The Time is Now has been quiet of late, as there has been nothing uplifting to report (aside from some fonting which I have not yet blogged). However, I am pleased to say that one such day has put some of the zing back.
As part of the ALPs production of The Taming of the Shrew (18 to 21 May), we were lucky enough to have a workshop given by voice and text coach to the RSC, Michael Corbidge. I had made the mistake of looking at clips online and it worried me that we would be made to run around the room and do things outside my comfort zone. But I was wrong and the clips were misleading. Mr Corbidge was a wonderfully down to earth, humorous man who we all warmed to. He has worked with loads of famous actors but he never once mentioned this and I didn't like to ask. He was passionate about what he did and his enthusiasm was infectious. He made no apologies for it and this made it easy to throw yourself into it all and not feel self conscious.
We began with a warm-up which involved warming up your body and voice. Possibly actors resist doing this but in fact we could feel the benefit once we had done it. It helps to throw off the worries and thoughts of the day, or yesterday, and then you can be focussed on what you are doing. We stood in a circle and did various movements and made various sounds but none of it felt silly as everyone was doing it and there was a purpose, plus it was as if we had been given permission to do these things so there was no need to feel daft. I quite enjoyed it anyway and afterwards it did help you to feel positive. Michael focussed on posture and the best way for your body to be for speaking - head up, eyes forward, jaw relaxed, and standing on the balls of your feet, the middle point, rather than leaning back or slouching in our normal habits. There was the image of being pulled up by a golden rope through the top of your head.
It was a full and intense day so don't expect me to remember everything but I will try to give you a flavour of what we did. We covered many things such as how words convey their meaning - for example try saying "plain Kate" and making plain sound exciting or interesting. Plain conveys its meaning in the sounds. Michael connected us to the language - something that made a huge difference to me - by saying don't be shy of enjoying the words, enjoy saying them - their consonants, their vowels. And actually, when you start to say every word clearly instead of swallowing it or hurrying it, you start to enjoy it. Shakespeare's language is great and that is one reason the plays have endured - and I'd forgotten that. I know that sounds mad. I have to confess I wasn't really feeling my parts as a servant and a fruit seller, and I wasn't feeling enthused about the humour of the play. But Michael brought me back in touch with what I have always loved at school and beyond: language. Words. And actually for me (maybe hormonal who can tell) it was quite emotional to reconnect.
It is amazing how much he helped us achieve in one day. He had various techniques to help people say their speeches, so the key characters in the play such as Kate and Petruchio, Gremio, Biondello, Lucentio and Tranio, all had a go at saying their speeches. Michael would suggest small changes and ask them to say it again. And then again, with another change, and so on. By the third or fourth time, the speech had been transformed into something much clearer, more engaging, more exciting. Michael helped us to think about the meaning of the words and to bring out the important words, like people's names or places in the opening speech of Lucentio, and the importance of pronouns - I, my, you, your etc. He did exercises to help people respond to what was being said, rather than just saying their line back. He also helped people to say things in a much more natural way - this was through doing something else at the same time, so Kate had to put on a huge pile of jumpers while she was speaking and we all had to give Gremio an item to hold when he was listing his riches. It was a surprisingly effective method: suddenly the speaker had two things to concentrate on and they began to speak in a more natural way so it did not sound like a recited speech. Gremio (Jules) was saying how his brain had been concentrating on the second thing so he was not worrying about the words so much.
There were so many things he touched on, like thinking about the way you say monosyllabic words, or polysyllabic words. And turning things on their head, like getting Petruchio and Kate to have their war of words but to be meaning "I love you" when they were saying it. And softening voices so that you had somewhere to go - higher and louder and more exciting, instead of coming in like that with nowhere to take it. How you have to respond to someone immediately (start thinking of it four or five words before rather than taking a breath and having a pause after their line), how to stop breathing out between lines but perhaps to use sound with breath instead. How not to be afraid of sounds or words. Someone in his past had advised him to think of a blind person, a deaf person and a foreign person sitting up in the gods and he had to make sure they understood the play, so you have to use visuals as well as your voice. A bit like TEFL teaching in fact where you use every means of communication.
