VOLUME! ENERGY!!

If you know Mr. Monk, you know that "volume" and "energy" are probably the two most commonly heard words coming out of this man's mouth. You would also know that by being in his presence, you are consenting to his humorous judgement (and if you don't know him, you have been warned). But there is so much more to this director than just yelling and sarcasm. Did you know that he has been a theatre teacher since 1990 or that he was the director for not 30, not 60, but 73 Chantilly High School productions?

"The Front Page" marks his 74th production, and, as always, this show will fall nothing short of phenomenal, largely thanks to his directing. Although Mr. Monk does not have a degree in theatre (but a degree in history, if you're curious), there are few directors who could match his ability. Ask anyone within the Drama Department about his talent, and you will pretty much receive the same response.

"He has great ideas for the show and he's constantly giving the actors new ideas. It also helps that he's a ton of fun to be around!" remarked Claire Fogle, one of the stage managers. Similarly, Fiona Kisiday believes that Mr. Monk is "one of the most talented directors and one of the funniest teachers [she's] ever met."

If you want some credentials for his directing, just examine the number of Cappie nominations his shows have received. Last year's show "You Can't Take It With You" received 11 nominations, including the nomination for "Best Play".  But if you ask him how many nominations and wins he has received, he will honestly respond, "I don't know. I don't care about Cappie nominations. I care that we put on the best show possible." And he has made it very clear that in any aspect of the show, everyone should be putting forth their best effort, regardless of if there is a Cappie at stake.

His dedication is very apparent at rehearsals. In Vi Trinh's opinion, Mr. Monk is "brilliant and terrifying in the best way possible, and he is seldom appreciated as much as he should be. He has the best tolerance and patience of anyone [she] knows, despite often being yelled at." Besides all of this, he has a "wicked" sense of humor and this keeps rehearsals enjoyable and interesting. But he does put all effort into the production and takes his work very seriously.

So naturally, he is most excited about "seeing all of the hard work come to fruition." And although there is still a lot of work to be done by next week, including incessant corrections on volume and energy in addition to mistakes that literally fill entire notebooks, we all know the show will be spectacular.

Don't believe a word I just said? Come to the show. Believe everything I just said? Still come to the show.