I love to direct, and nothing challenges a director like a script with as much variety as this one. When I was told that there was yet a script without a director in the Symposium, I was ready for the chance to try on my directing cap again after spending most of my career in Bloomington as a Stage Manager.

Having rolled up my own sleeves as high as they'd go, I am delighted with my cast who have been enthusiastic and committed throughout the development process, and whose discoveries and accomplishments you are witnessing tonight.

With so much work going into this show, I can't thank my cast enough for being so on top of things. As well as everyone who had anything to do with this show. Their constant support and willingness to accommodate has made this show a success.

--Caitlin Moroney

Unlike the other plays tonight, written expressly for this MCCT program, Buso is a traditional Japanese kyogen farce, intended for comedic relief between the serious, philosophical plays which made up a Noh program. These plays reached their zenith about Shakespeare's time.

The set for kyogen is always the same: an ancient pine tree painted on the back wall of the wooden Noh stage.

--Janice Clevenger

Directing is not my thing. The more I do it, the more I realize that. It's not that I don't like directing; I really enjoy the challenge of directing. It has more to do with jealousy. You see, I approach these things from my experience as an actor and technical crew. In the first play I directed, I had a crew of actors that committed wholeheartedly to their roles, and exceeded my expectations. I've since discovered that actors seem to like to stretch and be pushed (gently and supportively!). This cast is no different.

This cast has risen to each challenge I've laid in front of them, even when all of our schedules prevented the cast from rehearsing all in one place at one time, they worked on their own. They called me to ask questions, they made suggestions, and they've pushed me as a director. The reason it makes me jealous to direct is that I love doing all of those things myself, and these people are doing it better!

The play was written by a friend of mine. The script blew me away, I didn't know he had it in him. His play works on so many levels, that the challenge for me was to find a way to bring all of it onto the stage. Again, the cast and crew came through!

I owe mountains of gratitude to my cast, and to the playwright. I think I had the easy job. They made it easy. Thanks Chris, Caitlin and Russ! Special thanks to Mike Price for assistance on lighting, and to Caitlin (Again!) for her sound design and helping me out with the costume ideas!

And thank you for coming out to support all of these talented people!

--Bill Goveia

I have had a fabulous time working on "Freedom Isn't Free" for MCCT's Directors Symposium XII. This is my first directing gig with Bloomington's community theatre, and I couldn't have asked for a more exciting script and cast to work alongside. It's been a "long strange trip" with this one, but damn, did I have fun. I love Ms. McClaine's take on the American way. I have worked with Holly in her past life as Bill Clay, in which his/her dedication to humanity too often took the form of a public debate rather than a theatrical event. Bill's play writing pals and supporters said: "You can address the same issues, just make it funny. We want to be entertained." Are we impressed with Bill's transformation to Holly and her new play? You better believe it! I love the caricatures, the cheesiness, the history, the bigness, the irony ... I just like the whole thing. Don't get me wrong, though, this thirty minute play has had its challenges. First off, we've had less than a month to rehearse and put this all together. While our time was limited, the actors definitely rose up to the challenge and blew me away with their hard work and versatility. Also, the technical side of the show has been a bit maddening with over a hundred sound cues, a number of slides, props galore, and set pieces abound. Although in overdrive, these challenges haven't changed my love for this show. The investments have been well worth it. The experience has been amazing. I am deeply indebted to David, Bill, Chris, and Caitlin (especially Caitlin) for all your hard work. So thank you for your time and effort, it is greatly appreciated. I would also love to thank the writer for the opportunity and for spouting this beautifully funny, serious play, and the cast for being dedicated, creative, talented, and hilarious. I'm proud of you all!

--Lauren Steffen

Special Thanks To:

America's Founding Forefathers
MCCT donors and supporters
Bloomington Playwrights Project
Richard Perez
The John Waldron Arts Center
Mike Price
Zucchini Prints
Mark Anderson
WTIU
Bill Goveia
Jennifer McGee
Roy Sillings
McDonald's
The City of Bloomington
"The Gipper", RIP