Barry C. Rich, Professional and Educational Portfolio

As spring 2023 winds to a close, my mind is already turning to the fall and what plays I am going to do. This year has definitely been a learning experience as I have taken over directing play performances at UT Southern and did not have a clear idea of what talent was available at the school as well as other resources (human and otherwise). It has definitely been a growing experience for both plays that I have directed this year including a Shakespearean mashup, Shakespeare’s Tragic Women, and Two by Chekhov: The Proposal and The Bear. Both plays have given me insight into several student prospects for the plays but additionally ideas of how to reach students and get them involved. We were supposed to do one more reader’s theatre piece Boycott; however, we have had to postpone due to extenuating circumstances.

For the next year, I am contemplating what it is that we are going to do, and I will be focusing on this over the course of the summer. We will be performing Boycott at some point in the fall with a cast of students, community members, faculty, and alumni. It is an event that resonates with the people of Pulaski as it deals with their heritage and their turning their back on the Ku Klux Klan.

I am additionally pondering performing a small stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol for the holidays or some other winter / holiday themed play. I think that this could be a fun foray into not only classic literature but character work that my actors would be happy with.

For the spring, I am honestly not sure. Any suggestions for small cast plays welcome!