I’m thrilled to be part of the Chapel Theatre Winter Play Festival again this year! It’s such a cool concept, in a charming venue in an old church. Local playwrights submit short 10-minute plays, directors apply to direct, and actors submit online auditions. So…none of us have any idea what play we’ll be in or who we might be working with ahead of time. And, we only have a couple weeks of rehearsal time before opening night.

This year is my directorial debut! I’m directing DANNY AND ROSE, written by Michael Kurt.

How does a new director prepare to direct their first show? For me, so far, like this. I read through the script two or three times and saw the play in my mind’s eye first, seeing the stage it will be on. Then I spoke with the writer. I interviewed other directors I admire, each of whom generously shared their time and expertise. Scheduled a first read-through with the writer and cast of two.

Directing a first show is a massive learning curve, just as is acting in a first show, or taking a first acting class. Blocking. Character development. Relationships and emotional transitions. I’ll be sharing more as the process progresses, but for now I want to introduce you to Cecelia Shroyer, who plays Rose.

Cecelia Shroyer is thrilled to make her Chapel Theatre festival debut after being just an audience member last year. She has been a longtime lover of the arts starting with acting classes in college. After an unplanned 13 year break from theatre, she got cast in 36 Conversations at HART Theatre in Hillsboro. She also played several roles in Sleepy Hollow at Beaverton Civic Theatre. The pandemic definitely put a hold on live theatre, but she participated in a few Zoom productions. Last year she participated in a staged reading called The Ransom of Granny Red Jeans at Stomping Grounds Arthouse. Cecelia is currently a graduate student in counseling at George Fox University. She also loves singing and playing the piano in addition to acting. The arts are so important and she is so grateful to Chapel Theatre and Laura for this opportunity.

Find the line-up and how to buy tickets here! https://chapeltheatremilwaukie.com/2020/12/01/chapel-theatre-co-play-festival/

Next up: Jeremy Okai Davis plays Danny!

For the inner vocalist or pianist in you or your loved ones, I have gift certificates!  I’m also giving away one free hour of training for anyone who purchases a five-pack of lessons between now and the end of January. https://laurahandke.com/product/voice-lesson-gift-cards/ You can use the six hours for yourself, or for a musical family member or friend.

This gem of an eBook takes you on an emotional journey with Abella, whose dream comes true the morning of her 9^th birthday. Her best birthday present ever is a real, live horse! Yet, before the end of the year, Abella is an orphan who loses the ability to speak her truth and express herself. This eBook includes videos for vocal training. Fiction readers will love meeting Abella, and the friends and animals who help her regain her voice and uncover her strength and purpose. Speakers and singers looking to improve their vocal quality and longevity will love the vocal training videos! Abella’s lessons apply to all of us who at one time or another want to make our voices heard. Is it a fantasy fable? Or is it a book on vocal training? Lucky for us, How Abella Found Her Voice is both. Find it here: https://laurahandke.com/product/how-abella-found-her-voice-e-book/

Love Your Voice & Voice Your Love,

Laura