Behind the Scenes

Margaret Morgan Ledford

Name:  Margaret Morgan Ledford

City of Birth:  Chattavegas (Chattanooga) Tennessee

City of Residence:  Miami

Occupation:  Stage manager by paycheck, director by calling.

Credits:  I am still earning a living in theatre, got to give me credit for that. Directed Orange Flower Water, Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief, Buck Fever, Blue/Orange and A Number, all at The Promethean Theatre in Davie.

How did you get into theatre?
I was bitten by the acting bug - like practically all of us - at a young age, but thank goodness I grew out of that!

What inspired you to become a director?
It was more like I answered the call than was inspired.  I have always enjoyed telling stories and trying to show people how they look in my head.

What traits should one have to be a good director?
Being a good listener.  Being quiet.  Being able to see the story that the playwright has written and then getting out of the way so that the story can come through for an audience.  Not that I have mastered these traits, but I see them in great directors.

What are some specific skills you've picked up on the job?
Everything.  Practical experience teaches you everything.  Perhaps learning that failures are the best learning tool.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Talking to people.  Talking to actors so that they understand what is I am communicating in a way that each individual can hear because we don't all speak the same language, even if it is English.

What production has offered you the most challenges?
Whatever the next play is.  Each new world to create is a challenge and if it is on the horizon, it is an unknown and therefore more challenging.

What have been your favorite productions to direct and why?
I don't really have a favorite.  I have been blessed with terrific producers that gave me a chance to direct and then on top of that trusted me to do that. Also I have been given the great gift of interesting scripts, actors that love what they do and are great at it.  Each piece is a new adventure.  It would be like comparing an African safari to an Egyptian archeological dig.  Once in a life time opportunities, but completely different and both fantastic.

What do non-theatre people ask most often when they learn what you do?
Have you worked with anyone famous?  Have you done a movie?

What is the funniest thing that's ever happened to you on a production you
were directing?
I can't think of a thing.  Boring, I know.  Oh, the pressure!!

What's the worst thing that's happened?
Realizing that I communicated an idea poorly or in a way that offended an actor.

What's the best thing about working in South Florida theatre?
All the opportunities to learn from great talent.  It is all around us here under the sun.

Upcoming Productions:
Susan J. Westfall’s play Uprising at the 12^th Annual Summer Shorts Festival, produced by City Theatre, June 7 to July 8 at Carnival Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami Call 305- 949-6722 or visit carnivalcenter.org/summershorts.

July 12-15 at Amaturo Theatre at Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.  Call 954-462-0222 or visit browardcenter.org/summershorts.

Cyrano by Mark E Hayes.  A modern telling of this classic piece.  Opens July 13 at The Black Box Theatre in Nova University's Student Center. The Promethean Theatre is the professional company in residence at Nova Southeastern University.  Runs until July 29.
Call 786-317-7580 for information and reservations.  Don’t miss this!