Julia as Stage Manager for La Jolla Playhouse's WIZARDS OF OAKWOOD DRIVE

For the last few weeks, I have jumped head first into the world of "Zoom" theatre by stage managing a new interactive play commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse for kids 7-12 called WIZARDS OF OAKWOOD DRIVE. It has been an incredible experience working with talented actors and a determined creative team to bring magic to homes all around the world. In this time of great disconnection due to the pandemic, it has filled my heart to know that the Playhouse has committed to bringing people together by using online platforms like Zoom. Using the idea borrowed from my friends at iTheatrics - "boundaries are freeing", the boundaries of a teleconferencing application like Zoom may not appear conducive to live theatre, but with a lot of creativity and a lot of experimenting, the team created a fun, interactive, and theatrical experience for young people to enjoy! The script and original idea by Tom Salamon activates the homes (and imaginations!) of children all around the world. With a little help from parents and guardians, kids watch the wizards cast spells and make objects appear in their very own home. I am ever grateful for this experience as it has opened my eyes to the possibilities of keeping theatre a live online. I look forward to the day where we can all be physically present in a theatre again, but until then, this is a great alternative. Read more about it by visiting the Playhouse's website.