INSIDE THE COUNTER: What I Learned Assistant Directing at 4th Wall
Assistant directing THE COUNTER at 4th Wall Theatre has been an absolute joy and learning experience. This show and the process behind it truly had everything that an artist can learn and grow from.
It was honest, challenging, and inspiring.
“…joining together in discussion with one another allowed us all to make discoveries, both individually and as a team.”
Pictured: Kalin Menzel, Christy Watkins, Orlando Arriaga, Faith Fossett, Abigail Langlais at rehearsal for THE COUNTER.
We began the process with table work. We sat down with the script for the first week and dissected it beat by beat. The director, Christy Watkins, did a wonderful job of posing questions to everyone in the room to guide our understanding of the world and the people that we were creating. I loved doing this. We all had our own ideas about the script before starting this process, but joining together in discussion with one another allowed us all to make discoveries, both individually and as a team.
For example. something really beautiful about this script is that there is a lot of subtext and not everything presents itself as black and white. There is a lot of gray. Everything that happened in these characters’ lives is crucial to the telling of the story. So, we had to discover what that all looked like.
“What I love about the shows that are produced at 4th Wall is that they feel so genuine, intimate, and real.”
Pictured: Faith Fossett, Christy Watkins, Orlando Arriaga.
Photo by James Watkins.
What I love about the shows that are produced at 4th Wall is that they feel so genuine, intimate, and real. On the first day of rehearsal, Christy created the type of environment where the actors were allowed and encouraged to be human, and not just actors reading lines. I especially enjoyed watching the type of exercises that Christy would present to the actors to get them back on track to lead from a place of honesty.
She also had a great way with the actors when it came to confusion about a line or specific movement, encouraging different approaches and angles that helped the actor find a better connection.
I believe that is the biggest lesson I am taking away from this experience. Just how much life a play can have when your main focus is on telling the story honestly.
“…you have to be okay with the fact that you may not get it right the first attempt…”
Pictured: Faith Fossett, Orlando Arriaga.
Photo by Gabriella Nissen.
It sounds so simple, but it really makes a huge difference in a performance. I also learned how much problem solving it takes sometimes, to get that one right moment. Especially with a show and space like this, the blocking and staging of it can become quite difficult.
But, you have to be okay with the fact that you may not get it right the first attempt, or even by the tenth attempt, but if you remain patient with yourself and the actors and work productively, you will find it.
Although this play has been a challenge at times, the rehearsal process has been so enjoyable working with everyone. We love to yap and laugh, and I will miss that. The company is a lot of fun, and I think that will reflect in the show.
Thanks for reading!
Abigail Langlais, Assistant Director for THE COUNTER
ABIGAIL FAITH LANGLAIS (Assistant Director) is a 2023 graduate from Sam Houston State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting & Directing. Not only is she an aspiring director, but she also works in theatre administration and is currently on the Development team at The Alley Theatre.
Some of her directing credits include: FADE at SHSU, FREUD’S LAST SESSION (Assistant Director) at A.D. Players, a scene from SANCTUARY CITY that was nominated for the Student Directing Initiative at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Region 6 Festival, and various play festivals with Scriptwriters Houston and SHSU.
