Student Blog: Kansas City Director Interview

I first met Nancy Eppert in October of 2022 while I was assisting in running auditions for Miracle on South Division Street. Before I met her I assumed the worst. I figured she'd be in this industry for so long that she would have little patience for a "newbie" like myself, oh how wrong I was. She greeted me with a smile and we hit it off immediately talking about the joys of being a preschool teacher and the not-no-fun world of potty training. I didn't realize this kind, zany woman I was talking to would grow to be one of my biggest inspirations in theatre, and a dear friend at that.

My first question was simply how many shows Nancy had directed in her career. Her reply was a grand total of thirty-eight stage plays, and one TV commercial. After working on so many shows I think one would wonder what the appeal was to this career. Nancy replied with "As an actor, I have worked with many directors. Subsequently, I have read many plays and watched many productions. As I read the scripts, I started researching and analyzing them: author's intent, tenor of the characters, message, etc. I did not realize then that I was incorporating the field of Dramaturgy. I had a desire to bring the words of

the author off the page to the stage using the great tools of the actor and technicians. I believe that I have the capacity to help create honest characterization and allow the words on the page to become real. Once having the opportunity to do so, the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears, paid off. The productions have been emotionally, physically and ardently successful, not only for me but for the audience, the crew and the actors. In essence the whole concept of being a director of theater has brought great fulfillment and validation." Obviously it takes a special and creative person to put a production together, Nancy is no exception. She said "the development of character using specific communication skills with the actor" was what came most naturally to her. Sure anyone can try to direct, but a person must possess certain qualities that keep actors and audiences coming back. I asked Nancy what made her special or set her apart from other actors. The approach she took on this question was a personal one. "The time that I invest in each in every actor on stage in developing their character." Not only does she work closely and intentionally with actors, she works hard establishing the production itself. "I also do intensive dramaturgical research to create the vision, but I'm always open to what the actor or technician wants to bring to the product." With those responses, it's not hard to tell what sets Nancy Eppert apart from other directors.

As a student blogger I think it's important that in this article besides getting to know this amazing woman, it's helping aspiring directors learn from a pro. Directing is something else I've pondered as I navigate my career path, so I took the liberty of asking some personalized questions. I wondered what kind of character and work skills this job requires. Besides the basic need to love this art form with everything in you; Nancy said qualities like humility, organization skills, leadership, and communication skills are a necessity in directing. Next I wondered, is directing a hard field to get into? Nancy's take on this was simply yes, it is. "You have to prove yourself to people who sometimes don't know you or understand your concepts. It takes a lot of time and networking to get through the interview door and then prove yourself." Now someone might be thinking that directing is an individual thing rather than a "team sport," Nancy said quite the opposite. "Definitely a team sport! The technical team, the venue, the actors, the producing company all people involved in a production in front of and behind the stage are essential to a successful production." As being an assistant stage manager previously, I felt great validation by that. I know some people that assume the position of director is just being bossy and barking out orders. Nancy had a fun response to those who think directing is just bossing people around. "Absolutely not! Directing is collaboration. The director's job is to create a vision for the production after reading the script several times followed by doing the dramaturgy about the author and their intent, the place and time of the writing and then hope that the actors and technicians will trust me. I encourage them to trust their gut feelings, to go with it. I enjoy the organic process and the happy surprises." To conclude the interview I asked Nancy to give a final piece of advice for all who are planning to pursue directing. "Go to as many stage productions as you possibly can at all levels of theatre. Watch them for the entertainment value and with a critical eye. Read and study many genres of scripts, lots and lots of scripts! Work with a mentor."

Interviewing someone I look up to was such an honor. A big thank you to Nancy Eppert for being willing to answer my questions, and I hope this reaches its intended audience of future theatre creators!