Friday night - good run through, last one before tech. Got drunk and watched series finale of Battlestar Galactica. (New drinking game - drink everytime someone says "Frak" or "Gods") I shall miss thee, last good show on scifi. What hast that network done? (Dumped all of its original shows to make crappy movies. For a title list, combine any random and evocative words. ie "Death Storm," "Dark Creatures," or, my personal favorite: "Ice Spiders.")
Saturday - NYC with M&C. Disappointed with Blithe Spirit. I had high expectations, I admit (I played Madame Arcati in high school) and some of Angela Lansbury's antics were delicious - but - well, er - SHE FORGOT HER LINES. Angela, frickin', Lansbury. And Rupert Everett was tiresome and dull - his sudden outrages transparent, his character unfocused. The pacing seemed off...there were some lovely moments, but it didn't seem to build. Sound cues got played early, and I didn't see any sort of relationship at all between Ruth and Charles to begin with....it felt very stale. The lighting was lovely - really nice interior and exterior looks. But it felt like a throwaway matinee, I'm really quite sorry to say.
Sunday - First tech! A long day, but went smoothly. Barrels successful! I can stop holding my breath about that one. I love my cast...love them love them. Thank you. Can't wait to get sound coordinated tonight (Erik arrives!) and see make-up. Costumes tomorrow. Good golly miss molly it's almost opening night - houston, we have a show!
Monday, March 23, 2009
"All the World's A-" "-shut up, Jacques."
Thursday's class was good - felt actorly, felt good in my clothes, energized. Unfortunately I think I went off script before I was ready and it really threw me off when we performed for the class. Ah well - good notes nonetheless, among which:
to play up the boyish/man-to-man-ness of Ganymede to Orlando
look for more instances of Rosalind's love/lust peeping through/getting the better of her
find more emotional connection/justify her browbeating - what is only teasing and what is in response to something Orlando says that truly gets at her? That she wants him to change for her?
physicality - what is Rosalind's impersonation of a man?
Excited to work but really lacking in time. Going to be tough to get the time I want to work with Justin with my hellish tech-week schedule. Also need to work on my monologue. Looks like many more late nights.
to play up the boyish/man-to-man-ness of Ganymede to Orlando
look for more instances of Rosalind's love/lust peeping through/getting the better of her
find more emotional connection/justify her browbeating - what is only teasing and what is in response to something Orlando says that truly gets at her? That she wants him to change for her?
physicality - what is Rosalind's impersonation of a man?
Excited to work but really lacking in time. Going to be tough to get the time I want to work with Justin with my hellish tech-week schedule. Also need to work on my monologue. Looks like many more late nights.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
See...Seen....SAW! (thank you, Nibs)
Quite a good weekend...some tough stuff, but also some relaxation. Run-through of R&G on Friday night, got some great feedback from Gus. Saturday I got some much-needed cleaning done in my apartment, hung out with Tom, and saw Last Train to Nibroc (Congratulations Bess! Such a great show!). It was very inspiring to see Shannon and Adam working, the two of them alone captivating the audience for an hour and a half. At the root of all our work, the two-person scene is the foundation (in improv, too) - you can't beat the intimacy and focused action of one person and another.
On Sunday I visited my grandfather George (he's not my biological grandfather, but he's been dating my grandmother for many years) in the nursing home. He had a stroke last year and had to go into care. Still hasn't regained use of his right arm and can't walk. Mentally he's still sharp and it is so difficult to see him in his tiny room or in the dining room full of people slumped down in their wheelchairs, being fed or staring off into space, working their mouths. We actually went to celebrate his birthday - he said, "I'm having a great day today." Which makes me feel just as sad as happy because today is an exception to the rule. I feel guilty that I can't get there more often. He and my nana were so active before his stroke - drove all over the place (she's 81!) from Massachusetts to Florida, visiting cousins and siblings, going to musical events (they love polka) and babysitting their great-grandson, my nephew Ian. My nana sees George every day, spending hours in his room or in the small sunroom at the front of the building. I think about them a lot...it is scary to get old in this world.
I'm geared up for this week - last one before tech! - gotta be on point and focused. Had a really productive rehearsal last night, went home exhausted (after improv and a late night waffle house run). Nine rehearsals left!
On Sunday I visited my grandfather George (he's not my biological grandfather, but he's been dating my grandmother for many years) in the nursing home. He had a stroke last year and had to go into care. Still hasn't regained use of his right arm and can't walk. Mentally he's still sharp and it is so difficult to see him in his tiny room or in the dining room full of people slumped down in their wheelchairs, being fed or staring off into space, working their mouths. We actually went to celebrate his birthday - he said, "I'm having a great day today." Which makes me feel just as sad as happy because today is an exception to the rule. I feel guilty that I can't get there more often. He and my nana were so active before his stroke - drove all over the place (she's 81!) from Massachusetts to Florida, visiting cousins and siblings, going to musical events (they love polka) and babysitting their great-grandson, my nephew Ian. My nana sees George every day, spending hours in his room or in the small sunroom at the front of the building. I think about them a lot...it is scary to get old in this world.
