Meet Jason A Phillips! He is the director and one of the playwrights for our next production, Wandering With Magnetic: something i cared about which follows the story of Alyx and Dru, as it unfolds throughout their lives, performed along the Reed Creek Greenway.
Audiences will walk the trail and see scenes of the same couple, played by a different pair of actors in each scene. We reached out to Jason to tell us a bit about himself and about what his experience has been like during this production.
1. What is your favorite Asheville area walking trail/ greenway?
I love the Bear Wallow Mountain trail. I get super Sound of Music vibes at the top.
2. What's your favorite line in this show? Why?
"I’m not gonna compromise the rest of my life with someone constantly tossing crisis bombs at my feet." It may be cheating a little since I wrote it but it really sums up my philosophy for dealing with people who bring too much drama and chaos into your life.
3. What is one thing you’d be willing to give up for someone else?
If it was necessary, I'd give up cake for someone I loved, which would be painful since I really love cake.
4. What are the biggest challenges of this rehearsal process?
As a director working through Zoom to start the rehearsal process makes stopping and starting actors a little awkward due to the lag. It also means blocking waits until later in the process.
5. What makes this experience special for you?
I had no idea I would be writing and directing this show when I made an offhand suggestion that a theatre walk or hike might be a good way to put on a show during COVID. Suddenly I found myself on a porch collaborating with two awesome playwrights, Jamie Knox and Travis Lowe. A short time later I was watching a read through with a group of talented actors bringing a brand new work to life. At every turn I have been surprised and delighted by the enthusiasm and talent of those involved. It has really shown me that the Asheville theatre community and the Magnetic Theatre have a real passion for keeping live performance going during these challenging times.
Biography
Jason A. Phillips (Director/Playwright) is excited to be directing his first show in Asheville. He has primarily focused on acting and was most recently featured in the Magnetic Theatre's sketch comedy show Crimes & Misdemeanings and Videotape. Asheville credits include: 16 Years Tried, Special Needs and The Misanthrope. Chicago credits include: Brave Potatoes, The Rescuers and Scenes of Romance. Thanks to Cullen and Daphne for their unflagging support.
Wandering With Magnetic: something i cared about shows February 27th-March 14th with staggered showings on Saturdays and Sundays. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=121100