tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60478483708856152992012-02-16T08:24:04.781-06:00"Without embracing the risk, there can be no progress and no adventure."Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.comBlogger291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-65038859180287802402011-09-14T14:48:00.003-05:002011-09-14T14:54:21.977-05:00

Every day it seems I encounter a new word, concept, idea, or possibility that fascinates me.  I want to dig into all of them and roll around in their ideas, innovations, vocabulary, theories, and theses.  These ideas flag me down from inside the field of work and play I currently call my own, from right next door to it, from across the street, down the block.  Some of the ones that have triggered

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-1656047676323789012011-09-01T22:33:00.003-05:002011-09-01T23:16:33.631-05:00

My boyfriend is a smart cookie. Like, one of the smartest cookies I know. Even though sometimes he pretends to be a garden variety smarty pants he's actually brilliant. Don't tell him I said that. It'll go straight to his head the way donuts go to my ass. If he asks, just confirm his fallacious belief that he's lucky to have me. So, I was fretting last night about my lack of focus, the

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-763555319852476292011-03-22T08:17:00.003-05:002011-03-22T08:50:32.202-05:00

I've been inspired by one of the emerging voices of the American theatre to take a good hard look at my generation. Over on HowlRound, Mat Smart has some biting and indicting words for his fellow emerging playwrights, as well as for artistic directors and literary managers the world over about why so many of his fellows are flailing and failing.I would like to extend his indictment to many if

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-84153586273017667012010-11-29T17:02:00.002-06:002010-11-29T17:09:18.558-06:00

The debate of whether life imitates art or art imitates life is a circular paradox similar to the struggle we’ve always had with chickens and eggs. To me? At the end of the day? The order isn’t as important as the overlap. And the older I get – or is it more experienced, more jaded, more skeptical, more aware, less naïve, less idealistic, less easily-buffaloed? – the more I see that

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-54781138614957114972010-04-12T13:57:00.004-05:002010-04-12T14:25:53.313-05:00

The nice folks at Studio Chicago asked me to write a blog post for them. I was more than happy to oblige since I got to write about some of my favorite things: New Leaf and our home in the LPCC and the discipline and creativity that our home has given us. I'd love it if you took at look at the piece; you can find it here, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.So, writing this

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-86314435580619476482009-11-02T12:18:00.002-06:002009-11-02T12:40:06.431-06:00

I'm wondering if this is how those fellas who were searching for the holy grail or the fountain of youth felt - those intrepid explorers who went off in search of something so precious, so potentially life-changing that they were feverish with the anticipation and the possibility of it all. There's been a lot of buzz on the interwebs about this idea of a new funding model for non-profit theatre.

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-2259586572791681262009-10-15T10:27:00.003-05:002009-10-15T10:59:40.215-05:00

I feel that I am at my best when I'm in the rehearsal hall. Marsha once talked to me about it as "selving" - that I am most myself when I'm directing, when I'm engaged in that process, getting my hands dirty in the rough and tumble work that is meaningful collaboration. I've been deep in that process over the past weeks, wading into and through a script I fell in love with on first reading

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-85496610805688944282009-08-31T10:37:00.003-05:002009-08-31T11:10:28.308-05:00

I love that fall seems to have come early this year. I love the crisp quality in the air. I love sweaters and scarves. I love watching leaves begin their journeys from green to red, orange, yellow. I also love being brought once again to the feeling of possibility that has always accompanied this season. I love the idea of it being time to begin again.Now clearly spring is often the time

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-28448942264326737222009-06-08T09:53:00.006-05:002009-06-16T14:19:08.155-05:00

Over the course of the last year, it's become increasingly important to me to find a way to articulate what and why I do what I do as an artist. (What and why I do what I do in life is an exploration that would probably be best begun under some professional guidance, so for now I'm sticking to the art.)I've also become enamoured of the concept of interrogating your ideas, and those of your

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-8940435044140178432009-06-03T09:29:00.004-05:002009-06-03T10:18:44.697-05:00

This morning I read a wonderful post from Anne Bogart on the SITI company's blog. Now, it's not a secret that I think Aunt Anne is a pretty darn smart cookie (as evidenced by this blog being titled after an idea I learned from her) - but something about what she wrote in that piece has struck a chord with me today. You should read the whole thing (it's not really that terribly long), but the