I'm geared up for this week - last one before tech! - gotta be on point and focused. Had a really productive rehearsal last night, went home exhausted (after improv and a late night waffle house run). Nine rehearsals left!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Cry your mercy, couldst thou tighten my corset strings?
What, ho!
Class today was fun. Felt like we did quite a lot of those greetings/dismissals/common phrase things - they all started to blend together. The group sort of adopts a standard cadence and it's easy to forget the intent of the things we're saying - or rather, not to be cornballs about it.
Curtsy and bow instruction exciting - I like learning things like that. Makes me miss dancing...I did the whole dance-class thing when I was a tot, but they beat the joy out of it for me and point shoes hurt too badly. Wish I had taken it up at another studio....forsooth!
I'm quite excited to have been assigned the Rosalind/Orlando scene - it's the one I really wanted to do. The monologue also looks fun. Happy to be working with Justin again, I really enjoyed playing Kate to his Petruchio in Acting Shakespeare.
I will really miss this class when it's over. What better way to spend your time than playing with all of your friends? And lunch at the Bistro afterward? So lovely. This semester is just rushing by....
I will write to you anon. Ere I part, remember thee this: NIBS debuts in but a short day! Break thy legs!
Class today was fun. Felt like we did quite a lot of those greetings/dismissals/common phrase things - they all started to blend together. The group sort of adopts a standard cadence and it's easy to forget the intent of the things we're saying - or rather, not to be cornballs about it.
Curtsy and bow instruction exciting - I like learning things like that. Makes me miss dancing...I did the whole dance-class thing when I was a tot, but they beat the joy out of it for me and point shoes hurt too badly. Wish I had taken it up at another studio....forsooth!
I'm quite excited to have been assigned the Rosalind/Orlando scene - it's the one I really wanted to do. The monologue also looks fun. Happy to be working with Justin again, I really enjoyed playing Kate to his Petruchio in Acting Shakespeare.
I will really miss this class when it's over. What better way to spend your time than playing with all of your friends? And lunch at the Bistro afterward? So lovely. This semester is just rushing by....
I will write to you anon. Ere I part, remember thee this: NIBS debuts in but a short day! Break thy legs!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
As I DO Like It, Very Much Indeed
SHAKESPEARE!
At first I was lukewarm about working on As You Like It - I had seen a lukewarm production of it years ago and everyone else seemed to feel similarly - but reading it convinced me otherwise. I'm a big devotee of Harold Bloom, and his "The Invention of the Human" is my go-to book for Shakespeare's plays. I agree with his assessment of Rosalind as stunningly central to this play, even untouched by dramatic irony in that she really seems to know as much as we do - probably more. She deserves better than Orlando - he is hardly her equal - but she wants him and she gets him. She is more masterful and poised than even the play's fool, for whom Shakespeare usually reserves the most piercing observation and clever articulation. She should prove a great challenge and I hope I have a chance to play her.
This play is probably the happiest and most gentle of his plays - most things truly are as we would like it - a cottage in the woods, a band of merry men, love notes on trees and playing pretend...I'd like to live in this world where all malcontents repent and recant and where love flourishes among the trees.
At first I was lukewarm about working on As You Like It - I had seen a lukewarm production of it years ago and everyone else seemed to feel similarly - but reading it convinced me otherwise. I'm a big devotee of Harold Bloom, and his "The Invention of the Human" is my go-to book for Shakespeare's plays. I agree with his assessment of Rosalind as stunningly central to this play, even untouched by dramatic irony in that she really seems to know as much as we do - probably more. She deserves better than Orlando - he is hardly her equal - but she wants him and she gets him. She is more masterful and poised than even the play's fool, for whom Shakespeare usually reserves the most piercing observation and clever articulation. She should prove a great challenge and I hope I have a chance to play her.
This play is probably the happiest and most gentle of his plays - most things truly are as we would like it - a cottage in the woods, a band of merry men, love notes on trees and playing pretend...I'd like to live in this world where all malcontents repent and recant and where love flourishes among the trees.
Spring Break-throughs
Spring Break catch-up....
Felt like I was just as busy with all the stuff I had going on at home - family birthdays, appointments, my car breaking down (again), going to NY - as I was at school. Nevertheless, it was good to get some time out of rehearsal to think through some things. Had a great conversation with Gus on Monday that helped me refocus on big picture stuff. The run-through on Monday night went really well, I saw a lot of readjustments in response to my emailed notes. Afterward I gave a whole ton o' notes to Justin and Tim, which was a bit overwhelming but I think they absorbed the big ideas. Worked on music last night with the tragedians, very excited about getting that on its feet.
Harold Night at UCB was just fantastic. Standing in the cold for two hours...not so much. Must get reservations much further in advance next time....I'm so glad it's becoming so popular - quite exciting to be a part of this blossoming phenomenon. Improv with the Hobo Army is back in business (we got distracted and somewhat off course the last few weeks - hadn't met for a while before Monday) but we had nine (9!) improvisers there at our last meeting. (I remember struggling by with five of us for weeks and weeks last year!) The festival plans are coming along - PHIT has agreed to what we're able to pay them, and they're sending two teams - Activity Book and Illegal Refill - to the festival to teach workshops and perform.
All in all....feeling good, moving forward....having fun!
Felt like I was just as busy with all the stuff I had going on at home - family birthdays, appointments, my car breaking down (again), going to NY - as I was at school. Nevertheless, it was good to get some time out of rehearsal to think through some things. Had a great conversation with Gus on Monday that helped me refocus on big picture stuff. The run-through on Monday night went really well, I saw a lot of readjustments in response to my emailed notes. Afterward I gave a whole ton o' notes to Justin and Tim, which was a bit overwhelming but I think they absorbed the big ideas. Worked on music last night with the tragedians, very excited about getting that on its feet.
Harold Night at UCB was just fantastic. Standing in the cold for two hours...not so much. Must get reservations much further in advance next time....I'm so glad it's becoming so popular - quite exciting to be a part of this blossoming phenomenon. Improv with the Hobo Army is back in business (we got distracted and somewhat off course the last few weeks - hadn't met for a while before Monday) but we had nine (9!) improvisers there at our last meeting. (I remember struggling by with five of us for weeks and weeks last year!) The festival plans are coming along - PHIT has agreed to what we're able to pay them, and they're sending two teams - Activity Book and Illegal Refill - to the festival to teach workshops and perform.
All in all....feeling good, moving forward....having fun!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Goodbye, Greece
I'm sad to be done with the Greeks. I'd love to do more and to do other plays. Some comedies, too. I mostly wish I hadn't been sick for such a big chunk of our Greek time - my voice was frequently not up to the immense challenge. But all in all, I was very satisfied with our performance. Despite costume malfunctions (Electra XXX!) I was very in-the-moment, made a real connection with Alex and felt pretty empowered. To copy Bess --->
Alex: It was a pleasure to be your partner and I appreciated your work ethic. I felt you growing in the scene the more we worked together, and I felt we had some really special moments especially on performance day.
Katherine: You broke through some emotional boundaries in yourself with this scene, I think. I can always count on you to be in control and prepared when you are on stage - this time you needed to let go of some of that control, and you did.
Justin: I saw major evolutions in your monologue between each of the times we saw it. You were masterful with your garment, and found a great balance between using it and breaking free of it. You painted wonderful visual images, picked your moments for emotional connection, and looked fierce.
Michelle: You made wonderful progress since the beginning of your work. You got much more grounded and less conscious of your audience. You made me see new sides of Clytemnestra and found a great strength in your physical movements - your arms moved deliberately and you made some fantastic stage pictures.
Katie: I've never seen you do anything so dramatic before and you rocked it. I was very impressed by your unleased emotion and strong physical choices. Your voice was powerful and your breath engaged. (On a side note - your player at Friday's run through made some great progress! Very confident and delightfully sleazy!)
Bess: You did it! I know a monologue wasn't your first choice, but you did the work and it paid off. There were some big aha! moments where your body, your voice and your emotion clicked in and really resonated. Congratulations.
Love you guys! Hope you have great spring breaks (I'll see some of you for our trip to the big apple tomorrow) and come back relaxed and refreshed!
Alex: It was a pleasure to be your partner and I appreciated your work ethic. I felt you growing in the scene the more we worked together, and I felt we had some really special moments especially on performance day.
Katherine: You broke through some emotional boundaries in yourself with this scene, I think. I can always count on you to be in control and prepared when you are on stage - this time you needed to let go of some of that control, and you did.
Justin: I saw major evolutions in your monologue between each of the times we saw it. You were masterful with your garment, and found a great balance between using it and breaking free of it. You painted wonderful visual images, picked your moments for emotional connection, and looked fierce.
Michelle: You made wonderful progress since the beginning of your work. You got much more grounded and less conscious of your audience. You made me see new sides of Clytemnestra and found a great strength in your physical movements - your arms moved deliberately and you made some fantastic stage pictures.
Katie: I've never seen you do anything so dramatic before and you rocked it. I was very impressed by your unleased emotion and strong physical choices. Your voice was powerful and your breath engaged. (On a side note - your player at Friday's run through made some great progress! Very confident and delightfully sleazy!)
Bess: You did it! I know a monologue wasn't your first choice, but you did the work and it paid off. There were some big aha! moments where your body, your voice and your emotion clicked in and really resonated. Congratulations.
Love you guys! Hope you have great spring breaks (I'll see some of you for our trip to the big apple tomorrow) and come back relaxed and refreshed!
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