Noah Marger, Director

Photo credit: Shortcake Photo

Noah Marger is a senior at Beaverton's Arts & Communication Magnet Academy (ACMA).  He is a writer, actor, and filmmaker, and is at least as funny as Jonah Hill. Coraline (Nov. 14-22) is his main stage directing debut.  His YouTube channel offers an informal window on his work and talent. Watch a couple of our favorites below:

AMORÉ, written & directed by Noah Marger

One Time, written & performed by Noah Marger

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

November 2014

The novel Coraline is prefaced with a quote by G.K. Chesterton that reads, “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

In early 2013, Scott Castner and Kelly Schenk approached me about joining the creative team for the stage adaptation of Coraline, and at that time it seemed so far out, but here we are now. Having directed only once before in our smaller Blue Box theatre, I knew from day one that everything would be a discovery. I would discover the show in a new way by watching what the actors brought to the show, I would discover what kind of director I strived to be, and what kind of director I actively tried to avoid being, but my biggest discovery of all came from the non-artistic aspect of theatre. It was the human part of managing time and energy on the thing that needed the most attention, or learning how to talk to people in different ways to clearly communicate my message. It was the people aspect that took the most getting used to. I was growing up in front of everybody, and instead of being on stage with a director guiding me through it all, I had to rely on myself.

Fortunately we had a cast of people whom I consider it an honor to work with. Everyone brought their hearts everyday, and as a director, that’s all you can ask for. Our crew stepped up big time as well, coming to Scott and I with new ideas, and always supporting the vision of the show. This show could’ve been a disaster. It could’ve been an indication to “the man” that students can’t handle main stage work by themselves, but as G.K. Chesterton said, “Fairy tales tell us dragons can be beaten.” Through my art, I grew, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you for supporting live theatre.

— Noah Marger
Director