By Eva Trieger in San Diego
Scripps Ranch Theatre has been in existence for nearly 50 years. This non-profit community theatre began its existence producing plays wherever they could “borrow” a stage. That changed in 1978, when the organization put down roots on the campus of Alliant International University in Scripps Ranch. In 2002, the theatre gained a visionary artistic director in Jill Drexler, and the rest, as they say, is history … and prologue.
In a phone interview last week, Drexler shared what brought her to SRT and what keeps her creating and sharing exciting theatre with San Diego audiences. A native New Yorker, Drexler attended Broadway shows with her parents. For those of us of a certain age, we may be envious to know that Drexler saw Mary Martin in Peter Pan on her first foray to NYC’s theatre district. She found the story-telling captivating and recognized her passion for sharing tales through acting.
Throughout her school years, into high school and college, Drexler performed in many plays and always found the opportunity fulfilling. She especially enjoyed hearing the audience laugh, and for this reason is often drawn to comedy. The Artistic Director told me that she wants the theatre to be a setting for playful interactions on stage and in the audience.
Drexler has acted on many local stages and would like to continue acting, however, she stated that at this point the parts offered either put her in a “wheelchair, dying in the first act, or being a cartoon of an older person.” She does keep on the lookout for interesting roles that enable her to strut her stuff as an actor. Recent opportunities included I Hate Hamlet and Fit to be Tied.
As a director, Drexler told me that she does use her educational background as a clinical counselor. The thespian discovered early on that she did not want to pursue a career in the counseling field because it wasn’t joyful, but she does draw on these skills when “talking an actor off the ledge when they’re thinking of quitting.” Further, directing allows Drexler to see the much bigger picture. She explained that actors create their persona as they go along, while a director must be keenly aware of the entirety of the show.
Drexler earned a Masters in Acting at SDSU and is grateful to drama teachers and mentors from her days at Scripps College, for providing a well-rounded base from which she grew into directing.
I was curious to know how Covid had impacted SRT. Like so many area theatres, shows had to pivot to an online format. Theatres were shuttered. Fortunately, due to grants, donations and government support, SRT did not suffer financially. However, when law AB 5 was passed it created financial duress. The law was intended to address the inadequate pay for gig workers, such as Lyft and Uber drivers, but theatre folks fell under the same umbrella. Drexler is thrilled that actors, designers and directors are now being paid a livable wage, but it is limiting for area theatres.
She reported that when she first joined the Board of SRT, no one was paid. The entire production from painting sets to box office sales was done on a volunteer basis, and the entire theatre community pitched in.
San Diego is unique in that there is truly camaraderie between the theatres rather than competition. Currently, SRT is partnering with Roustabouts to produce Noel Coward’s Private Lives. This arrangement is not unusual, and area theatres often share set designers, props, wigmakers. Drexler also told me that she is enthralled with the amount of talent we have right here, that auditions nearly always provide a host of excellent actors; no need to look to Los Angeles or New York.
The 47th season has been announced with one TBA show. The season opens with Theatre People or The Angel Next Door, a wonderful comedy, written by Paul Slade Smith, and directed by crowd favorite, Christopher Williams.
In March, 4.000 Miles, explores the human interaction between a young man and his elderly grandmother. Written by Amy Herzog and directed by Ted Leib (Kimberly Akimbo), audiences will experience the complexities of family. The season will wrap up with Private Lives, directed by Roustabouts’ Phil Johnson.
What is Drexler’s dream for SRT? She responded that she “wants to keep it alive.” She hopes the theatre can expand its space, while retaining its intimacy. New programming has added to the vibrancy of the theatre in the form of Musical Theatre series.
I asked Drexler why SRT has such a loyal fan base. This reviewer has attended some really delightful events hosted at a patron/Board member’s home. They really go the extra mile to give “more” to their subscribers and donors. Ticket exchanges are easy, Patron services angel, Cristyn Chandler, makes it a point to know and remember where guests like to sit. The entire crew at Scripps Ranch Theatre is committed not only to excellent storytelling on the stage, but making certain that audiences feel heard, respected and valued.
Subscriptions may be purchased by contacting the box office https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/seasontickets/ or by phone (858) 395-0573
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.