Candidate for
Associate Professor of Acting
The Odyssey.
Dallas Theater Center
Public Works Project
July 8 - 10, 2022
Director: Kevin Moriarty
Musical Direction: Samuel Bagala
Role: Antinous
Reflections
The Odyssey was presented as part of Dallas Theater Center’s Public Works Project, a production which opens up creative opportunities to members of the Dallas/Fort Worth community (from grades schoolers to senior citizens) to work alongside professional artists and collaborate in the creative process.​
Todd Almond’s scripts are specifically designed for this process in any given community and are flexible enough to be customized to feature the unique talents and culture of that community. This production of The Odyssey, for example, featured African drummers, a contortionist, rappers, and even mariachi players.
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I had been told by veterans of the project what to expect, and they were absolutely correct. It is largely about PROCESS as opposed to PRODUCT. The community members were delightful, many of them having taken part in past Public Works Projects. Their excitement and eagerness from Day One were evident, and, as an educator, it became clear to me that the professional artists were there not only to play a role, but also to encourage and mentor the members of the community. I played the antagonist Antinous, constantly surrounded by a trio of henchmen, and director Kevin Moriarty asked me to take that group under my wing and work with them on the comedy of the book scenes, choreography, and vocal arrangements.
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His comments about my efforts: “In addition to playing a leading role alongside other professional actors, he also coached and mentored one hundred community members, ranging in age from elementary students to senior citizens, most of whom had never acted previously. Bob’s skill as an artist and educator was on full display. His ability to teach complicated staging, direct nuanced moments of comedy, and coach inexperienced actors to act with clarity and truthfulness was very impressive.”
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In my Tenure Narrative, I mentioned that I believe one of the strongest assets I am able to offer my students is the fact that I professionally practice the skill that I teach. The Public Works Project was indeed a creative research project that specifically aligned with my pedagogy.