Biondello had a long list of things to report which are supposed to be funny, but half the problem is the language now is things we don't understand, about horses and clothing. So he asked Marc to imagine he was a stand up comic live at the Apollo, to tell a funny story, and to put the speech into his own words. He then progressed to miming the story he was telling and it didn't matter that the words were strange because you got the sense from what he was doing. It was perfect for Marc because he never stops telling jokes - I had them all through Season's Greetings where he was my stage husband. So it was great to see him in this role - good casting.
So it was a very productive and positive day. Everyone enjoyed it and got something out of it. I am sure it is going to lift the rehearsals and the production. So do come along. I have now got a small role as a prostitute in one scene as well as fruit seller and servant. (It was bound to happen). For me, he came along just at the right time, after feeling rather demoralised about the job hunting. It gave me a lift and reminded me about what I love and what is important. Sometimes a person crosses your path who is full of enthusiasm and life and energy and it's infectious and they remind you of all the good things and give you a bit of zing back again and you remember actually you must never lose that passion, whatever it is you are passionate about. Fonts, chickens, language, whatever. And he keeps chickens, so what more do you need to know.
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Learning is fun
I can't remember what we did before the internet, I suppose we went to libraries, but it certainly is easy to learn about things now with information at your fingertips. I suppose I sound ancient now. But I have been enjoying my composer and country duo, I am up to the letter "I" now. For H, the country was Honduras, and I must say I was horrified to discover the state of this central American country. It somehow sounds exotic and like a holiday destination, Honduras, but it has the highest murder rate in the world and is far from a holiday hotspot. I had no idea but the cities are full of opposing gangs and terrible violence and everyone is getting killed including small children. If you look at google images, the gang members are identified by having lots of tattoos across their whole bodies, including faces - this might remind you of an advert. Honduras is where Kenco coffee are helping give people a future by training them to grow coffee, rather than become part of gangs. I was horrified at what I saw and read and felt very sad that it is in such a bad state. The country itself sounds lovely, with a rich diversity of wildlife, and so many bats! Bat paradise.
A similar thirst for knowledge - (and general thirst. I seem so dehydrated, don't know what that's about) - has taken hold of me at certain times. I was watching the last episode in series 2 of the Young Montalbano - who thought that anyone could replace Luca Zingaretti, but they have all done a good job. Montalbano was supposed to be joining his girlfriend on the mainland, but we all knew he wouldn't. It wasn't surprising to hear the characters saying to Salvo, "But won't you miss Sicily?" Everyone in Sicily was obsessed with it and couldn't envisage leaving (except one unusual student). But Salvo was all ready to go, and was driving to the airport, when you saw him stop at the turning and drive back to the town. When he got there, the streets were strangely empty, no one was about, but you could hear a radio or tv news report. It was the true story of when the judge Falcone was murdered by the mafia, by a bomb outside Palermo. All the characters were frozen, watching the news, in shock. It was a very powerful ending to the series and got me wanting to know more. I had heard about another judge, Borsellino, who worked with Falcone and was killed by the mafia just 57 days later. Why were they killed, because they opposed the mafia. Because they had put so many of them behind bars. I decided to read more about it all.... I read about many names who had worked against the mafia, either in the law or journalism, or whatever. Every sentence after someone's name went on to say "so and so was killed..." Everyone who had opposed the mafia had been murdered by them. Falcone and Borsellino's murders were a turning point and the people became angry that not enough was being done.
You may wonder why I didn't know all this before; I did read about them before, I am sure of it, but perhaps I didn't take it all in. But no one in Sicily would talk about the subject, not at all, so we stayed off it. I can see why now and I can understand why they're so insular and close ranks. The whole thing seems terribly complicated, of course and I'd not appreciated the links to New York before. But I was rather chilled to see a photo of one of the top bosses who is now in jail, who had that definite Sicilian look, whose eyes were so much like the eyes of my favourite student while I was out there. It was a bit weird; someone so vile reminding me of someone I'd liked so much.
What I don't like is how the mafia has been glamourised as if it is somehow cool; it is not. I could never understand at the time some of my fellow acquaintances' take on some of the people we came into contact with. All rather unpleasant.
