Ashland, Ore.--Oregon Shakespeare Festival actor Dan Donohue completed the week-long Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship program from July 13-19 at Ten Chimneys, the National Historic Landmark estate of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in Genesee Depot, WI. Joining nine other actors, Donohue participated in an intensive class, focusing extensively on Shakespeare, with actress Lynn Redgrave, the first master teacher in the Fellowship Program.
Recently, Donohue responded to a few questions about his experience at Ten Chimneys.
What was the basic structure of the program, and what kind of content were you working with?
The week was built around 10 master acting classes, typically twice a day--morning and afternoon. They were led by Lynn Redgrave. Lynn quickly asked us all to think of her less like a "master teacher" and more like a "troupe leader." She put us all at ease with her beautiful open spirit and generosity. She created an atmosphere in which we could all do our best work--and work, as it turned out, that surprised us all in its depth and honesty. That's not an easy place to get to--especially in front of strangers. But we all quickly became very close to, and trusting of, each other. We shared a rare experience, unlike anything we had experienced before.
The week's classes were focused on working on scenes and speeches by William Shakespeare, though we spent one amazing morning working on Noel Coward's DESIGN FOR LIVING, a play written for the Lunts, and one they famously performed together with Coward. It was a fitting and hugely enjoyable morning speaking the words of that brilliant play on the grounds where Coward spent so much time with his dear friends, Alfred and Lynn. Also part of the week's itinerary included dinners together--most notably an unforgettable gourmet dinner in the Lunts' dining room--a private tour of Ten Chimneys, as well as personal free time to tour and take in the estate grounds on our own--enjoying anything from gardening in Alfred's garden, to reading by the swimming pool, to playing the Noel Coward piano.
Did you know any of the participants?
Of the nine other actors participating, I had only worked with one: the amazing Suzanne Bouchard. She and I did A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM together at Seattle Rep several years ago. Others I had either seen their work over the years or known of by reputation. I tell you, sitting in the same room with each one of them, and having the honor witnessing how each of them works on acting, was a rare privilege. I learned so much from each of them.
What did you hope to achieve when you entered the program and were you able to accomplish your goals?
Well, I went in hopes of finally learning the secret of acting, of course. Actually, I went with the intention of keeping my eyes and ears wide open, to set aside my fears as much as possible, and to learn from Lynn Redgrave and each of my fellow Fellows. What I feel I gained from them far exceeded my already high expectations. What I didn't quite fathom was how much the Ten Chimneys estate, itself, would play a living role in my experience. Ten Chimneys, aside from being the Lunts' home, was a place for artistic retreat--for the Lunts and for their close friends--people like Helen Hayes, Alexander Wollcott, Laurence Olivier, Noel Coward, Katherine Hepburn, to name a few. Modernist painter and set and costume designer Claggett Wilson stayed with the Lunts for two years, painting murals on many of the walls and ceilings throughout the estate. The Lunts home was a place for inspiration and rejuvenation. That was what this retreat was about, too. There is something alive about Ten Chimneys. It reverberates with that tradition even now.
What reservations did you have on entering it, and how did you work through those?
I didn't have any reservations about being a part of the Fellowship Program. I will say I was nervous about going. It was such a wonderful honor to be asked, and I immediately recognized it as a rare opportunity to learn more about acting. I was nervous about one thing mainly: I think I held a fear deep down inside that I wouldn't be able to inspire others with my own work in the way I anticipated others would inspire me. I wondered, the night before flying out to Wisconsin, if any of the other actors felt nervous about the upcoming week in the same way. I couldn't imagine that any of them were. But to my great glee, one of the first things that actor Lee Ernst said as we all stepped on to the shuttle bus to Ten Chimneys that first day was: "Is anyone else nervous? I am!" And each and every person happily chimed in: "I am too!" Including Lynn Redgrave. That not only broke the ice, but paved the way for an ever increasingly safe environment to work in.
What were two of your greatest challenges in the course of the program?
It can be tempting to hide behind the "flash and dazzle" of the actor's toolbox--to hide behind the familiar and the comfortable. Over the years, that can become a lazy pattern for performers. But working with Lynn, and surrounded by such skilled and accomplished actors, I think we were all aware that bringing anything but our most honest work to these classes was a ridiculous notion. Honesty is a currency these actors trade in all the time. They know the difference between revealing the character by revealing yourself through the work, and the cheap substitute that is usually born out of fear--fear of looking foolish, fear of failing, fear of being exposed as a fraud. That seems like it would be daunting, but each actor's work, in these master class sessions, was treated with such an overwhelmingly generous spirit that it didn't take long for us all to realize we were in a very safe, nurturing, and supportive working environment. A lot of amazing discoveries were made because of that.
Whats the greatest takeaway?
I walk away from the week inspired and rejuvenated about the work. I take away an invaluable perspective. I am both humbled by how much more there is to learn, as well as confident that my own work as an actor is valuable and important. And as important as anything, I step away with new colleagues and friends from Ten Chimneys who I will always hold close to my heart. The experience was a rare gift. And it was one I will never forget.
Can you share a story that captures the spirit of the week?
There is a story I shared with the audience during our Saturday night performance that might answer this question best for me. It was videotaped, and can be viewed on youtube.
Learn more about Dan Donohue here.
If you are interested in speaking with Dan to learn more about his experience, please contact Amy Richard.
All of the actors who were nominated for Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship have 20-plus years of experience as professional actors, are widely considered among the top actors in their community; and are widely respected by audiences, directors, and fellow actors for their talent, dedication to craft, attention to detail, and passionate pursuit of excellence. With the guidance of a National Advisory Council, Ten Chimneys Foundation selected these actors to be the inaugural Lunt-Fontanne Fellows.
SUZANNE BOUCHARD: Seattle Repertory Theatre (Seattle)
DAN DONOHUE: Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland)
LEE ERNST: Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Milwaukee)
MARY BETH FISHER: Goodman Theatre (Chicago)
JON GENTRY: Arizona Theatre Company (Phoenix and Tucson)
DONALD GRIFFIN: Alliance Theatre (Atlanta)
FRANCIS GUINAN: Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Chicago)
NAOMI JACOBSON: Arena Stage (Washington, D.C.)
KIM STAUNTON: Denver Center Theatre Company (Denver)
JACK WILLIS: American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco)
For more information about the Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program visit this website.
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