Published in the San Jose Mercury News, May 3, 1999
Mon., Feb. 22: Cannot remember how I got assigned to direct this year’s 6th grade school play. I have this enormous memory gap. I’m fairly sure I didn’t volunteer, but that too is fuzzy. Must schedule a doctor’s appointment for memory loss. However, have resolved not to worry about the play – the kids have strong voices and good memories, and seem motivated. What’s the worst that can happen? But still, I’m a math teacher – how am I supposed to do this?
Wed., Feb. 24: Sent home a notice today about the toga everyone will need. It’s a Greek play – at least the costumes will be easy for parents to make.
Thur., Feb. 25: We still have plenty of time – the blocking will be done this week. Surely 30 min. a day is enough practice.
Wed., Mar. 3: Just finished blocking the plays, and am starting to worry. We only have two weeks left until the 17th.
Thur., Mar. 4: Several kids asked me what they will wear. Carefully explained the toga thing again.
Fri., Mar. 5: Told the kids they couldn’t play games and run around and talk during play practices. Got quite a reaction, in fact briefly feared a mutiny. Finally compromised that they could play Clue or chess if they were very quiet and listened for their entries. They went into the kitchen to “play quietly”. Somehow a drawer handle got broken and the dishwasher turned on. The whole enterprise seems doomed. I took them back to the classroom. The music teacher came and talked to them, which didn’t seem to help. I am in despair.
Mon., Mar. 8: The art teacher had the kids start painting columns today. I was surprised she’d planned a double period for it. Surely twenty kids don’t need 90 minutes to paint four cardboard columns. Began cutting wings for the Furies after school. Went to look at the columns. Somehow they didn’t get finished. I have a bad feeling about this.
Tues., Mar. 9: Got the kids out of class today to practice, only to find another grade practicing Pirates of Penzance on stage with the music teacher, so we had to turn around. Have decided next year’s 6th grade play will be a musical. Talked to kids about play related things – how to learn lines best, who might have props we need, and what they would wear. Several wanted to know what a toga is.
Wed., Mar. 10: Practiced an hour and a half today. The play will never be ready by next week. It is a thing of impossibility. The kids don’t know their lines, they miss entrances, they get noisy while waiting and start running around and playing with the props – especially the whip. And the columns aren’t done. Have decided that trying to keep seventeen 12-year-olds quiet while three of them do the same scene over and over with me on the stage is not for the faint-hearted. I think I need a vacation. I think Kyrgyzstan sounds good.
Fri., Mar. 12: Practiced 3 hours today, plus somehow the columns got finished, although they look rather surrealistic. Have decided not to worry about the play for three days now, during the long weekend.
Sat., Mar. 13: Woke up worried. Began to type up the list of scenery changes and props when I realized there are 4 scenery changes in Scene 2 . Have a bad feeling about this.
Sun., Mar. 14: Woke up worried. Retyped list of scenery instructions, but cannot visualize it working yet.
Mon., Mar. 15, 5 p.m.: Had to lead a workshop at a teacher’s conference today, so I spent most of the weekend preparing for it. The teachers in my session were very quiet, and although they thanked me afterwards, they were so passive during the presentation, I’ve decided I prefer kids. At least you get some feedback. I wonder what kids are like in Kyrgyzstan.
Mon., Mar. 15, 8 p.m. Had several calls this evening asking what the kids are supposed to wear. Told them to send a sheet and some safety pins.
Tues., Mar. 16: Dress rehearsal – practiced four hours today. The kids still forget entrances, lines and props. Some still don’t have togas. Plus it took them 30 minutes to get into costume, without make-up. Have added another rehearsal tomorrow, although it’s supposed to be bad luck on the same day as your opening. Definitely have a bad feeling about this.
Wed., Mar. 17, 7 a.m. : Woke up worried, and with a sore jaw from grinding my teeth. Checked flights to Kyrgyzstan on the internet before eating breakfast. None scheduled for today, which gives me a bad feeling.
Thurs., Mar. 17, noon: Practice went better this morning, except for the 4 scenery changes in Scene 2.
Fri., Mar. 17, 3 p.m.: Hallelujah!! The performance for the school went well! I am stunned! Kyrgyzstan fades into memory. I cannot believe how well things went. No missed entrances or lost props, and even the scenery changes worked. Got to sit back and enjoy the show. Hope tomorrow night’s presentation for the parents goes as well!
Thurs., Mar. 18, 5 p.m. Got other teachers to help me set up chairs in the auditorium now, since it couldn’t be done during the day. Today was the school’s Rancho Day – the auditorium is now decorated in a Wild West motif. Have decided that timing is important for this kind of production. Will remind the music teacher of this next year when she directs the 6th grade musical.
March 18, 10 p.m.: Play went well tonight, too, except for the moment when Joey almost fell off stage. Got to sit back and enjoy the rest of the play, which was really very good. The kids were great! Where did these angelic children get their wonderful acting ability, poise, timing and beauty? Was everyone else not as charmed as I? How could I have been angry at them last week? Surely it is a trick of memory. Hugged them all tonight (as many as I could catch, anyway), and will praise them extensively tomorrow. What a wonderful thing the theater is.
LIFE AFTER WORK 