A similar thirst for knowledge - (and general thirst. I seem so dehydrated, don't know what that's about) - has taken hold of me at certain times. I was watching the last episode in series 2 of the Young Montalbano - who thought that anyone could replace Luca Zingaretti, but they have all done a good job. Montalbano was supposed to be joining his girlfriend on the mainland, but we all knew he wouldn't. It wasn't surprising to hear the characters saying to Salvo, "But won't you miss Sicily?" Everyone in Sicily was obsessed with it and couldn't envisage leaving (except one unusual student). But Salvo was all ready to go, and was driving to the airport, when you saw him stop at the turning and drive back to the town. When he got there, the streets were strangely empty, no one was about, but you could hear a radio or tv news report. It was the true story of when the judge Falcone was murdered by the mafia, by a bomb outside Palermo. All the characters were frozen, watching the news, in shock. It was a very powerful ending to the series and got me wanting to know more. I had heard about another judge, Borsellino, who worked with Falcone and was killed by the mafia just 57 days later. Why were they killed, because they opposed the mafia. Because they had put so many of them behind bars. I decided to read more about it all.... I read about many names who had worked against the mafia, either in the law or journalism, or whatever. Every sentence after someone's name went on to say "so and so was killed..." Everyone who had opposed the mafia had been murdered by them. Falcone and Borsellino's murders were a turning point and the people became angry that not enough was being done.
You may wonder why I didn't know all this before; I did read about them before, I am sure of it, but perhaps I didn't take it all in. But no one in Sicily would talk about the subject, not at all, so we stayed off it. I can see why now and I can understand why they're so insular and close ranks. The whole thing seems terribly complicated, of course and I'd not appreciated the links to New York before. But I was rather chilled to see a photo of one of the top bosses who is now in jail, who had that definite Sicilian look, whose eyes were so much like the eyes of my favourite student while I was out there. It was a bit weird; someone so vile reminding me of someone I'd liked so much.
What I don't like is how the mafia has been glamourised as if it is somehow cool; it is not. I could never understand at the time some of my fellow acquaintances' take on some of the people we came into contact with. All rather unpleasant.
Monday, 22 February 2016
Composters and countries
Not been updating regularly which is very slack, given I have the time. A flurry of interviews has been and gone; some jobs don't turn out quite how you envisage them. I like to think that the right job is out there, but in fact any job might be quite good now just for some stability and routine (how exciting that sounds!) I enjoyed my temping with the Orders of St John Care Trust, it was such a mouthful for answering the phone, I had to read it off the letterhead every time. It wasn't exciting work but the people were lovely and it made the difference. I am now applying for another job I have seen with them.
Today I spent all the day to-ing and fro-ing asking a man for a person specification which the job guidelines said you must refer to when applying, but he said there wasn't one, so how are you supposed to write an application without really knowing what they are looking for. I guessed. It's the same stuff all the time anyway.
Each day (or so) I am looking up a new composer and country. Except I keep googling "composters" which comes up with links to B&Q. So far I've done Bach and Angola, Berlioz and Bolivia (looks stunning), Copland and Croatia (1000 islands!), Debussy (nice) and Dominica (fab parrot flag). Today was Elgar and El Salvador. Elgar, I didn't realise, lived near Worcester, went to Birmingham a lot, and ended up in the Malverns. All those times I was there, didn't even know. Suppose it doesn't matter. El Salvador doesn't sound like a good place to visit just yet: high number of volcanoes, earthquakes and high murder rate. It is interesting and I think it is high time I broadened my education.
That is it; no other news. I need to update the blog with our latest trip into Somerset, which was one of the weirder trips we have been on, but perseverance and determination finally paid off when we encountered a truly delightful wonky font, which has rapidly become one of my favourites (partly from the sheer relief of finding it after several false starts).
Today I spent all the day to-ing and fro-ing asking a man for a person specification which the job guidelines said you must refer to when applying, but he said there wasn't one, so how are you supposed to write an application without really knowing what they are looking for. I guessed. It's the same stuff all the time anyway.
Each day (or so) I am looking up a new composer and country. Except I keep googling "composters" which comes up with links to B&Q. So far I've done Bach and Angola, Berlioz and Bolivia (looks stunning), Copland and Croatia (1000 islands!), Debussy (nice) and Dominica (fab parrot flag). Today was Elgar and El Salvador. Elgar, I didn't realise, lived near Worcester, went to Birmingham a lot, and ended up in the Malverns. All those times I was there, didn't even know. Suppose it doesn't matter. El Salvador doesn't sound like a good place to visit just yet: high number of volcanoes, earthquakes and high murder rate. It is interesting and I think it is high time I broadened my education.
