"Theater is a collaborative effort"...

A major part of my duty in covering the production process of Much Ado About Nothing is attending weekly production meetings. The first two meetings that I sat in on proved that making a theater production is indeed a “collaborative effort” as said by the production’s Costume Designer, Andre Harrington.

Before the meeting begins there is usually some random banter between the production members…several humorous conversations occurring at one time sprinkled with smirks and laughter. As soon as the clock strikes 10:40am, it is straight to business. “Alright lets get started” Harlan Jeglin firmly says as he lightly glances the faces at the table. Harlan is the technical director of the production…a seasoned veteran with CSUSB’s Theater Dept with 22 years of service in the theater art’s profession.

The meeting promptly begins. Taking turns, each member in the production meeting gives their respective reports, presenting questions and occasionally wondering off in funny conversations. Everyone in the production meetings runs their concerns, questions or ideas across Terry Smith, the Director of this production. If it makes Terry happy…all is well. The atmosphere in the first 4 production meeting is relaxing…everything seems to be running smoothly…so far.