My rehearsals are a world of fantasy. Two different ones, actually. With Acting Up, 31 kids and I have entered the world of Fantastica and The NeverEnding Story. Meanwhile, on the mainstage, rehearsals have just begun for Puffs, a heartfelt and silly sendup of everyone’s favorite boy wizard. Through these two shows, the casts and audiences alike will be able to connect with their favorite fictional worlds, while making an experience that is wholly unique and, dare I say, magical?

As both an actor and director, my favorite part of working on a show isn’t performing for a huge crowd, or taking a well-won bow on opening night, or even going out to the bar on a Friday with the cast and crew; it’s the nightly rehearsals, where you get to discover that magic of creation. There is no better experience than working with a talented and fun cast of actors and discovering something new during the rehearsal process.

We already have some magical surprises planned for you with both of these shows: Fantastica is populated by some pretty amazing puppet creatures, and Puffs is set to feature some unexpected “celebrity” cameos, but what I’m most excited to share with you are the surprises that we’ll come up with in the rehearsal room, the things that excite the performers as much as they’re sure to entertain

you.

Tyler Rinne

Associate Artistic Director