IMFourPlay

If SAK could be described as a huge piece of industrial machinery, I would liken Rob's role to that of the oil. Without him, the various parts of the company wouldn't get along smoothly, and nobody would get paid (oil is as good as cash these days)! Rob and I decided to jog a few laps at the local fitness center while sipping on delicious apricot smoothies and nibbling on power bars...

Current favorite musical: Avenue Q
Current favorite improv game: ABC/Shakespeare/Should've Said

DC: Rob, you have one of those positions at SAK that seems to cover 101 different things! As a pivotal member of the SAK production team, how would you describe your average workday?

RW: Between, managing Front of House operations, juggling finances, scheduling and maintaining the SAK University program, and acting as the liaison between the SAK performers and the management team, my days are usually a bit on the scattered side. An average day around here usually involves doing a bit of workplace improv. I can come in with an agenda, and in the first two minutes of my day, realize that I have to drop that agenda and run with whatever new urgent issue has come up.

DC: In addition to your considerable behind-the-scenes work, SAK regulars can see you hosting weekend Ensemble shows or playing with the Lab Rats. I often feel that the importance and skill of SAK hosts is often overlooked or under appreciated. What do you see as you role when you are hosting, and what makes a good host in your opinion?

RW: I think a good host has to take on so much more responsibility than people even realize. As a host, you decide the general feel of the night. Are you going to play wacky, crazy games? Or are you going to focus more on story-telling narrative games? These decisions are so vital to a show. Also, as host, you are the first person the crowd sees onstage, and a good host really sets the mood for the night and gets that crowd excited and ready to play along with the improvisers. The right host intro is an essential part of the whole SAK experience.

DC: I couldn't agree more. In your spare ten seconds each day, you mentioned earlier that you also serve as the registrar for SAK University. Tell us a little about that part of SAK. What types of people typically enroll and what should prospective students know?

RW: The SAK University is actually one of my favorite extensions of SAK Entertainment. Basically, we invite our fans to learn the secrets behind what we do on stage every night. How cool is that? Through 4 levels of classes, SAK experts give you the tools you need to perform in a SAK improv show. It all culminates in a big Level 4 Graduation show, which is my favorite part of the program. As registrar, I usually deal with students from their first day in Level 1 all the way to the end, and it makes me so proud, excited, and impressed to watch their progression. The most amazing part of SAK University is the diversity of the students. Believe it or not, a lot of business professionals take the SAK classes. They often tell us how beneficial the improv and performing skills they learned in class have been when applied to their work presentations and the like. I love that, because it is so funny to to picture a group of business men in their suits performing a "sit, stand, kneel" scene in the boardroom!

DC: I find it quite amazing that in addition to your SAK duties, you are also involved with many other theatres and projects in town (including serving as a performer in SAK's own upcoming production of The Lost Comedies of William Shakespeare). I know, for example, that you had a very busy Fringe Festival this year.

RW: Uhhhh....thanks. Was this a question or a statement? Ha ha! I try to keep involved with as many theatre organizations in town as possible. It's a great benefit to SAK because I get to meet and swap ideas with some of the most creative minds in town. Orlando has such a wealth of talented people, brilliant minds, and innovative theatre groups. I feel so fortunate to live and work in the arts community of this town.

DC: Sorry to end this chat abruptly, but I think I can taste blood in my mouth - perhaps we should stop jogging and sit for a second...

To learn more about Rob, go here.