That is it; no other news. I need to update the blog with our latest trip into Somerset, which was one of the weirder trips we have been on, but perseverance and determination finally paid off when we encountered a truly delightful wonky font, which has rapidly become one of my favourites (partly from the sheer relief of finding it after several false starts).
Sunday, 7 February 2016
bits and pieces
Having not blogged for a while there should be lots to catch you up on, but in fact pretty much the same things have been going on. I have been doing my life modelling (fine, but standing in the same position is not easy after a while and it's surprising how your arm or whatever starts shaking). I have also been temping, which has been fine because the people in the office have been laid back and pleasant, which makes all the difference. I've had some interviews and this has helped me focus on what it is I want to do and what I don't want to do. I want, as far as I can, to find something which interests me and that does not include going back to what I purposefully left behind. Although it is tricky when you have to eat, etc.
I spoke to a very nice woman about becoming a volunteer for adults who need help with reading, so that would be good if I can start doing that. The idea is I can see if it suits me and if I really do want to continue working towards becoming a basic skills teacher. If so, I can investigate the course which starts in September. I was contacted by a TEFL school who said they had adult teaching but have offered me teens - not exactly what I was after so we will see.
In other news, the next ALPs production is under way, and this time I am taking a back seat as one of the ensemble, a fruit seller and was recently also given a couple of lines as a servant. So although I will not be needed in many rehearsals it is a way of keeping in touch with it all.
I have been writing a little bit about the churches we visit for Wiltshire Life magazine and hope this could be the start to many more such things. It reminded me how much fun we have going to these places and discovering the delights within. I hope the weather picks up soon so we can start going on Trips again and finding more of them, as there's nothing quite so good, really.
I spoke to a very nice woman about becoming a volunteer for adults who need help with reading, so that would be good if I can start doing that. The idea is I can see if it suits me and if I really do want to continue working towards becoming a basic skills teacher. If so, I can investigate the course which starts in September. I was contacted by a TEFL school who said they had adult teaching but have offered me teens - not exactly what I was after so we will see.
In other news, the next ALPs production is under way, and this time I am taking a back seat as one of the ensemble, a fruit seller and was recently also given a couple of lines as a servant. So although I will not be needed in many rehearsals it is a way of keeping in touch with it all.
I have been writing a little bit about the churches we visit for Wiltshire Life magazine and hope this could be the start to many more such things. It reminded me how much fun we have going to these places and discovering the delights within. I hope the weather picks up soon so we can start going on Trips again and finding more of them, as there's nothing quite so good, really.
Monday, 4 January 2016
Artistic leanings
Generally I hate New Year's Eve and New Year as I think, it's just another day, there's no real difference, but in fact it's a good point to take stock and to make plans for the future. As good a point as any. And in fact I feel quite positive coming into 2016. Even numbered years always sit better with me for some reason. But the main thing is to focus on the now, to keep the mindfulness spirit (which I will be able to do even better thanks to a cool Christmas present) and to continue to be nice to people and other creatures.
Today I began a role at Wiltshire College as a life model - needs must, you see, but in fact it wasn't as bad as you might think. The students are 16 and 17, taking a BTEC in art and design, so they are all keen and they were quite talented (despite the usual lack of confidence in your own work). I was made to feel at ease and despite feeling awkward initially in stripping off my robe, once I was up on my plinth it wasn't unlike being on stage. There was a little bit of the "look at me" thing going on and I must have an exhibitionist side that only comes out occasionally. They were mostly girls, only one boy and he seemed to cope with it fine. The thing is, they are all concentrating on their artwork so they're not even thinking about anything else. I had to stand in several poses for 5 minutes (just long enough for a raised arm to begin to get a bit pins and needly) and then two for 10 minutes, (basically just standing, although I swear I was wobbling a bit) and then got to lay down for 20 minutes, draped over a cushion concoction. This was fine by me. In all of them I tried to focus on the mindfulness breathing, which helped me to concentrate. I also liked listening to the different sounds of the materials on paper - charcoal, chalk, pen. It was soothing.
