"The Moors" by Jen Silverman was my directorial debut

Cameron Vipperman
Oct 12
2 min read

During my tenure at New Stage Theatre in Jackson, MS, I had the unique opportunity to propose and direct a play of my choosing for New Stage's community-based second stage series called "The Unframed at New Stage Theatre Series." As soon as I learned about this opportunity, by head swirled with visions of The Moors by Jen Silverman. This is a play I had studied and fangirled over in my college acting class and one I had ideas galore for every element. I was ecstatic to have my proposal chosen by New Stage's artistic and education directors to be produced in early March 2025.

As director, I organized auditions, callbacks, rehearsals, and performances. I music directed and choreographed the three songs in the play, staged all scenes, and collaborated with the actors and designers to bring the play to life. I also curated marketing images and materials.

My biggest surprise when it came to directing was how much clear communication I had to facilitate between myself and other departments. Often I found myself rephrasing or reimagining what I was looking for in a scene or prop or costume piece to my actors and designers so that I could make sure our ideas were aligned.

My favorite part of this piece is that it does not take itself too seriously, and I had to remind myself many times not to take myself to seriously. Even though I was fully committed to working towards the best, clearest, most engaging presentation of The Moors, I had to also continuously tell myself that while the material is deep, putting on a play is not a life or death situation. I learned to lean into the unseriousness of Silverman's work, especially when it came to Huldey's Murder Ballad.

This directorial experience was incredibly rewarding and informative, but it did not sway or split my passion for the theatre in a different direction than before. It would take a very special project to get me to step into a director's shoes again. I loved directing The Moors, and though I am proud of the production, I do not currently plan on actively pursuing directing as part of my career in theatre. In fact, I hope the next time I encounter The Moors, it is as an actor -- Huldey would be a bucket list role for me!

Below are images from our media shoot, archival photographs, and poster the poster for The Moors by Jen Silverman, directed by Cameron Vipperman.