The Shorthand Job opens on February 18th, 2022! In this show, Callie and Omar are a successful, middle-aged couple that have been married for years. Only, they haven’t been merry in years. For the record, they used to be quite happy but somewhere along the line, they stopped listening to their better voices. Therapy and counseling proved ineffective. Desperate, they decide they have no choice but to open up their marriage to someone who may be just their type. But of course, they aren’t married to the idea.
We reached out to director Katie Jones with a few questions about her and her experience working on this production.
1. What’s the best relationship advice you’ve ever been given or that you would like to give?
Be grateful for the good days when they come. Nothing is guaranteed.
2. Do you relate to any characters in this show? How similar / different are you?
I relate to Jamie's character, Callie, a lot. I tend to be the one who is always reaching for more, perhaps talking more than I listen, but with a lot of love to give, if I feel that I'm being heard.
3. What's your favorite line in your show? Why?
"It's not L.A. Law. It's barely even Night Court." It's a good dig and it always makes me laugh.
4. Have you ever been in a situation where you misjudged what was happening? What was the result?
I mean...if anyone says otherwise, I think they're lying. I've misjudged many a situation, admittedly. I once went to a party, in college, which was a "pimps and hos" party. I assumed this was a costumed event and came dressed as a pimp - floor length coat, hat, cane, sunglasses, the works. Zero other people were dressed up and apparently, only the music and booze were themed. Luckily, everyone thought it was awesome and I danced all night with the best of them. I'm pretty sure my picture is still on the wall of that house.
5. What are 5 songs that represent your character in this show?
We Can Work It Out by The Beatles
Respect by Aretha Franklin
Three's Company Theme Song
Tempted by the Fruit of Another by Squeeze
Stubborn Love by The Lumineers
6. What’s the weirdest experience you’ve ever had at work?
I used to work at a grocery store, and a man came up to complain to me about the price of maple syrup. As a cashier, there wasn't much I could do, but I told him I would write down his complaint and take it to management. He screamed that it was ludicrous, he wouldn't pay it and slammed down the maple syrup bottle, which shattered everywhere. I hadn't ever seen anyone get so upset about a matter of cents.
7. How did you get into theatre?
I was in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever when I was 7 years old, playing Gladys Herdman. I was hooked then, and have always done theatre in some capacity since.
8. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
I think Magnetic is collaborative and open-minded. It's both community-minded and professional at the same time, which can be a rare combination.
9. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
Magnetic's next project will be Algorithm & Blues: A Dating Sketch Show, directed by Jason Phillips
10. Are there any books you are reading as you are directing that inspired you?
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The Highly Sensitive Person In Love by Elaine Aron
The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
To The Wedding by John Berger
Socrates Cafe by Christopher Phillips
Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman
Biography
Katie Jones is a director, performer and educator. She received a BA in Performing Arts from Clemson University and subsequently worked at theatres in Sarasota, New York, Chicago, and Denver, doing community-focused work and new play development. Katie has an MFA in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University and is an ensemble member with Wishbone Theatre Collective. Locally, Katie has worked with Asheville Creative Arts, Immediate Theatre Project, and the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. She currently serves as Co-Artistic Director of The Magnetic Theatre, along with Jessica Johnson.
The Shorthand Job runs February 18-20, 2022 at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=132898