I wasn't perfectly still, I know, but I suppose wobbling a bit doesn't really affect what they were doing. I had a look at their drawings in between and I think they did a good job - no one made me look too fat (haha) and many of them were really good. It was interesting to see their interpretations of me. You could tell it was me. And I know how hard it is to draw (even stationary things) so I recognise their frustrations. The teacher was encouraging and it was interesting to hear what he was saying. It also felt useful to be helping them with their art. So despite maybe getting a little cold at the end, (although I did have heaters) I quite enjoyed myself. The most boring bit is the bus journey.
I realised I have little body awareness as the teacher shows me a slide of a pose and I really don't know if I'm adopting it or not - I can't convert that pose into what I do with my body. So I'm hoping I might become more aware of how I stand as time progresses. The last one was probably quite a sexily draped look but who knows.
Today I began a role at Wiltshire College as a life model - needs must, you see, but in fact it wasn't as bad as you might think. The students are 16 and 17, taking a BTEC in art and design, so they are all keen and they were quite talented (despite the usual lack of confidence in your own work). I was made to feel at ease and despite feeling awkward initially in stripping off my robe, once I was up on my plinth it wasn't unlike being on stage. There was a little bit of the "look at me" thing going on and I must have an exhibitionist side that only comes out occasionally. They were mostly girls, only one boy and he seemed to cope with it fine. The thing is, they are all concentrating on their artwork so they're not even thinking about anything else. I had to stand in several poses for 5 minutes (just long enough for a raised arm to begin to get a bit pins and needly) and then two for 10 minutes, (basically just standing, although I swear I was wobbling a bit) and then got to lay down for 20 minutes, draped over a cushion concoction. This was fine by me. In all of them I tried to focus on the mindfulness breathing, which helped me to concentrate. I also liked listening to the different sounds of the materials on paper - charcoal, chalk, pen. It was soothing.
I wasn't perfectly still, I know, but I suppose wobbling a bit doesn't really affect what they were doing. I had a look at their drawings in between and I think they did a good job - no one made me look too fat (haha) and many of them were really good. It was interesting to see their interpretations of me. You could tell it was me. And I know how hard it is to draw (even stationary things) so I recognise their frustrations. The teacher was encouraging and it was interesting to hear what he was saying. It also felt useful to be helping them with their art. So despite maybe getting a little cold at the end, (although I did have heaters) I quite enjoyed myself. The most boring bit is the bus journey.
I realised I have little body awareness as the teacher shows me a slide of a pose and I really don't know if I'm adopting it or not - I can't convert that pose into what I do with my body. So I'm hoping I might become more aware of how I stand as time progresses. The last one was probably quite a sexily draped look but who knows.
Monday, 7 December 2015
Show time!
I didn't know what to feel about performing in front of an audience, and naturally I was nervous. But actually having an audience there felt like it completed the whole thing; this was what we had been rehearsing for, all this time. I had been told, don't look at them, and that really helped as they aren't really there, outside Belinda's living room, are they, so you can't make eye contact. If you did, it would distract you.
We performed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and I think we all preferred Thursday and Friday night as the audience laughed the most and were most responsive. They were a good crowd and it was amazing to hear them laughing. You can hear everything in the dressing room so you can follow the play and know when to go on. This also means you can hear the audience chatting away before the play starts. Each scene starts/ends with "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" to give the crew time to change the scene. Now when we hear this we will always think of Season's Greetings. Hearing it meant feeling slightly more nervous as we knew we had to go on.
It's funny but although all of us knew our lines it was still useful to have the book with you to just check them and to follow the cues. I would take it with me to the door and look just to make sure I knew what I was going to say. I'd put it down then have to grab it again to double check. Losing your script around the back rooms was always a bit panicky.
But as I say actually having the audience there made such a difference and it kind of helped you perform better. I noticed it with some people and Clive (Jonathan) remarked on it with me, that I sounded more relaxed and into it. When I'd said most of my bit in scene 1, and I stay on to "watch tv", I was sitting there enjoying hearing the others do their part and I thought, this is great, being here surrounded by these people who I love being with, and we are all enjoying doing this play together. It was such a nice feeling.
Funny that once it started, the plays seemed to fly past so quickly. It is knackering because you have to concentrate and follow where you are all the time so you don't miss a cue or get confused. I had bits on and off in scene 1, then on until the end, then on at the start of scene 2 and a bit of a rest through the interval. Then straight on for scene 3, the party scene, which required so much concentration, and then back for Act 2 scene 1, the puppet show, which needed all our focus to get the passing of the pigs wrong (or right) and the bumping of the puppet theatre. I think Jules and I got there in the end and he was just wonderful with the pig voices. The audience loved it, thank god. I should think so too. And then 3 lines in scene 2 which was fine.
