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Sean Mathias Derek McLane One-on-One
Date: May 20, 2013
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On March 24, 2014, SDCF Producing Director Ellen Rusconi moderated a One-on-One discussion with director Sean Mathias and set designer Derek McLane, who have both enjoyed extensive careers on Broadway, regionally, and internationally. Using several of their past productions as examples, Mathias and McLane speak about the collaborative process between directors and designers, citing specific examples about the roles and responsibilities of both crafts. Topics discussed include: how each are drawn to projects; how to begin envisioning and creating a production; how direction influences design (and vice versa); the differences between working on plays and musicals; the importance and challenges of creating effective transitions; methods for creating effective rehearsal and tech processes; important skills for assistants; differences between theatre and audiences in America and England; and ways to take risks while learning from one’s mistakes and failures.