Director Nathan Shelton is out to change the perception of live theatre. Especially in SGF, it has developed this lingering sense of monotony with storylines geared toward older generations. With chilling, uncut productions like Bug, Shelton has audiences squirming. I caught up with Shelton to ask him a few questions about his current project at the Vandivort.
Bug is playing now at the Vandivort
TAG: Tell me about Bug. What can audiences expect?
Shelton: It’s very adult – (looks at) an interesting side of human nature that’s not really explored in theatre, how unchecked desperation can lead to drastic actions. It was written by Tracy Letts, a Chicago native, who is becoming very popular. They made a movie based on the script in 2007, and Hollywood turned it into a horror film. We took a very literal approach to the script and it’s more of a hardcore drama, though it’s still very graphic.
TAG: What’s the basic plot?
Shelton: It’s about a down-and-out actress who is recovering from a tragedy who is introduced and hits it off with a guy named Peter. He’s AWOL from the Army and believes the government is after him and has planted computer microchips (bugs) in his skin. She gets sucked into the paranoia, and things aren’t really connected. The question is raised whether everything (going on) is real or not. The audience never knows for sure if it’s really happening.
TAG: How big of a production is Bug? Who are the leads?
Shelton: Dawn McClain with 96.5 FM plays Agnes while T.J. Pederson plays Peter. It’s a small cast – of just five, and I’ve worked with them before. We only auditioned one part, the rest were invited for specific roles. They all have a different energy and have different ways of doing their art. It’s very exciting to watch, because these are the best actors in Springfield, and they’ll be doing something much bigger, so it’s great that we get to enjoy their work for a little bit. Pederson actually works in L.A. and flew in to do this production.
Nathan Shelton
TAG; Have you always been a director?
Shelton: I’m an actor first and foremost – a member of the Actors Equity Union – but it’s hard to get equity work in Springfield, so I do direct a lot. I’ve been a professional actor for 16 years, and have been involved in all aspects of theatre. I started doing special effects when I was 12. I’m a big special effects guy.
TAG: Are there any effects in Bug?
Shelton: It’s loaded. We have a man onstage ripping out a molar in front of the audience. It’s pretty difficult to pull off, but I think we do a pretty good job of making it look realistic. People do a lot of damage to themselves throughout the show.
TAG: What’s the most difficult part of directing this production?
Shelton: It’s a dark play to work on, personally. And inn order to pull strong performances from people you have to confront things within yourself. That led to some pretty tense moments in rehearsals. The last two shows I’ve done were a comedy and a musical, so this was entirely different – ultra dramatic. I don’t get a chance to do that very often.
TAG: How does the Vandivort work for Bug?
Shelton: It’s my favorite theatre to work in here. (Springfield Contemporary Theatre) doesn’t make you cut things out, and I don’t like to shy away from material. The show definitely pushes the envelope, nice to have a contemporary that will allow you to come in a do a show like this in Springfield.
TAG: What’s your background?
Shelton: I was born in Springfield, then moved to Texas when I was six, and came back in 1990. I’ve been doing theatre since 1992. I graduated high school in ‘99 and have been going to (Missouri State) ever since. I have all of my hours completed for my Bachelor of Fine Arts, but still have five gen eds (general education courses) I never took, so I haven’t graduated with a degree, but pretty much have the degree.
TAG: What were some of your favorite projects in Springfield?
Shelton: Well, I try to push myself with every project I take. I’ve done Dracula twice here (2005 and ‘08) and we did Evil Dead around Halloween. The effects were fun in that, because we had a splatter section. I wanted to do something nobody in Springfield had ever seen.
TAG: How do you decide your next project?
Shelton: I don’t want to take a job just because it will pay. If it doesn’t scare me a bit and doesn’t look too challenging, it’s probably not worth taking. I feel like as an artist you should do the work you love, with the people you love. That’s what we should all be striving for.
TAG: What’s the best part for you?
Shelton: I love to watch the audience and see them react and how we‘re able to reach them. Most directors stay with the show through opening night. I have a hard time doing that. I come in and do special effects. I watch it every night. I get nervous for the actors and for certain moments. I get excited when it feels right and everything locks into place.
TAG: Why should people go to the Vandivort instead of a movie?
Shelton: Theatre is much more compelling than film in so many ways. When you are sitting in an audience, you have a truly shared experience between the audience and the actors. The action is happening live, immediately in front of you. People have an idea that theatre is boring, but it’s much more alive than film. Tickets cost about the same amount of money anymore.
Shelton's choice weapon in World War Z
TAG: Finally, and most importantly, it’s the Zombie Revolution and you get the choice of just one weapon. What is it?
Shelton: A lobo (a blade and shovel combined) – zombies are my irrational fear. I saw Night of the Living Dead when I was eight and it was horrifying. My mom and dad almost took me to therapy. I’ve been fascinated with zombies ever since. I would love to have a shotgun, but guns run out of ammunition. I have received several gifts for when it does happen (including swords and a crow bar), so I’ll be ready. Planning escape routes and what we would do pretty much got me through college.
Bug opened January 8 and runs through Jan. 23. For showtimes and tickets, visit the Vandivort website.
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