#384: SPOTLIGHT: Corey Loftus
Question for Corey:
Randy Pausch once wrote that “walls are put in front of us to see how badly we really want something.” Is there a project in life or work that came with (or comes with) many obstacles (i.e. “walls”) that revealed that your initial intention and excitement was not as strong as you thought it was ?
Corey's Response:
I was recently in another show with my local community theater. It was a non-book show (no pre-set list of songs, or script, etc licensed from MTI); a Sondheim revue. (Should have been my first clue.) Now, I love Sondheim — my favorite musical theater composer. And when I heard about auditions, I was all about it, even though I knew less than little about what we’d even be doing in the show. I was cast, and rehearsals began.
The company is known for relying on the strength of their performers, not their organization. We were sent only a single song title each before rehearsals began. (A second clue.) Typically, all material is sent ahead of time so performers can prepare and memorize beforehand. After the first rehearsal, I quickly understood that much of the final material was still being decided at every rehearsal. This is de rigueur for soap operas, but that’s a different commitment level.
As we got down to the last rehearsals before an audience, new choreography and song cuts were still being added. (A third clue.) I think most of the cast had their own version of a breakdown sometime during the last rehearsals.
The 3 performances went well. Somehow everyone remembered their lyrics and movements (and nearly all accurately).
Although I’ve known it about myself for some time, I’m once again present to the fact that I far prefer a long time to perfect a performance.
Amanda’s thought…
I suspect Corey would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Corey's email… pip
Corey, I can only imagine what a challenge this was for you and other performers. But it sounds like an incredible accomplishment to have pulled off a show like this one. I look forward to seeing some of the clips once they're up! And I just love the snowy photo of you and Francesca.
- AP
