Chicago Actor Simeon Henderson Directs First Play
A
star of Chicago stage and screen, Simeon Henderson, is now trying his
hand at directing. In the stage play The Best Thing That Happened To
Me, Henderson acts as producer, director and star. Needless to say, he
has high hopes for the touching, semi-autobiographical tale about a man
who’s trying to uncover his daughter’s true paternity.
–tbinns
What’s it like working as a director?
It’s good. Being an actor has helped me become a good director because
I can understand what the actors are feeling and going through. [This
knowledge] makes it better for me when I’m directing them. [I can
really] try to pull out the character.
What’s are the major differences between working as an actor and producing a project?
As an actor, you worry about learning your lines, getting into
character, and bringing forth the story. Now, I’m on the other end
where I have to worry about the “big picture.” [As a producer], I saw
some things I wanted to change. I saw things I wanted to make better.
Has your race affected your ability to get work?
Race hasn’t stopped me from doing anything I wanted to do. No matter
what the challenges were — no matter what the obstacles, I was going to
work hard to get through it.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors and directors?
I tell people to always dream. If you dream it that means you’re going
for something and see it. If you don’t have a dream, you have nothing
to reach for.
