Leigh Walter
Connect
  • Home
  • Resume
  • Production Photos
    • Directing
    • Assistant Directing
    • Stage Management
  • Upcoming Work
  • About Me

New York Theatre Workshop

1/21/2014

 
This is by far, the craziest thing I have ever done.

One year ago I would have never thought myself capable of this. 

One year ago, I was too afraid to dream big.  I was too scared to even think that I could work in theatre.  To think that I could be successful in theatre.  And here I am, being stupid and fearless and loving every second of it. 

I have been formally accepted into New York Theatre Workshop's Production Management internship.  And I'm moving to New York in ONE WEEK today.  I still can't believe it, so I keep checking the email I was sent to make sure I didn't misread it.  I can't believe I will be working in New York in February.  I will be working with the top professionals in the business.  I get to watch some of the best and most imaginative decisions be made in theatre.  I get to see some of the biggest mistakes be made.  I get to be around the work that is changing what theatre is and what it can be.  I get to be inspired.  I get to learn.  And I get to be their lackey.

And for me, that is the dream I was so very afraid of.  I was afraid to dream of going to New York and becoming a theatre professional, because the nightmares of failure and rejection were too intimidating.  But not anymore.  And this is the craziest thing of them all...I really think I can do it. 


I'm not saying I'm going to be winning the Tony for Best Direction anytime soon.  But you know what, WHY NOT dream big?  I dreamed big when I changed my major my senior year from Education to B.F.A. Directing.  I dreamed big when I sent my application to big time New York Theaters in the hopes someone will think I'm something.  I dreamed big when I interviewed with New York Theatre Workshop, praying to God that I don't make a fool of myself, and so thankful that they couldn't see how much I was probably sweating. 

 So you know what?  I'm going to do it.  I'm going to fight for it.  And I'm going to have a damn good time scrapping for food and rent in NYC because I'm going to be in a place where all of those big dreams actually have a shot of coming true. 

In the spirit of Upcoming Work, here is a link to New York Theatre Workshop's website and what shows I will be working on until June.  Cheater's guide:  NYTW developed shows such as RENT, Once, and Peter and the Starcatcher.  They're dedicated to creating new works that inspire and challenge us all.  A lot of their work revolves around giving new works some of their first public readings, and providing rehearsal spaces to those who are creating new theatre. 

http://www.nytw.org/default.asp 

Yes, I will be working on Caryl Churchill's new piece that is premiering with NYTW.  Yes, Caryl Churchill is a playwright that completely changed my view of theatre when I first read her play Cloud Nine.  Yes, I will probably get to see her, take creepy snapchat photos of her, and if I do meet her, I will totally be a huge fanboy and maybe cry a little bit.  Yes, all of my dreams are coming true and I am so incredibly lucky and thankful.

Cheers, to good luck and big dreams!

Wrapping it all up

1/6/2014

 
 #hashtag  is all finished now.  It feels like it was centuries ago when we took down the set, yet I still can't believe that this incredible experience is gone now.  I can't believe my college experience is gone now.  I'm graduated, with a BFA in Directing. But I'll talk about that later.

I am so grateful that Wesleyan gave Dan and I the chance to create #hashtag.  I could not believe the audience reaction we received.  There's this moment before a director watches a first performance, where he or she fears that the audience won't laugh.  And often times, there will be this tense aura around a director as we watch the audience from the back row.  I sat there, clutching the playwright's hand, unable to control this tense aura as I sensed every breath from that audience around me.  And I was shocked.  

The audience not only laughed, but they gasped.  They awwwed.  They whispered profanities under their breath.  There were beautiful moments when the audience could tell what was coming next, and you could feel their dread as they watched the train crash approaching.  And I was giddy about it.  Dan and I knew our audience: college students.  And college students loved all the drama and relevancy of the play.  Even my professors mentioned that they received insight to the culture that we are developing as a generation.  

A big congratulations to Dan Kelly for being bold enough to write this relevant piece of work, for submitting the piece to KCACTF and being declared a runner up with this new play. I can't wait to see the next work you create Dan. 

Once again, I thank the people who made all of it possible.  I can't thank them enough.    Thank you cards, free pizza and coffee don't quite cover the payment I owe you, but it's all I can give.  I hope the experience helped you as an artist as much as it helped me. 

And last but not least, thank you to  Nebraska Wesleyan University.  There went four and a half years of my life, thousands upon thousands of dollars, and all I can say is: worth it.  Money well spent.   

At least I'm saying that now, before the student loans have come into effect. 

Well, peace out girl scout.  Tune in next time when I actually do something with my degree...if it ever happens.  Cross your fingers.

<3 Leigh


    What's Next?

    Just a little something about what I'm looking forward to in the coming months...

    Archives

    October 2019
    January 2019
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    August 2017
    October 2016
    February 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    January 2015
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly