You'd be right.

Slayden Scott Yarbrough, Third Rail's artistic director, has directed all the company's productions, and is smack in the the middle of bringing Craig Wright's "Grace" to life. The extent of his meticulous preparation is quite evident.

Covering the walls from floor to ceiling are printed quotes about God, faith, and religion, along with images of the cosmos and the Florida coastline. Each quote is a tough little nut, designed to provoke thoughts and questions.

Because the material is posted in the entryway, Slayden and the actors of "Grace" pass it over and over as they work on the play. Slayden recently shared some thoughts about his methodical madness.

"I look at it as a sushi menu of potential inspirations. 'Grace' could be more complex and layered than any show we've produced to date. It has so many underlying thematic currents: religion, faith, connections between people. Whenever I pass through there, I let one quote catch my eye. It helps reinforce some part of the story I may not have been focusing on."

Slayden believes that these printed thoughts and images serve the actors in a similar way. Though they may not affect a performance in any literal way, they have an effect on the actors at a subconcsious level. They help keep the actors "in the ballpark," even when they're taking their coffee breaks.

Plus, he says, it reassures his cast to see that he has mapped out the territory in advance of their arrival. Actors are sensitive, he says, "They can tell when you're winging it."

It's this sensitivity to his actors and this level of immersion in his work that makes Slayden's work stand out. It's what got him dubbed a "Difference Maker" by the Oregonian in their fall arts preview. And it's what will make "Grace" another astounding Third Rail production.

Third Rail's production of "Grace" by Craig Wright runs September 28 through October 27 at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural center, 5340 N. Interstate. Call 503-235-1101 for reservations, or purchase tickets at www.thirdrailrep.org.