What the Constitution Means to Me

Posted on by Thor

I sketched a dress rehearsal for What the Constitution Means to Me, by Heidi Schreck is being presented by the Orlando Shakes at the Orlando Family Theater. Becky Baird dominated in the lead roll. The play rolls back the years to when Heidi was 16 years old an presented speeches about the Constitution at American Legion halls for cash prizes. She earned her college tuition this way.

There is a joyous excitement in her presentation about this document which she loves. yet during the presentation emotions start to run deep as she recalls her family history of a grandmother being sold to a outdoors man in Washington State. There is clear evidence of generational trauma throughout her family history. The constitution was written by the founders for the founders, in other words wealth white property owning men. Women never factored into the equation.

I loved what the actors broke the 4th wall towards the end of the play, breaking character and speaking to the audience as themselves. The Legionnaire who I assumed was rather conservative was actually a very liberal and open minded actor named John Voigt. A debate was held with an energetic high school debater. he debaters were played by Daisy Spann, and Tatriana Hinds. Each brought a unique energy to the roll. They  each argued their points on weather the constitution should be abolished or amended. Though the Constitution is very old and rather outdated, the youthful debate inspires hope for the future. With presidential elections only month away this play takes the audience on an inspired journey through what makes us all American and how we need to work hard to make democracy work for us all.

The play runs through October 13, 2024. If you only see one play this year, this should be it. Get your tickets now.

 

What the Constitution Means to Me: Final

Posted on by Thor

The final version of the poster for What the Constitution Means to Me has the actress much larger. There was an earlier version of this that had that looked too much like Heidi Schreck,

Altering the face and making her look much younger was actually quite fun. The paint itself was moved and morphed to fit the new drawing that I created for her face. I was surprised at how fast 20 years could be dropped.

The book cover was designed to match what an actual printed constitution looks like. Audience Members will each get a copy of the constitution to take home at each performance.

This really is a show that you should not miss. It will have you laughing out loud and also rethinking just what the founding fathers had in mind when they crafted this document. Presented by the Orlando Shakes, the show runs from October 2-13, 2024 at the Edyth Bush Theater at Orlando Family Stage, 1001 East Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. Get your tickets now.

First Pass: What the Constitution Means to Me

Posted on by Thor

My first pass at the poster had the statue of liberty in place of the actress. I didn’t know who the actress would be yet since she had not been cast.

I liked this version and it set the color palette for the posters to follow. The problem was that Lady Liberty is too serious. I suppose I could have put a big smile on her face but that just felt wrong.

The American Legion photos in the background also were too large. There was some debate about if they were needed, but they stayed. I would reduce them in size and multiply how many there were.

This is really just a sketch so the painting is very rough.I would polish it up if the idea was approved. Since Lady Liberty was trashed, I didn’t push the painting any further.

What the Constitution Means to Me will be performed at the Edyth Bush Stage in the Orlando Family Theater, right across the lawn of fabulousness since the Orlando Shakes is undergoing some major  renovations. The show really shouldn’t be missed especially considering how divided the country is and the upcoming presidential election. It runs October 2 -13, 2024. Tickets are on sale now!

What the Constitution Means to Me.

Posted on by Thor

The posters I created for the Orlando Shakes are starting to appear with online variations. What the Constitution Means to Me is a truly inspired one woman show written by Heidi Schreck.

Heidi brings the audience back to when she was 15 years old and gave talks about the constitution at competitions held at American Legion Halls for prize money. She presented the constitution as a hot sweaty document that recognized that the person you are today might not the be person you are in the future. For all its short comings, the Constitution presents hope that it can and will evolve. I teared up every time I watched the play, there is a visceral joy in the hope that we can evolve.

Becky Baird will be playing the lead part. I had no idea what Becky looked like since she was not yet cast for the part when I created the poster, but I must say the smile on my poster is a close match to her smile. Any time I see a new actor taking on such an ambitious role, I feel inspired. It takes bravery just to audition, but to tackle such a large sweeping role is beyond brave. It reminds me that I need to keep putting myself out there. The creative process is a long road and seldom traveled on a straight line.

This poster evolved quite a bit as it was created and faced approvals. I will share those variations over the next few days. I was just so happy to see The Constitution make an appearance online that I had to share. Tickets are on sale now.