I realize it has been quite a while since my last post, but the actual task of directing the show has had me a little busy...
In addition to directing, the company has me performing a series of other paperwork and company tasks that are creeping up on me, while overwhelming the process. While this show has been far more draining than I expected, we are well underway and move into partial runs next week. Some scenes are flying along beautifully, while others are causing quizzical looks on my face and holes in my brain on a daily basis. But, past experience reminds me that every show is different and challenges me in varying ways... and that it will all find it's feet eventually... perhaps, in a new way, so I know I have to be open and trust the new process I have to devise to resolve the challenges of this show. One day, I will use it on another production.
It is time to start developing the interlude scenes and add the music
to the show, as well as dealing with those naughty problem scenes that
are causing many a sleepless night (or high school related
nightmares...) so that is what we will be working on through this
week.
Much needs to be done and my focus will be on that. The group scenes are my main concern, as they contain people who have been to rehearsal so irregularly.
We are also still reveling in the 1920's setting and exploring the many changes that occurred in the world at that time. The Titanic already sank 9 years earlier, women are making great headway in the world, skirts are rising, music is becoming a little more upbeat, if not risque at times, and women are really starting to come into their own. Though the first world war is over, the Irish rebellion is gaining steam and starting to create warlike symptoms around the British Isles. What an exciting and scary time to live....
Of course, we have had our share of drama... but, we have had more than
our share of fun and amusement as the scenes are being developed and
begin to grow. Some scenes are stronger than others, with the group
scenes needing the most work. On the other hand, If I could remind one
or two members my cast of one thing, it would be to trust that the
vision will come together, but only if the few quit trying to change,
question and alter every aspect of concept that is given to you. If
there are too many unimportant ideas thrown into the mix, the important
things get lost. We do not want that. I won't allow that.
Shakespeare is universal and can be done in many settings and time
periods... not just the one you have in mind. I also want to remind
everyone not to overthink the tasks given to
you... these processes have been done scores of times before and do not
require the drama or excuses given to make it more difficult than it
actually is. I do love working in the educational and professional theatre arena, but
this regional theatre thing is still somewhat new to me. Now... Cast and Creative Headshots will be posted soon ... In the meantime, head over to facebook and LIKE the MUCH ADO Facebook Page for more immediate information and details on the show.
Incidentally, all photos shown in this blog have been taken by Lisa Bernheim, who is playing Margaret and is also my Student Director.