Non-Equity The Musical! : Christian Amato
An nytheatre.com FringeNYC Q&A
Q: What is your job on this show?
A: Director
Q: What type of theater do you like most to work on?
A: When it comes to directing theatre, I really try to maintain an open approach - I don't have any boundaries with regards to the kinds of shows I direct. Recently I have been focusing on involving myself with new play development. I enjoy building and interpreting new work, which is why I was happy to be asked to direct Non-Equity The Musical. With a new play or musical, the possibility of shaping a play truly inspires me. It is challenging. With new productions, the choices made in the directorial process can be more beneficial to the play's future life. Shaping the great plays and musicals of tomorrow is an exciting prospect for me.
Q: Have you been part of FringeNYC in the past? If so, how did you particpate? (Be specific! Name shows, etc.)
A: This is my third year working with FringeNYC! I have been a Venue Director for three years, working on around 60 shows, but this is my first year Venue Directing for the festival while also directing a festival production. It has been a lot of fun. The Fringe Festival is a crucial part of the downtown theatre scene as well as great outlet for new work. My involvement in the festival is always exciting. I love meeting people, and as a Venue Director you get to interact with some very interesting creators. This year as a Director has also made me more aware of the time crunch that other shows in the festival encounter, so I feel that it will improve me as a Venue Director. I'll be Venue Directing at Cherry Lane this year so I encourage people to come chat with me!
Q: In your own words, what do you think this show is about? What will audiences take away with them after seeing it?
A: Non-Equity the Musical is about the passion and drive to make something of yourself. It's about following your strongest impulses and forging a path of your own. The musical follows the life of six non-union actors in New York. The ups and downs of involving yourself with New York's theatre community. I believe that audiences will see how difficult a career in the arts can be. While it is not a career for one who seeks instant gratification, it informs people on how grateful we should all be for the opportunities we are awarded in life.
Q: Groucho, Chico, Harpo, or Zeppo?
A: Is all of the above a choice? We have had a great time preparing this piece! The cast is unique, young and extremely talented. The music is highly sophisticated. And the show as a whole takes you on a pretty emotional journey. The Marx Brothers would approve.
Q: How important is diversity to you in the theater you see/make?
A: I constantly push myself to work on diverse projects, in all aspects of the production as a whole. We have a responsibility to future theatre practitioners to make the field as accessible as possible. I have set a lot of personal goals with regards to the type of projects I work on this year, and most of them stem from the desire to continue directing with a focus on diversity.
See the original Q&A here!
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