By Erin Weldon
Staff Writer
Playwright, director, producer, actor and screenwriter Luke Yankee has a resume that will blow anyone’s mind. The Mira Costa Drama Department is priveleged to have Yankee’s insightful direction for the fall play.
Yankee is the son of famous theater and movie actress Eileen Heckart, about whom he has written a book, entitled “Just Outside the Spotlight: Growing Up with Eileen Heckart.”
Having grown up in the performing arts business, Yankee developed an interest for entertainment at a young age. This interest soon grew into an exciting career.
“I think I was about six or seven years old when I realized not every kid sat around watching mommy on television. My mom was considered to be one of the greatest character actresses of her time,” Yankee said.
“She won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and she is in the Theatre Hall of Fame. She critiqued everything I did onstage starting from age 12, as if I were a professional.”
Yankee received training at higher institutions including the Juilliard School of Drama, New York University, USC School of Cinema and Television, Circle in the Square and Northwestern University.
His training has given him the necessary background to write scripts for shows including “Brothers & Sisters” and “Pushing Daisies.” He has also directed some of the Mira Costa Drama Department’s shows, including previous productions such as “Crazy for You” and “The Apple Tree.”
“I really like his work ethic because he wants to provide as much information as possible about the industry to students,” Mira Costa drama teacher Carol Mathews said.
Students feel that Yankee provides a motivation that enhances the actors and actresses’ experiences in productions.
They feel that he is consistently able to create an exciting atmosphere while providing his performers with direction and inspiration.
“I love the level of professionalism he brings to the shows. He is strict about rehearsal attire and learning lines, but at the same time he understands that the cast wants a fun and memorable experience,” senior drama student Kellianne Safarik said.
Many of the performers in the shows feel that inspiration in acting and improvisation is very important and essential. Yankee has been an inspiration to them because his vast experience helps bring the best out of their performances and allows them to improve as thespians.
“Yankee’s experience includes acting, directing and play writing, which makes him a well-rounded director,” Safarik said.
“He expects a lot from us, which helps us achieve success, but he also creates a fun and safe environment where we feel comfortable going out of our comfort zone and trying new things. He really has a vision for the show and will do anything to help us do the best we can.”
Yankee said he genuinely enjoys his passion for the performing arts and is glad to have a career that allows him to pursue his interests.
Considering the success of the previous plays that he has been involved in at Mira Costa, Yankee plans to bring his experience and knowledge from past productions to the upcoming production of “The Dining Room,” Mira Costa’s fall production.
“I love working with the students here at Mira Costa. This is the third play I have worked on at this school,” Yankee said. “There is definitely an energy and a vitality about working with young actors that makes me remember why I wanted to do this in the first place.”
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