BWW Interviews: Rob Winn Anderson About His Original Musical CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE

BWW Interviews Orlando-based playwright Rob Winn Anderson about his creative process and his new play CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE playing at The Garden Theatre.

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Hi Rob, I just watched CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE and could not believe that it was an original and world premiere piece! The Playwright's Note in the playbill describes the process of this story coming about sort of as a passing statement during a programming meeting. Is this how the process usually begins for your original works?

Rob Winn Anderson: This musical and Alice Lost in Wonderland are two of the three commissions that I've received over the past two years (the third was with another company). As far as the Garden pieces, yes they have come out of the blue to me, have been very fast-tracked, and have been amazing experiences. Normally, I am the generator of my original work. Those are the plays that I have written on my own that I then submit for various opportunities (contests, development programs, productions, etc.). And, the ideas for those can come from almost anywhere. (I've attached my playwriting resume so that you can see some of my other work and what has happened with it).

BWW: Where did your idea for the plot come from and how many ideas did it take for you to settle on the finished product?

RWA: I began this project knowing that we wanted to created something with a small-town feel that would be inspired by stories and people from Winter Garden. This was the third idea that I landed on. One had to do with a Christmas Tree lot. I don't remember the second. And, then the committee idea came about.

BWW: The songs in CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE are all original. Do you test out the lyrics on family and friends? Is your family used to it yet?

RWA: When I start out writing, I work very much in a vacuum. Once I get the pieces to a place where I feel there is a solid idea, I will share it with my wife. She is my sounding board. She is always very upfront and honest. I know that if I can get it by her I am good. (She is also a director and choreographer).

BWW: Tell us how integral the backing of a theater, like The Garden Theater, is for supporting original works.

RWA: New work is the life blood of theatre. Without it, the art form will become stagnant and stall. I feel that it is the responsibility of EVERY theatre - no matter how large or small - to support new work in some way, shape, or form. The degree to which the Garden Theater backs new work is somewhat unheard of. They are the bravest theatre in this area - bar none. To commission a new work, sight unseen, and schedule it as only one of five mainstage productions in their season shows just how brave they are. This group loves original work and they get so excited to try new things. I am a very, very lucky man to have them on my side.

BWW: When you're creating an original work, how do you when you're done? Are you ever done?

RWA: Most of my work takes a year or more (one piece 9 years) before it is ready. My commissions have been the exception to that rule. With these shows, I have had a very tight timeline to make, come hell or high water. I have been fortunate to get these pieces to a place where they are stageworthy in the time allotted. Are they done? Not yet, there are tweaks and changes that I will make based on audience reaction and things I have observed. That is why I come to almost every performance of these shows. To watch and listen and learn.

BWW: I see your name a lot throughout the Orlando theater scene as a Director, Choreographer, Playwright. How do you find the time?

RWA: Being a freelance artist is not the easiest thing in the world. It has its ups and downs. Recently, there have been more ups than downs and, again, I know how lucky I am that that is the case. In this business you don't really find the time. You have to make the time. It's hard to say when things might dry up again so you take advantage of whatever comes your way.

BWW: What inspires you?

RWA: HUGE question. Artistically, it can be anything. Something I hear on the radio, or read, or see. On a daily basis though, my wife inspires me. There is NO ONE who is harder working or more devoted to her job and her family. I could only hope to be as good at it as she is.

BWW: Do you have any encouraging words for aspiring playwrights/directors/choreographers?

RWA: I've been doing this for a very long time. I am very fortunate to make my living doing what I love. That is the key - love. You must love it. Have a passion for it. Understand that it is not easy at all. But if it's in you - if you can't imagine yourself doing anything else - then don't give up. You will find your way. And, it will be your way which means that it might not be what you thought it would be at the start but, whatever it becomes, it will be yours.

BWW: If you can, give us a teaser on what you're working on next.

RWA: I can look forward to May of next year and see various projects between now and then. Next up is The Rat Pack Lounge at the Winter Park Playhouse. Then I go into rehearsal for three mainstage shows that I wrote and will direct for Viking Cruises's first oceanliner which will debut in March and sail throughout the Baltic and Mediterranean. Then, I choreograph Shrek for Orlando Rep. Last on the list, for right now, is directing the amazing Beth Marshall in a play entitled Commencement.

Rob you are probably one of the coolest people out there! Thanks so much Rob for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. For tickets and more information about Christmas by Committee visit www.gardentheatre.org. You can learn more about Rob by visiting http://robwinnanderson.com/.

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