My family came along, which made me feel a bit more nervous initially, and they really enjoyed it which was brilliant. It was really nice to have people you knew in the audience.
Knowing how much work goes into it, it meant a lot to finally get that appreciation from people. It was very tiring but totally worth it. We had a lovely party together after the Saturday show and the Chairwoman presented us all with really nicely worded certificates to sum up our part in the show. To my surprise she also presented me with a little cup that goes to one person each show, for being a good team player, reliable, punctual, helpful etc. Richard said to me later, "director's choice", which was lovely. And happily he now knows how much we all think of him, as everyone said such nice things, but so well deserved. The chair remarked what a happy group we were, with no dramas, no arguments. It was true. Everyone got on really well and Richard kept us all happy, he worked so hard to bring everything together for his vision, making the puppets, the scenery, the puppet theatre, and the set. The others in the cast said that this show felt special to them because everyone had got on so well. It was lovely to relax together afterwards and we went down to theatre to see if we could smell the lavendar lady, the resident ghost, but nothing, thankfully. Maria did a hilarious impression of her.
The next day we had to go in to tidy up the green room for the next group, who barely waited 5 seconds til they were on that stage (bare and house-less, which was tragic). It didn't take long to clear up but no one wanted to leave, and we were standing around quoting lines at each other from the play. We've been doing this for weeks, as they come into normal conversation. No one else will get it, will they. So eventually we all said goodbye but I expect we'll see each other soon anyway as there are the next auditions that the Chair was trying to get people to audition for. And we have our Facebook page where Richard is putting up clips from the show, and we are sharing our thoughts. Everyone was so tired yesterday we just all fell asleep. I felt quite tired and emotional so took it easy. It is strange to think it is all over but it has been the most wonderful experience, I have been so lucky that this group of people were my first production as it's clear from what they said that we had something special. It did feel like a family and we spent so much time together. It is always nice to be part of a little group like that. Doesn't happen often but when it does it is a good feeling.
We performed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and I think we all preferred Thursday and Friday night as the audience laughed the most and were most responsive. They were a good crowd and it was amazing to hear them laughing. You can hear everything in the dressing room so you can follow the play and know when to go on. This also means you can hear the audience chatting away before the play starts. Each scene starts/ends with "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" to give the crew time to change the scene. Now when we hear this we will always think of Season's Greetings. Hearing it meant feeling slightly more nervous as we knew we had to go on.
It's funny but although all of us knew our lines it was still useful to have the book with you to just check them and to follow the cues. I would take it with me to the door and look just to make sure I knew what I was going to say. I'd put it down then have to grab it again to double check. Losing your script around the back rooms was always a bit panicky.
But as I say actually having the audience there made such a difference and it kind of helped you perform better. I noticed it with some people and Clive (Jonathan) remarked on it with me, that I sounded more relaxed and into it. When I'd said most of my bit in scene 1, and I stay on to "watch tv", I was sitting there enjoying hearing the others do their part and I thought, this is great, being here surrounded by these people who I love being with, and we are all enjoying doing this play together. It was such a nice feeling.
Funny that once it started, the plays seemed to fly past so quickly. It is knackering because you have to concentrate and follow where you are all the time so you don't miss a cue or get confused. I had bits on and off in scene 1, then on until the end, then on at the start of scene 2 and a bit of a rest through the interval. Then straight on for scene 3, the party scene, which required so much concentration, and then back for Act 2 scene 1, the puppet show, which needed all our focus to get the passing of the pigs wrong (or right) and the bumping of the puppet theatre. I think Jules and I got there in the end and he was just wonderful with the pig voices. The audience loved it, thank god. I should think so too. And then 3 lines in scene 2 which was fine.
My family came along, which made me feel a bit more nervous initially, and they really enjoyed it which was brilliant. It was really nice to have people you knew in the audience.
