Every year, our New York Fall Directing Program begins with a retreat for our four new directing fellows. Artistic Director Roger Danforth arranges for the company to go to a lovely retreat center in the Berkshire hills of Massachusetts called Stump Sprouts. Away from the distractions of everyday life (particularly, no cell phones!) the directors and actors are able to give their undivided attention to the work, creating some terrific scene work in just a few days.

The four Fall Directing Fellows are Desdemona Chiang, Amanda Friou, Lily Whitsitt and Dawn Monique Williams.

This year our leader/mentor was the multi-talented David Staller, artistic director and founder of Gingold Theatrical Group, which presents the monthly series Project Shaw at The Players in New York City (www.gingoldgroup.com).

. Our directors and a group of 8 terrific actors spent four days working on scenes from Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman. Photographer Richard Termine joined us on the final day. His photographs give a great sense of the pleasure everyone found rehearsing (and enjoying) life in the beautiful countryside.

This year’s acting company were Gideon Banner, Scott Barrow, Denis Butkus, Carman Lacivita, Antoinette LaVecchia, Meg MacCary, Erin Moon and Jesse Perez.

Click the link below to see the photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41207795@N02/sets/72157627618173308/