Paul Pierce is beginning his 24th season as artistic director of the Springer Opera House.
He’s doing it with a splash with “The Official Blues Brothers Revue,” which opens tonight.
In his 24 years, he’s produced all the shows, directed quite a few and has performed in dozens.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How do you chose which plays and musicals to perform each year?
It’s kind of a combination of what’s going on in the current season and what influences the audience. For example, after Sept. 11, 2001, people didn’t want to see tragedies.
What would you like newcomers to know about the Springer before they attend their first performances?
Here’s the main thing -- we don’t do operas. We do musicals, comedies, dramas. We don’t have anything against operas, we just don’t do it.
Are there any etiquette rules that you’d like for people to follow when seeing shows at the Springer?
Turn off your cell phones. The Springer Opera House is a very nice, elegant building. People come because they can dress up and look good in this environment. They come to the Springer to impress their dates. We love that. We love to show off the building in all its finery. If someone wants to really dress up, they can.
What performances are you most excited about this season?
Besides, this one (“The Official Blues Brothers Revue”)?
Yes.
“Tuna Does Vegas.” That is going to be a wonderful challenge for Ron (Anderson, the associate artistic director) and me. It’s the one most fresh on their (playwrights Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard) minds. We got the rights to do it first. “Frost/Nixon” is another. David Millwood who we met through UPTA (Unifed Professional Theater Auditions in Memphis) will play Nixon and Topher Payne will be Frost. Oh, and “I Tweeted on My iPad and I liked It” is going to be on the books as one of the most exciting new shows. It will be a technological challenge that nobody’s ever done before.
What should people know about the recent expansion to the Springer?
Our capacity almost doubled for our Theater Academy. We’re going to expand our classes in the fall and spring. We’ll have more teachers, more classes and we’re attracting more donations and sponsorships. That allows us to offer more scholarships. We need to raise another $1.7 million to build the children’s theater space. Our state dinner raised $48,000. That dinner told people who don’t normally come to the Springer about the Springer Theater Academy and the Springer Children’s Theater. So those who did not know about the Springer Theater Academy saw other donors who were so excited about it. This year is our goal to finish the campaign.
How does the Springer Academy help you develop young actors? How can kids who are new to town get involved?
Creativity is a great thing to have but creative collaboration is something that takes time and practice. You can ask any Academy student, “Who is the most important person on stage?” He or she will answer, “My scene partner.” It is this generous sensibility that helps young actors develop and grow. We love to meet new children and their families who are interested studying acting. I suggest that a child take a class in the fall or winter and if they like it, join us for the summer conservatory. Parents can also bring their child for a tour of the theater and to talk to Academy staff. The number is 706-324-1100.
Many shows feature both professional actors and local actors. How do you build a successful cast for a particular show? Can local folks audition for shows?
The first rule of the business is to go to our season audition. If you miss it, you most likely will miss the big roles. By the summer, we have to start casting shows. Lots of directors deal in types. We don’t. We’re looking for a good actor who can tell the story.
What roles do volunteers play in making Springer productions successful? How can people volunteer?
We could not operate without volunteers that work backstage on a running crew -- stagehands, working the fly rail, move scenery and spotlights -- costume shop or building scenery. We couldn’t do anything without them. A strike is a good way to spend an evening. That happens on the final show where we take apart the scenery, clean dressing rooms and put away costumes and props. Our docent program is another way where volunteers give tours two days a week. We need ushers during the shows. Just give Lauren Moya a call at 706-324-5714, ext. 100.
The Springer features several children’s shows each year, often based on popular books with lessons. What makes a successful children’s production and why is it important to reach children?
This year, we will have 1,000 students in the Theater Academy. We have no shortage of children here. That’s why we double cast the shows and sometimes triple cast them. There is nothing more enlightening than watching someone play your role. These are all age-appropriate casting. That means children play children and adults play adults. We are very, very committed to arts education. Part of creating is getting as many children to have that experience. Once they have it, they want more of it.
What do people in the Columbus area need to do to show their support of the arts and make sure quality performances continue to come to the area?
Make a contribution above and beyond the cost of a ticket. We are selling a $50 ticket for $38. It means that businesses, individuals and foundations really need to join us as partners to make art possible in our community. We also need the city government to put arts funding in an arts fund at $1 per citizen as a bare minimum.
