Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Robert Garcia is one of three Eastern New Mexico University students to make history in the Department of Theater by co-directing the first student-directed production to hit the Main Stage Theater.
Michael Cristofer's "The Shadow Box" is supposed to be the biggest show of the year at ENMU and Garcia is thankful to be a part of this experience.
"It's a first on the Main Stage," Garcia said. "It's considered the biggest show of the year because the most people will see it.
Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune
Eastern New Mexico University students have rehearsal Monday night for the first-ever student-directed production, "The Shadow Box." From left: Alex Campbell, Adam Valdez and Gigi Guardjo.
The Shadow Box is about three families, living in an assisted-living complex, who are dealing with a dying family member. The story is set in California during the 1970s.
Each family lives in a separate cottage of the complex, according to Garcia.
"That's why were able to have three different directors," he said. "It's probably the only play it would work for."
Garcia, a native of Raton, is used to being on the other end of a production. After he graduates from ENMU in May, he has plans to move to New York City to act for both theater and film.
Although he's directed for smaller productions, he sees this larger directing opportunity as only helping him with his acting skills because of the challenges he's experiencing coordinating other actors.
"Really it's collaborating and having to take into account of the set designer and costume designer," said Garcia about one of the hardest parts of directing.
But he finds the experience quite rewarding when he helps actors understand what the play is about.
Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune
Eastern New Mexico University students run through a rehearsal Monday night for the first-ever student-directed production, "The Shadow Box."
"It's a great show," Garcia said. "It has its funny moments."
Garcia said he had to work with the other directors to cast the show but has mainly worked with his own small cast up until last week.
He's now tasked with working with the other directors to make the production cohesive.
His directorial debut has also put some perspective on why directors request certain things of their actors and now that he's sitting in a different seat, he can perfect his craft.
"I've learned sometimes we think it's cool to put a pause in there and the director asks you not to do that," Garcia said. "I've realized it does sound bad."
Kyree McField is another senior in the Department of Theater who will be acting in the show. McField plays Beverly, an ex-wife of one of the patients.
"She's very eccentric and speaks her mind," said McField about her character.
McField has been in quite a few productions but now that it's her senior year, experience is important as she plans to leave her home of Clovis for Los Angeles after she graduates.
She especially thinks working with directors who are her age was at first nerve-wrecking but eventually beneficial because they can relate to her.
"They're going through the same things you're going through," McField said.
As these seniors put on one of their last productions before leaving ENMU, they ultimately have the same goal to put on a great show.
"It's a very realistic show," McField said. "There is something in every cottage that everyone can relate to."
