"I love it when a plan comes together."

RESPECT.

Keep it REAL, ENTHUSIASM, SELF-DISCIPLINE, be PREPARED, ENCOURAGE others, COURAGE, and finally, TEAMWORK.

These qualities make up what I believe to be the most important concept you can learn about the theatre: respect.

When I was a kid, my favorite show on television was THE A-TEAM. This show had it all: action, adventure, comedy, drama...Mr. T. I was especially drawn to the characters on the show. Hannibal was the leader. Smart, brave, cocky...always with an unlit cigar in his mouth. Face was the pretty boy. The best actor in the bunch. An even keel to balance Hannibal's temper. B.A. Mr. T. He was the bad ass. Tough, strong, mean when he had to be. B.A. hated to fly, but there's no one you'd rather have in a fight. Then there was "Howlin' Mad" Murdock. The wise fool. Comic relief. The guy on the team I most identified with. They always though he was crazy. We all knew better. He was a genius.

The A-Team was my dream team as a kid. And ever since then I've always wanted to be a part of team like that.

The theatre provides each of us the opportunity to be on a big-time "A" team. Respectful theatre people are team players. One of my main goals this year is that we form an incredible team for our spring production. Are you down with that? I hope you are. I'm casting my "A-Team" every day.