Marking the Observance of World Theatre Day
Revamped Pieces on Theatre, Libraries, and Creative Collaboration
Grab a seat, folks! Fancy a chat about how theatre and libraries go hand in hand like peas and carrots? Let's dive into our conversation with two artistic powerhouses from the Houston scene: Dr. Dabrina Sandifer of Esurient Arts, and Stacy Bakri from Live Oak Playhouse.
To kick things off, let's talk about libraries playing a part in their creative journeys.
Ever helped ya along the way, library? Maybe during college or an audition prep?
Dabrina: You better believe it! In college, the architecture library came in clutch. For a costuming history class, I had assignments that required specific sizing and image zooming – things only this library had the capabilities for. Plus, I've used meeting spaces for rehearsals, chats, and auditions for shows by non-profit organizations, including non-profit theatres. Back when I was prepping for the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts, I even dug into monologue books and plays from the library. Guess what? I got accepted, using pieces I picked up there!
Stacy: Libraries have been, are, and will always be crucial partners in theatrical production – especially when funds are tight or space is limited. While studying at the University of Texas at Austin, my go-to places were the UGL and Perry Castaneda libraries. I researched other talented performance artists, read biographies, and wrote my own material there.Need a particular script or sheet music for an audition? Libraries had me covered, saving me a trip to a music store!
So, what do you think could be the collaboration juju between these two creative forces in the future?
Dabrina: Between plays being literary masterpieces and me being a bookworm former educator, the possibilities are endless! Workshops, readings, performances, and more are on the table. I look forward to continuing that conversation and making it happen.
Stacy: Just recently, I launched The Live Oak Playhouse, located in Fort Bend County. For our inaugural project, we're teaming up with local libraries for an interactive morning called "Walking in Verse," celebrating National Poetry Month with actors who bring poets to life. There's nothing like putting these resources to great use!
In summer, keep your eyes peeled for performances taking place at libraries. Here are a couple of shows not to miss:
- Houston Grand Opera: Westward Ho, Carlotta!
- Houston Grand Opera – Opera Cat!
Here are some books that Dr. Sandifer, Ms. Bakri, and other theatre enthusiasts dig:
- Topdog/underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks
- RESPECT FOR ACTING by Uta Hagen
- Rooms With A View by Richard L. Barr
- Applied Theatre by Philip Taylor
Dig these reads; they're bound to fuel your creative fire!
Libraries have significantly contributed to the careers of both Dr. Dabrina Sandifer and Stacy Bakri, providing resources for research, audition prep, rehearsals, and performance materials. They've both expressed a keen interest in future collaborations between theaters and libraries, exploring possibilities such as workshops, readings, and performances.
In fact, Stacy has already partnered with local libraries for an interactive morning event called "Walking in Verse", taking place this summer. Moreover, prominent theaters like Houston Grand Opera are hosting performances at libraries, including 'Houston Grand Opera: Westward Ho, Carlotta!' and 'Houston Grand Opera – Opera Cat!'.
When seeking inspiration, theater enthusiasts might find Dr. Sandifer, Ms. Bakri, and many others turning to books like 'Topdog/underdog' by Suzan-Lori Parks, 'RESPECT FOR ACTING' by Uta Hagen, 'Rooms With A View' by Richard L. Barr, or 'Applied Theatre' by Philip Taylor. These reads are sure to ignite creativity and fuel passions in the world of theater.
