It is not unusual for directors to revisit plays that they have previously performed in, however, it is a little unusual to do so as quickly as Suzi-nominated actor/director Andrew Crigler currently is. In February and March, Crigler played Templeton the rat in the
ALLIANCE THEATRE's production of "Charlotte's Web," and from May 10th-12th, he will be directing the same show as part of
Fabrefaction Theatre's Young Artists Season.
Recently, Crigler talked to Broadway World Atlanta about his passion for working with students, the importance of theatre in the lives of young people, and his history with two very different productions of "Charlotte's Web."
BWW: You graduated from Kennesaw State, are you originally from the Atlanta Metro area?
Crigler: I spent my first decade in Orlando, Florida and we moved up to Acworth when my dad got a new job. I may not be a native, but I consider myself one.
BWW: Whether you grew up here, or elsewhere, what were your childhood experiences in the theatre?
Crigler: I started performing at age ten as a mime. I toured with a small group to different venues and really found a niche in it. By the time I was fifteen I was doing professional gigs at events and at a weekly magic show. Once I was sixteen my mime classes started being held at a dance studio and so the dance teachers snagged me up (Look! a BOY!) to be in their classes too. I still did some mime but mostly shifted to dance after that. Once I got into college, Theatre was the only major that didn't sound dreadfully boring and so I choose it and immediately fell in love. I still do mime and dance occasionally, but theatre (as an director, actor, and teacher) is what I do primarily now. Also writing and performing poetry, but we'll save that for another interview.
BWW: "Charlotte's Web" is part of Fabrefaction's Young Artists Series. What type of impact do you think theatre can have on children, whether it is as performers or audience members?
Crigler: I love this question. Theatre is the bet way to teach. Period. I've done many educational and children's shows and every last one changes kids (adults too but they won't usually fess up to it). I've had teachers approach me after a show and say, "You just taught them more in 45 minutes than I've been able to teach them all week!" Theatre engages audiences on every level; auditory, kinetic, visual, emotional, cognitive and subconscious. It teaches us how to empathize with other humans, truths that are bigger than our individuality, hope that the dragons of life can be slain. And that's just the audience side of it. The performers learn the (things mentioned) above and everything from the importance of community (being an ensemble), to leadership, to being kind, to dealing with emotions in healthy ways, to the simplicity of observing and enjoying life. The impact differs from kid to kid and they won't know that they are learning these things most of the time, but they do learn them. I've seen kids grow up in it and they get it eventually. I will always do children's theatre of one sort or another. It's good to teach these things to those too young to be cynical and self-assured. Kids are where it starts and adults are when they bloom.
BWW: Your Fabrefaction cast includes 23 elementary and middle school students; coming into this show, what was your experience working with younger actors?
Crigler: I've been teaching theatre to kids of all ages for about two years now at a myriad of different companies around town. I've learned much from other teachers and stolen more from them. Isn't that what learning is anyway? Stealing knowledge and skill from those who have it?
BWW: The Alliance production of "Charlotte's Web" incorporated tumbling, silk work, and cirque-like circus tricks. Were you able to incorporate some modified version of any of the those elements?
Crigler: Absolutely not. *laughs to self* We have a different concept than the Alliance's production did. Also, I feel that trying to emulate other's work wouldn't be helpful to the cast. I know basically what we're doing but the dynamic and nature of the cast is what I will use to truly mold the show. I want it to be their show. Then it's their gift to give. They own it and can be generous with it. I am simply facilitating the most potent version of what these kids want to say with this show.
BWW: I understand that both the Alliance and Fabrefaction productions are using the same script; so, while you were rehearsing and performing the show, were you taking mental notes as to how you wanted to approach certain scenes with your younger cast?
Crigler: In some ways, yes. It was nice to have direct discussion about some of the unclear moments in the script and now I can jump those hurdles more easily. Again, the concept is different and I want the students themselves to influence much of how the story is told, so little of what was done at the Alliance will be seen at Fabrefaction (as much as it is possible with the same script).
BWW: In addition to acting and directing, you have a lot of other projects going on. What is coming up for you after "Charlotte's Web?"
Crigler: Immediately after Charlotte's Web I go into tech/show week for Flat Stanley at Forefront Arts for which I am the co-director and choreographer. After that I'm teaching summer camps with several companies around town, performing the duties as the Personnel Director at the Collective Project Inc. for our show "The Great McAnigan," performing with Telltale Theatre in touring school shows, hitting up the open mics at Java Monkey and Urban Grind with my poetry, and (as any independent contractor must) looking for more work. So yes, a lot of other projects.
BWW: Is there anything else about this you, or this production, that we should know?
Crigler: It's going to be a wild time for anyone who comes to see it. I tend to emphasize the comedy in my shows so that people will open themselves with joy and to engage with the actors, then let the story hit them with a good dose of truth. "Charlotte's Web" is one of the most honest and healing stories I've ever read and I'm honored to help students and audiences to experience the hopes of life, death, and doing some good living in between.
To get tickets to the Young Artists Season's "Charlotte's Web" at Fabrefaction call
404-876-9468 or click
here.
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