Knowing how much work goes into it, it meant a lot to finally get that appreciation from people. It was very tiring but totally worth it. We had a lovely party together after the Saturday show and the Chairwoman presented us all with really nicely worded certificates to sum up our part in the show. To my surprise she also presented me with a little cup that goes to one person each show, for being a good team player, reliable, punctual, helpful etc. Richard said to me later, "director's choice", which was lovely. And happily he now knows how much we all think of him, as everyone said such nice things, but so well deserved. The chair remarked what a happy group we were, with no dramas, no arguments. It was true. Everyone got on really well and Richard kept us all happy, he worked so hard to bring everything together for his vision, making the puppets, the scenery, the puppet theatre, and the set. The others in the cast said that this show felt special to them because everyone had got on so well. It was lovely to relax together afterwards and we went down to theatre to see if we could smell the lavendar lady, the resident ghost, but nothing, thankfully. Maria did a hilarious impression of her.
The next day we had to go in to tidy up the green room for the next group, who barely waited 5 seconds til they were on that stage (bare and house-less, which was tragic). It didn't take long to clear up but no one wanted to leave, and we were standing around quoting lines at each other from the play. We've been doing this for weeks, as they come into normal conversation. No one else will get it, will they. So eventually we all said goodbye but I expect we'll see each other soon anyway as there are the next auditions that the Chair was trying to get people to audition for. And we have our Facebook page where Richard is putting up clips from the show, and we are sharing our thoughts. Everyone was so tired yesterday we just all fell asleep. I felt quite tired and emotional so took it easy. It is strange to think it is all over but it has been the most wonderful experience, I have been so lucky that this group of people were my first production as it's clear from what they said that we had something special. It did feel like a family and we spent so much time together. It is always nice to be part of a little group like that. Doesn't happen often but when it does it is a good feeling.
last week of rehearsals
It's rather a shame that, having been so busy with the play over the last 2 weeks, I haven't had time to blog about it. As now I have to update everything after it's happened. But that's how it is, so it can't be helped.
Needless to say, the last 2 weeks of rehearsals flew by. From 22 November we had the theatre to ourselves so the set went up and slowly Belinda's house took shape before our very eyes. Richard is very clever and not only designed the set but built it too, and a few of us helped paint the walls and some bits and pieces on the Thursday. That was all good fun, knowing that we were helping to bring it all together. I feel Pattie and Belinda might have been the sorts who got on with the decorating rather than relying on Neville and Eddie. Richard can certainly be relied on though and decked out the whole house with cards and decorations, which I got in Poundland, and it looked fabulous.
Sunday before the performance week was our tech/dress rehearsal, so we were there a good few hours as the sounds and lighting were fitted to the play. It meant running through a few scenes a few times so we were all exhausted by the time we went home. Monday night was full dress rehearsal and Tuesday too. Something odd happened on Tuesday and I just gave the worse performance ever, forgetting whole lines, and getting in a muddle. But luckily that was still a practice and before the real thing.
We had all our things in the dressing rooms and green room and so the props and back stage crew were busy getting everything in place for us. They were very reliable and had a lot of props to deal with including bowls of mousse, jelly and plates of sandwiches. The stage manager, Lindsay, was very calm and that really helped us be calm too.
Needless to say, the last 2 weeks of rehearsals flew by. From 22 November we had the theatre to ourselves so the set went up and slowly Belinda's house took shape before our very eyes. Richard is very clever and not only designed the set but built it too, and a few of us helped paint the walls and some bits and pieces on the Thursday. That was all good fun, knowing that we were helping to bring it all together. I feel Pattie and Belinda might have been the sorts who got on with the decorating rather than relying on Neville and Eddie. Richard can certainly be relied on though and decked out the whole house with cards and decorations, which I got in Poundland, and it looked fabulous.
Sunday before the performance week was our tech/dress rehearsal, so we were there a good few hours as the sounds and lighting were fitted to the play. It meant running through a few scenes a few times so we were all exhausted by the time we went home. Monday night was full dress rehearsal and Tuesday too. Something odd happened on Tuesday and I just gave the worse performance ever, forgetting whole lines, and getting in a muddle. But luckily that was still a practice and before the real thing.
We had all our things in the dressing rooms and green room and so the props and back stage crew were busy getting everything in place for us. They were very reliable and had a lot of props to deal with including bowls of mousse, jelly and plates of sandwiches. The stage manager, Lindsay, was very calm and that really helped us be calm too.
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