Abby Pearson Helps Grow the Theater Family

Abby Pearson stands in front of an entrance on the Aurora’s Theater stage.

The show is about to start. Abby Pearson rushes up to the sound booth to make sure the sound and lights are working. Then she dashes down to the actors and actresses to make sure that they are prepared and their props in place. Next, she says a quick prayer with the group of young performers that everything will go well for them and they won’t be nervous. Finally, Abby heads to the stage, introduces the show, and the lights slowly dim.

Abby has been interested in acting ever since first grade when she acted as a tree in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Along with acting in elementary school, Abby has participated in summer musicals, one acts in high school, and was also involved in theater while in college. Abby’s favorite musical that she has acted in is Cabaret: “It was really fun, a very unique show to be a part of, and the one and only time that I had done professional theater.”

Abby’s experience extends past acting as she has many years of experience with directing as well. She has been directing one acts, Christmas musicals, and summer musicals for 11 years now. Some of the most recent productions Abby has directed include Gossip, Bugsy Malone Jr., The Wild Bunch Women, and Into the Woods Jr. On top of the countless great things Abby has done, she started a summer theater camp for younger kids this year to learn the basics of acting and get a taste of what it’s like.

Abby's vast experience helps her be a good director. She is also effective because she gives the performers just the amount of help they need. For example, when someone is struggling on a line, the actor or actress may say, “line,” and she’ll only say the beginning of the line so the performer can have a chance to figure out the rest without having the entire line given to them. Addison Wendt, a seasoned actress in Abby’s plays, said, “I have enjoyed most of my experiences in the plays. There isn’t a single thing I would change about Abby’s directing. Honestly, I wish she could come watch me perform my speech at a competition so she could give me constructive criticism about that too.” Speech is a competitive activity involving 13 categories. Abby’s experience with directing could help her give students feedback about actions and how the speech is performed.

There are many reasons why people may enjoy directing. Directors get to be creative with how they want the musical or play performed, while also helping kids grow in their love of theater and acting. Directing may bring them back to the days when they started acting and found their love for it. Abby’s favorite part about being a director is “the way you can just see someone who is shy, and might not talk to a lot of people, come out of their shell as they start acting and become friends with people with the same interests as them.” She also enjoys teaching kids how to act, and watching them not only grow as actors and actresses, but also becoming closer to each other, forming and strengthening friendships and becoming members of a “theater family.”

Even though directing can be very fun, there can be a few challenges. In Abby’s opinion, one thing that's hard about directing is having to turn some kids away because there aren’t enough roles. Another thing that is hard is trying to find roles that everyone is happy with and knowing that there is going to be at least one person that isn’t happy with their part. One thing that would help Abby is a bigger stage. This could be helpful because the performers would be used to using a full-size stage and would have practice being louder before a competition. However, Abby said, “That’s okay because I’m glad that we have a supportive school district that gives us the funding that we need.” Along with funding from the school, Abby receives support from area businesses, grants, and members of the community.

The next play that will be directed by Abby is White Christmas: The Musical. There will be auditions on September 8th from 6 to 8 PM. All ages from the surrounding area are open to audition. To audition, prepare a short monologue and music of your choice, preferably 32 bars. Practices will officially begin in October. The showings of White Christmas will be from December 4th through the 8th.