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-63453318359193656382009-03-25T11:25:00.004-05:002009-03-25T11:34:21.598-05:00

It's amazing to me, the body's capacity to shut down at precisely the wrong time. Arguably, given all I've been asking mine to do in the last several months (existing without sleep, proper nutrition, and - for the last month or so - without coffee), I don't suppose I should be surprised by its sudden and absolute refusal to keep on keepin' on. However, I will express a bit of mild disappointment

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-56610600828736530112009-03-12T09:40:00.006-05:002009-03-13T09:10:10.884-05:00

With just over two weeks to go until World Theatre Day, Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley has issued a proclamation for the occasion! You can see it in its official outfit here, or just read the text below!WHEREAS, a program of UNESCO, World Theatre Day promotes international exchange in the areas of drama, dance and musical theatre; andWHEREAS, World Theatre Day offers participants a special

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-33434551879509533562009-03-09T13:17:00.002-05:002009-03-09T13:54:09.326-05:00

A post from Don Hall today has, as per usual, got me a-thinkin'. In that post, and the ensuing comments section, there's some discussion of some noble theatrical endeavors (this is a continuation of a discussion that's been going on for awhile). That word is a little slippery to me when it comes to using it as an adjective for creative expression. It almost feels a little removed. I agree that

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-62014362096582921612009-02-26T09:11:00.003-06:002009-02-26T09:25:15.850-06:00

Each year for World Theatre Day, the International Theatre Institute commissions a statement from a renowned theatre artist. This international message is then integrated into the day's festivities, ideally read to the audience gathered to see a WTD performance. Thanks to Rebecca Coleman, this year's statement by Augusto Boal (eek! yes, THAT Augusto Boal!!) is here in sneak peek format for you!

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-33739084836625015312009-02-14T14:50:00.007-06:002009-02-15T16:59:43.659-06:00

Yesterday, the city of Chicago's bid book for the 2016 Olmpics was released. As much as I worry about the congestion, the influx of visitors, the (God help us) CTA and its capacity - all the things that would make bringing these games to Chicago in 7 years potentially tricky, I have to admit to more than a twinge of excitement at the idea. That twinge shares some its qualities with the puff of

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-80362630465565324182009-02-05T15:11:00.003-06:002009-02-05T16:08:45.306-06:00

You don't have to be a top-notch economist to know that we've all managed to get ourselves into a dilly of a pickle of late. To be fair, I think we can all agree that this storm's been a-brewin' for quite some time now. And you can blame the polticians. Or you can blame the bankers. Or you can blame us all and our good ol'fashioned greed. I don't want to talk about my personal debt load, for

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-82693919011944417492009-01-27T10:03:00.002-06:002009-01-27T10:17:41.267-06:00

Thanks to my own personal Technology Czar, I am starting to fall in love with Twitter. Thanks to a genius idea from Simon at The Next Stage in Vancouver, I'm now a member of a Theatre Twitter group that is allowing me to make friends with folks who share my passion and craft all over this increasingly tiny globe of ours. It's mind-blowing, really, to be able to follow the daily musings and

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-45442379563170856482009-01-21T09:09:00.004-06:002009-01-22T16:34:31.429-06:00

As per usual, my friend Dan has inspired me to think big thoughts.He came to visit last weekend from San Francisco, to see New Leaf's production of Touch. When the company first read the play out loud, I tricked Dan into reading Kyle. He knew nothing of the play or the emotional journey of its protagonist, but because he is a sweet and trusting man he did what I asked, and I don't think he's

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-16455375393543749172009-01-15T23:39:00.003-06:002009-01-16T00:23:33.813-06:00

A little while back I was asked to be part of this killer all-city intern get together hosted at the Goodman. It was pretty sweet, and I remember making what probably sounded like a flip comment that has more truth for me the more I think about it.I said that making a play was like giving birth. I said it was like what I imagine giving birth must be like (that got a laugh. which was fun.) Here's

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-21048945283090303372009-01-11T14:35:00.003-06:002009-01-12T14:29:49.563-06:00

