 |
Ann
Filmer
Age:
32
Title: Director, Choreographer, Managing Director of Chicago Dramatists
University/Training: BA in Dance, San Jose State University, Calif.
Recent/Current Projects: Directed The Liquid Moon by John Green for Chicago Dramatists. Upcoming directing projects include Book of Mercy by Carson Grace Becker for Chicago Dramatists, Eric LaRue by Brett Neveu for A Red Orchid and co-curator of Estrogen Fest 2003.
How has your training/college education helped prepare you for a career in theatre?: I had a wonderful professor/mentor, Janie Scott, who was all about the reality side of a career in the arts. "Be prepared to work for free or next to nothing–for a long time. You better love the arts, because THAT may be the sole reward. Become a triple-quadruple threat. Don’t wait for jobs to come to you–ASK for the job you want." Thank you, Janie!
Why did you choose to ply your craft in Chicago?: Californians don’t study geography, so I didn’t even know that Chicago was in Illinois. But, in 1993, I had just finished summer stock at The Barn Theatre in Augusta, Mich., and was on my way to New York. A friend I met at the Barn said, "Why don’t you check out Chicago first?" He shoved a PerformInk in my face, "Look at all the theatre. It’s an affordable city, and you can crash with me for a few days 'til you find a place to live." I had no other offers, so I said, "What the hell," and here I am.