We’re here for support, but they are given a lot of leeway and freedom to produce what they want. They are in charge of their own production,” she said.
Lodewyck uses her experience to guide directors and help manage challenges. “You have to think on your feet, know how to collaborate, and be a leader.”
Corrigan, after waiting nearly a year, is thrilled to start working with Lodewyck to produce his vision.
Though it is only Lodewyck’s first year at NCC, her desire to assist students is clear. Her advice? “Just apply. Think through your vision for what you want to produce. You can’t win if you don’t try.”
