Artist Initiative

Balancing the roles of artist, producer and director while creating BETWEEN was demanding, but it was also hugely instructional and rewarding. I learned valuable things about how to develop future improv projects and assembled a pool of artistic and production resources to assist me. I worked with a new level of consultants, including an attorney, an insurance company, a videographer, photographers, a host of sound engineers, and a graphic designer. I interviewed artists about their projects and processes to help me develop and refine my directorial approach. I also learned important things about rehearsing an improv ensemble – how to provide structure yet encourage ideas and contributions. Recording and reviewing interviews with the ensemble helped me identify and support their connections to BETWEEN. The talkback recordings gave me important insights into how audiences received and appreciated the work, as well as ideas for future presentations of this and other works. 2: I chose the BETWEEN artists – Aimee Bryant, Nathan Greer, Bruce Henry and Libby Turner Opanga – based on their connections to my concept, improv and/or their individual artistry. Our discussions, interviews and rehearsals helped me invite each artist’s knowledge and expertise into BETWEEN. Talks with dancer Kenna Cottman made us all look at movement and improv in new, exciting ways. Regina Laroche’s curiosity/interest in BETWEEN resulted in several gatherings to share progress and let her step in and dance for the Minneapolis performance. I asked audiences to speak/sing in two works, one about names and the other about carrying what we are given with us (and passing it on). Comments from every talkback confirmed this participation was important, engaging and satisfying. Attendees who posted to the web site touted the uniqueness of BETWEEN, shared how BETWEEN invited them to participate and reflect, and requested audio/video so they could share BETWEEN with the others.