Profile: Erin Knowles

Reva and Erin backstage at SiP's 2010 "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (left to right, Reva Cartwright-Carroll and Erin Knowles courtesy of R.CC)

How long have you been involved in Theatre?
9 months

What inspired you to become involved?

Travis & Reva Cartwright-Carroll. They were both actively involved in theatre and encouraged me to try out some aspect of theater.

Dr. Toni Francis also convinced me to try out for Horn of Plenty, I failed on that note, but ended up the assistant director.

In what capacity (ies) do you participate in Theatre?

I have worked as an assistant director, stage assistant and sound, currently directing a short film.

Can you list the productions that you have participated in over the years?

Horn of Plenty ft Indio: Shakespeare in Paradise 2010

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Shakespeare in Paradise 2010

The Cabinet: 2011

Sigma Tau Delta Short Film: 2011

What are some of your most memorable moments in Theatre? Good and bad.

My first really bad experience occurred recently. I never realized how frustrating it could be for a cast member to be missing when the production is scheduled to begin. On two separate occasions two of the main characters showed up 15-20 minutes after the show was scheduled to begin. The frustration was unnerving and the tension was beyond bearable.

I’ve had good experiences in all of the productions I’ve worked with so far. I particularly enjoyed watching every performance that I assisted with, especially Horn of Plenty, as I was the assistant director. I felt proud of the male and female actors, they were my colleagues and responded well to Dr. Wisdom’ direction, as well as mine. 

How do you feel about Theatre in The Bahamas? What are its weak and strong points? How active is it? How can we make it better?

Theatre in The Bahamas is underappreciated. It is gradually improving as more Bahamians are becoming aware of its existence. There are more weaknesses than there are strong points at the moment. I’m fairly new to the scene, but I realize that the competition between the few playwrights tend to disadvantage them, as well as the Bahamian people. When I say that, I make reference to the lack of communication between members of the world of theatre. With so little opportunities for staging a play, other than a festival like SIP, I believe it is pointless having five different productions going on at the same time. Who really benefits? There is no strategic plan for staging plays. Communication is non-existent; no one volunteers information that can prove beneficial to all. The populations of The Bahamas is less than 400,000, and by no means do they all support theatre, with the little support garnered from the public, I think productions should be staged in consideration/support of other playwrights as well as in consideration of the audience.

With my view on the weaknesses out of the way, I think playwrights should be commended for the continuous effort exerted in theatre. In an attempt to keep it alive and develop interest in it, we are privy to productions like “Woman Take Two”, “Not my Good Child” “Pa and the Preacher”, “The Cabinet” and many others. I believe the strongest point, and one that continues to develop, is the interest in unveiling the nuances of politics in Bahamian society. This I believe is beneficial and timely.

What does it take to be a stage manager/assistant to the director?

It takes time, effort and a willingness to learn. I learned, as assistant to Dr. Wisdom, it’s not so much telling the actors what it is they need to do, but making them comfortable enough to want to do something differently. Being a stage assistant to Reva Cartwright-Carroll also taught me the importance of taking the initiative, regardless of your assignment backstage, it’s important to remain focus and look for avenues to offer assistance.

Any advice for those who want to get involved in Theatre in any capacity?

Theatre is not simply about acting, there are so many capacities available; finding what suits you will be the only task. I haven’t found my calling in theatre yet but through searching I’ve gained valuable experience in sound, directing and being a stage assistant, I’ve even dabbled in make-up. Taking an interest is the first step, volunteering is second, allowing theatre to embrace you is the final step and there you will be subject to possibilities.

Who were your mentors in Theatre?

Reva Cartwright-Carroll; Dr. Toni Francis

How do you see your future in Bahamian Theatre?

Good question. It is my ultimate goal to be a teacher, but I will offer assistance in any capacity if needed. I’m also determined to reach out for further opportunities to gain experience that will be useful in my classroom. 

What is your favorite Bahamian play?

“Diary of Souls”

In your years as a member of theatre, have you seen the government support the arts in a tangible way?

NOT AT ALL! For the short period of time I’ve been around, the only support I’ve noticed is the few politicians that turn out to see the production.

What role, if any, should the government play in not just theatre but the arts as a whole?

Beginning in the schools, it is important for students to focus on art in its entirety; it should not merely be about junkanoo. Students are ignorant to theatre; they are underestimated and considered too dumb to read Shakespeare or “Diary of Souls”, there is a need for elevation of the Bahamian students, through theatre, they can be raised from the slump they are in and given the necessary tools to garner an appreciation for art in its whole!

The support from the government can also come in the form of respect for theatre.