In Touch, Serena helps Bennie define "one of those coincidences--what's that called--when exactly what needs to happen to make something right happens." Its synchronicity and its fascinating. And I've been feeling an awful lot of it over the last week.It has been a helluva week for New Leaf, and for me personally. I feel like I have poured more of my heart, more of my self into this show, and it

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-40536124970440423122009-01-06T06:46:00.003-06:002009-01-06T06:56:04.895-06:00

I've been spending my blogging energy at New Leaf so have been remarkably lax in letting my thoughts rattle around my head here. But I can say that Touch opens on Wednesday. I am filled with anticipation. And I am filled with hope.(That'll make more sense after you see the show. In the meantime, watch the trailer.)

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-22529261856262777482008-11-20T09:02:00.002-06:002008-11-20T09:46:49.648-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about the word "touch" lately. I think it's a particularly fascinating and revelatory title for a play. It is so many things, and all of them are viscerally engaging. It's a noun: a touch - this can (like any noun) be modified and changed drastically by adjectives, to illuminate the specificity of it. A gentle touch, a passionate touch, a rough touch - and on and

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-16977198108961959552008-11-14T13:00:00.003-06:002008-11-14T13:18:59.120-06:00

I feel like I'm taking my mistress on a date in the basement while my wife makes me dinner upstairs. Which is patently absurd. I know this. I've never had this kind of overlap directing before. One show, Six Years, is currently running at New Leaf. I'm super proud of it - my cast is Made Of Awesome. And if you haven't seen it already, golly I hope you will. So that still has two more

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-87136285067851610522008-10-28T14:12:00.002-05:002008-10-28T14:24:01.646-05:00

So the other thing about temping is that sometimes you don't have anywhere to be. Some days you're not asked to stapel and then UN-staple something for three hours. Some days the phones all answer themselves and everything is already coallated and no we don't need anything copied.In the present economy those days come frequently. And are terrifying.So, today, since I'm not temping I made

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-56234409543553368402008-10-17T09:47:00.000-05:002008-10-17T10:29:51.591-05:00

Or rather I am. Or as my dear friend Marsha would say, I am a freelance administrative professional. And it is, in a word, exhausting.Not because I had to be at the architectural firm I'm currently calling home (untill Tuesday. Just Tuesday. At which point I will not have made enough money to pay my rent. But then the month isn't over. Yet.) at 7:45 this morning. And it is a lovely office, with a

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-11270303333530064822008-10-12T19:00:00.001-05:002008-10-12T19:08:51.146-05:00

So, I have long been of the opinion that naming something can sometimes reduce the thing's power over you. This may partially be a defensive maneuver to justify why I talk so much. But I am also finding that sometimes naming something is what gives you the power you need to own it and use it and revel in it.Which is why there is a fair amount of joy and fear wrapped up in my finally, truly,

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-26838954171840608322008-09-13T15:02:00.000-05:002008-09-13T15:29:14.607-05:00

I've been approached by my friend Brandon to direct a play for Sandhill, his new theatre company that was recently featured on Chris Jones's blog.  This is exciting for me because as much as I love my home I know that I need to start taking more steps outside that comfort zone if I want to keep growing as an artist.What I like about Sandhill is its focus on the Midwest.  Brandon and I had a great

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-65219205064399297992008-09-05T10:08:00.001-05:002008-09-05T18:48:13.165-05:00

I love getting to work with new actors. I'm also terrified of getting to work with new actors, especially any number of them at the same time. I feel like the biggest part of my job as a director is casting. After that, the biggest part of my job is learning how to speak each actor's language. If I could, I would take myself to my local library and check out books-on-tape to learn each

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047848370885615299.post-87067000230770824392008-09-02T14:09:00.000-05:002008-09-02T14:21:55.998-05:00

Today is the 2nd of September. I'm not sure how that happened. What happened to August? And while we're on the subject, where's the summer gone? Speaking of which, has anyone seen my January - April? I seem to have misplaced them. So, here I sit in my stylishly appointed office, on my third active day of life as a freelance administrative professional. It's kinda nice, actually. There's a

Jess Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10219212924256826769noreply@blogger.com0