Laurie Rae Waugh Interview by Jen Bush
To Feed the Roses is a new play by Amy Losi that will premiere at esteemed American Theatre of Actors. The play will run from September 13th-September 24th. To Feed the Roses tells the story of an older couple who reunite in what could be a humorous love story — if only the secrets of their past didn’t get in the way!
The play is directed by the highly regarded Laurie Rae Waugh. She is a staple at the ATA.
All who have had the honor of working with her have nothing but glowing accolades for her. Last time we had the pleasure of chatting with Ms. Waugh in November, she was directing Irving Greenfield’s play, What Do We Do About Walter. Mr. Greenfield’s artistic light has been extinguished but his memory is kept alive. Ms. Waugh is the chief interpreter of Mr. Greenfield’s work. We caught up with her again to talk about To Feed the Roses.
Have you heard the expression, “but what I really want to do is direct.”? Well, that’s what Ms. Waugh wanted early on, and the desire has been fulfilled many times over. “When I first came to NYC back in 1980, I spent a good portion of my theatre career as a stage manager. I learned a lot from the directors I worked with and was waiting to get a chance to direct myself. I recently ran into one of my theatre major colleagues from college. She asked me if I remember what I said I wanted to do after college. I said no and she said that I wanted to be a director. So, there you have it. I am an organic and passionate director. I have a vision of how the play should look and I give the actors freedom to explore. By the time the play opens, my vision is realized. I enjoy working with many different playwrights of original works. Some of the playwrights I have worked with more than once. All it takes for me to direct a play is the story, or a vison I get based on the dialogue.”
Ms. Waugh will be working with mature actors for this play. Actors of a certain age provide valuable contributions to a production. “I love working with actors of all ages especially working with actors over the age of 60, as they can bring a unique perspective to a play with their many years of life experience. They can be just starting out too and then they bring a freshness to the project. The contribution that older actors make to any project be it the lead or a supporting role are vital to our community as they add a wealth of knowledge to the production. It’s not always easy to find the right actor of the “certain age” but when you do it’s a pleasure to work with them.”
The ATA is a paradox in that it is surely a piece of theatre history spanning nearly 50 years, yet it relies on new blood far more than the seasoned pro. “ATA is a piece of theatre history just steps from the theatre district. When looking at the plays ATA produces each year, you will find a mixture of new blood as well as the seasoned professionals and the plays range from the classics to the contemporary. The best thing about working at ATA is you get a chance to work in all the theatres, from the most intimate to the largest. It’s also nice to see the other plays that run at ATA, to get to see all the wonderful talent. This is one way I get to see who might be right for my next project. What I like about working at ATA is I get to direct plays that inspire me.”
As far as what’s next for Ms. Waugh, it’s a bittersweet project but again, the playwright’s memory will burn bright thanks to Ms. Waught and the ATA. “I will be directing the last play that the late Irving A. Greenfield ever gave me. It’s called MY MOTHER’S BOOKIE. It is based on a short story of the same name. According to Nathan, Irving’s son, it’s a true story about his grandmother. It will run in the New Year at the Sargent theatre. Dates are January 31 to February 11th. Already committed to this project are Ken Coughlin and Michael Bordwell.”
The roses are hungry for an audience.
To Feed the Roses
September 13th-24th
American Theatre of Actors
314 W. 54th St. New York City
ARTIUM: OMNI 