Lucas Skjaret is a founding member of Market Garden Theatre which was founded in the Twin Cities in 2014. He directs their current production, Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg, which plays through January 10 at the Phoenix Theatre in Uptown. In the following interview he shares the benefits of being "nurtured" by the Arts' Nest's Fledgling program for emerging artists, why he selected this Pulitzer-nominated script to bring to the stage, and what improvements he envisions for the future of the Twin Cities arts community.
How did "Three Days of Rain" come about?
Lucas: When Jenna Papke, the Executive Director of Arts' Nest, approached me about applying for the Fledgling Project, I knew I wanted to submit a small cast show. As young director, I didn't want to bite off too much at once. I wanted a show that I could do on a limited budget, but still had a lot of artistic merit - I needed a show that was solid and had a lot of meat to it. After going through all the scripts I could, I stumbled upon Three Days of Rain and fell in love with it.
It is a small cast of three, but each actor plays two full-developed, and intricate characters. There is so much depth and complexity to this Pulitzer-nominated script that I couldn't resist putting its name in the pot. I ended up doing an informal reading with some actors (who ended up being cast) and we went from there!
Lucas: When Jenna Papke, the Executive Director of Arts' Nest, approached me about applying for the Fledgling Project, I knew I wanted to submit a small cast show. As young director, I didn't want to bite off too much at once. I wanted a show that I could do on a limited budget, but still had a lot of artistic merit - I needed a show that was solid and had a lot of meat to it. After going through all the scripts I could, I stumbled upon Three Days of Rain and fell in love with it.
It is a small cast of three, but each actor plays two full-developed, and intricate characters. There is so much depth and complexity to this Pulitzer-nominated script that I couldn't resist putting its name in the pot. I ended up doing an informal reading with some actors (who ended up being cast) and we went from there!
What's the rehearsal process been like so far? What has inspired you and challenged you?
Lucas: The rehearsal process has been intense, to say the least. Given everyone's schedules, we have had about one less week than more theaters. But it hasn't been an issue. We have taken a super collaborative approach to rehearsals; we've been able to find amazing things through talking and just playing around. My biggest inspiration so far as been the fact I am able to do this show with support of an amazing cast and crew. With Jenna's help at Arts' Nest, I have been able to collect the creative energies of everyone to bring this show to life.
What improvements do you envision for the future of the Twin Cities arts community? How do you think the Arts' Nest program helps accomplish that?
Lucas: Diversity! Diversity! And not just with the hired artists, but also with how the scripts are produced. It is fine to produce a well-known play, but how can it impact an audience today? What are the intentions with the narrative, or is the concept just to produce a show as it has been done before? I think Arts' Nest is taking a fantastic step in this, by giving young artists the support (venue, producing guidance, marketing assistance, development help) a safe place to explore and play - giving them the resources to create rather than reproduce. It is a great incubator for emerging talent!
Lucas: The rehearsal process has been intense, to say the least. Given everyone's schedules, we have had about one less week than more theaters. But it hasn't been an issue. We have taken a super collaborative approach to rehearsals; we've been able to find amazing things through talking and just playing around. My biggest inspiration so far as been the fact I am able to do this show with support of an amazing cast and crew. With Jenna's help at Arts' Nest, I have been able to collect the creative energies of everyone to bring this show to life.
What improvements do you envision for the future of the Twin Cities arts community? How do you think the Arts' Nest program helps accomplish that?
Lucas: Diversity! Diversity! And not just with the hired artists, but also with how the scripts are produced. It is fine to produce a well-known play, but how can it impact an audience today? What are the intentions with the narrative, or is the concept just to produce a show as it has been done before? I think Arts' Nest is taking a fantastic step in this, by giving young artists the support (venue, producing guidance, marketing assistance, development help) a safe place to explore and play - giving them the resources to create rather than reproduce. It is a great incubator for emerging talent!
Set is amost there - Leazah does awesome work!
Posted by Market Garden Theatre on Saturday, December 26, 2015
Who do you think will appreciate this play? Who is this show for?
Lucas: This show is perfect for someone who wants to an intimate night of theatre. The space is a delightfully small proscenium, which adds to the connectivity between audience and performers. This script is perfect for those who like witty repartee rolled in mystery. Greenberg plays with our notion of a family drama by bending the rules by realism through weaving in some abstract and surrealistic moments. This show is for those who want to see young emerging artists working together to find their voice in the amazing Twin Cities theater scene.
Lucas: This show is perfect for someone who wants to an intimate night of theatre. The space is a delightfully small proscenium, which adds to the connectivity between audience and performers. This script is perfect for those who like witty repartee rolled in mystery. Greenberg plays with our notion of a family drama by bending the rules by realism through weaving in some abstract and surrealistic moments. This show is for those who want to see young emerging artists working together to find their voice in the amazing Twin Cities theater scene.
Ticket Information: Three Days of Rain
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Three Days of Rain
By Richard Greenberg A newly-found journal reveals cryptic entries about a time in the early 1960’s, when two young architects struggle with a vital commission that will make or break their careers. After its discovery by the owner’s children thirty years later, the past is relived as they sort through the mysteries left behind on paper. Three actors play both their parents and children in this Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, exploring the complexity of memory and those choices that connect us even beyond our lifetime. Tickets: $13 (handling fees may apply) Thursday, January 7th at 7:30pm* Friday, January 8th at 7:30pm Saturday, January 9th at 7:30pm Sunday, January 10th at 2:00pm *Pay-What-You-Can performance (at the door) |
The Phoenix Theater
2605 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55408
Three Days of Rain is PG-13 and has sexual themes, theatrical smoke, adult language, and brief strobe lights.
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This is the first in a pair of articles featuring The Phoenix Theater and Arts Nest.Sign up for email updates from Artfully Engaging to be alerted when new arts posts become available.
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