WAM’s Fresh Takes series returns for a third event on June 22 with How The World Began. The series of staged readings presents new interpretations of woman-focused works with discussions to follow. Tracy Liz Miller makes her WAM debut directing this month’s staged reading, the story of a NYC-based woman who moves to Kansas to take on a new teaching job, and deals with a lot more than a culture shock after she makes an ill-received comment about the origin of life. The play, as well as working with WAM is a perfect fit for Miller, who loves the entire process of directing theatre- from rehearsals with the actors to meeting the audience. Tracy talks about why there’s a good chance this will be the first of many collaborations with WAM.
What do you do and why you do it?
I’m an actor, director, producer, and teacher of theatre. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else. There were periods in my life when I got off-track and spent time doing other things – some from choice and some from necessity – and I can honestly say I never felt like myself in those times. I learned a few years ago that many of the parts of making theatre happen, like producing, raising money, writing grants, teaching interns, planning events and marketing, made me equally happy. And now that I’m beginning to teach theatre, I find that part incredibly rewarding too. I believe so strongly in all of the beautiful and challenging outcomes that my passion for theatre continues to grow.
What do you enjoy about working with WAM?
This will be my first time working with the company and I’m absolutely thrilled! I have been an admirer since the company’s inception, sending support from NYC and now from Arizona. I’m lucky enough to be able to return to New England in the summer months and grow my relationship with WAM.
What are you looking forward to about How The World Began?
Where to begin? I love the discussion part of the process during rehearsals with the actors and I love to envision the potential of a new play, even if it still needs some work. That’s always so exciting and inspiring to me, that a playwright creates an entire world/scene/circumstance from their words to the paper that I can then see in my head. I’m looking forward to meeting the community that comes out to hear these plays read in the series. And I’m looking forward to conversations with Kristen, what she thinks about the play, and her thoughts on how it fits into her mission and goals for WAM.
What woman inspires you and why?
My daughter inspires me. How can I be a part of making this world amazing for her? To love life. She is only three, but I want to be an inspiring mother and woman to her. I want her to see her mom LOVE doing what she does in her life and inspire her to follow a path that she will love. I want her to see her Mom make a difference in the world, care about others, and engage in community. In essence, I want to be better for her.