ALMetro360 July 2018

moved to change their behavior. Since drama sometimes can be so beguiling that we identify with those characters on the stage, we often feel that we have become part of them, and that we must help them reform. Schmidt has managed to captivate many of the busy bees work- ing on a daily basis in the ASF. Even Laurie Weil, Chair of the ASF Board confesses, “I’m one of Todd’s Groupies. He reminds me of the Happy Warrior, ready to do battle against the old, worn out, useless ideas which are no longer relevant.” When the conversation eventually spun around to the Artistic Director Rick Dildine’s plans to take the actors outside the building and do street theater, Todd was unreservedly enthusiastic. “I’m convinced there’ll be wide-spread support. This will be a neigh- borhood project when we all come together and everybody con- tributes. This kind of performance will stimulate self-expression because by its very nature it will break down the barriers which separate us. People will become more open and fearless; they’ll learn to trust each other.” 68 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com