Closure

A GLORIOUS FAILURE
By Stacy Parker Joyce

I believe that theatre should be THE MOST AMAZING THING EVER or a GLORIOUS FAILURE. There should be nothing in between. And so I say with pride that my first foray into the world of online education was a most glorious failure. However, I still believe that this can be an interesting and useful way to provide an online option to class work in Acting, a subject that by its very nature requires personal interaction. I also think it CAN provide a peak into the world beyond the typical college student's small college town and connect them to artists all over the country, or even the world. This experience has simply illuminated some issues that must be addressed in order to move forward.

1. Student & Outside Artist commitment- I think my biggest problem was student and outside artist commitment to the project. The majority of students seemed very excited by the project at the outset, though there were some "what does this have to do with me" concerns (more on that later), and the guest artists seemed concerned about time commitment, but game to try, (though some ensemble members just flat out admitted they would not be participating because they do not enjoy communication through blogging. So the subject pool was more limited on that end from the outset). After deciding to apply for a grant and taking 8 hours of online courses on how to set up an experiment, I think I became too worried about having an "unpolluted subject pool". I didn't want to force anyone to do it. How could I measure if it was successful if I was forcing people to participate? Ah, BUT what I lost sight of is that in education we force students to do things for grades. I mean that's what they pay me the big bucks for. Do they WANT to do a research paper on Crime & Punishment in Elizabethan England? NO! Do they WANT to read a Chekhov play? NO! But I force them to do it. Some still hate it, but some are surprised to learn they find the task interesting and everyone learns something whether they want to or not. So, mistake #1 was not making the Blog (reading & commenting on it) mandatory for all students in my class. Now of course I can't dangle a grade over the head of the outside artists, but to ask them to commit their time to this project, time that many of them just do not have, without any kind of compensation was foolish. I should have waited to start the project until I secured funding to pay 5-6 guest artists to "work" the blog. Then, they would have additional motivation for continued participation and if they didn't participate, I would not feel bad at all harassing them to do so. I would hope EVENTUALLY students and guest artists would ENJOY doing this and not be worried about grade or pay, but this kind of commitment and connection takes time to foster and grow.
NEW PLAN: MANDATORY BLOG PARTICIPATION for STUDENTS, PAY for GUEST ARTISTS

2. Blog Content- When I first spoke to Michael Dailey (Assoc. Artistic Director at Strawdog) about this idea, it was literally "Hey, let's make a blog between your students and the company" "Yeah, that sounds fun!" And we thought that everyone would just, well, I don't know, talk...about...stuff...you know, whatever the people talk about on blogs. But then I took that flippin' online course and again I began to second guess myself. How can we gauge learning if there is no structure? What do I hope the students to learn? How can I make sure they DO learn and don't just talk about celebrity gossip and last night's episode of Project Runway? Now, I think the initial "Let's talk about, uh, stuff" plan was indeed too vague, however I think I went too far in the other direction and provided too much structure which turned many people off and made the Blog feel, to many, like a chore rather than something they would want to check and be a part of. And since it was wrapped up in the two shows each "company" was producing, I fear that those who were not a part of either of those productions were less inclined to be part of the blog even though my theory was that the productions were to just be a jumping off point for discussion. I think I needed to trust the students and guest artists to just TALK to each other about what is on their mind in a forum that is dedicated to emerging and existing theatre artists.
NEW PLAN: EVERYONE WILL BE INVITED TO POST. EVERYONE WILL BE INVITED TO COMMENT. I WILL TRY TO CHANGE TO A FORMAT THAT PROVIDES "TOPICS" that can be started and then people comment to those different topics. I guess this is considered a "forum" or "discussion board". (http://thelivingcanvas.com/tedforum/ or http://forums.televisionwithoutpity.com/ would be examples of formats to possibly try) AS MODERATOR/EDUCATOR I can start discussion threads on topics I hope the group to explore together, but ANYONE would be able to start their own discussion threads.

3. Personal Interaction- I had always hoped to bring together the students with the guest artists, live and in person, at some point during or after the project. Due to the timing of the grant I was applying for I knew I would have to wait and hopefully get money and then hopefully get the face time in late spring. However, I now believe that in the future I need to secure funding FIRST and BEGIN the project with some kind of Workshop or Panel Discussion so that everyone can meet face to face first and then move to the cyberworld.
NEW PLAN: GUEST ARTISTS WILL BE INVITED TO MSU FOR WORKSHOP OR PERFORMANCE PRIOR TO THE ON-LINE COMMUNITY GOING LIVE.

I continue to believe in the potential of this project and I look forward figuring out how to implement what I have learned from this experiment in future projects.

Geo's Post # 6

10 out of 12 hours of tech is always exhausting. I’m just thankful that I actually had tech stuff to do. I was a part of the process, it made me feel useful. All it took was for me to put some spike marks down and I felt like I was a part of the “real crew” team! No, really, I’m serious. This may sound lame, but not being able to help with tech worries me. This was the first show where I felt like I was in charge of where the set pieces need to be…so it was by duty and responsibility to get it done…..I was useful. Plus, I didn’t sit around on my butt doing nothing…that’s the worst part. I learned about the crap that crew members have to put up with from actors. Not only from the uber cast, but also from myself. There were some people, cast and crew alike, that drove me up the wall!! The things that people demand…and if you know me at all….that is not the way to approach me! I almost punched somebody…but I try to play nice. Then there was the subject of touching other’s props. Though, technically it wasn’t a prop, it was my CUE SHEET!!! Some idiot moved my cue sheet that had my flow chart on it. It took me almost half of the first act to find it. DON’T TOUCH OTHER’S STUFF!!!

Geo's Post #4

“How does the implementation of the design elements or pending implementation of design elements affect your work?” As an Uber crew member, this design is very conducive to the role that I play. I am one of the people responsible for moving the set pieces. And how I move them will affect the productivity of the show as a whole. So, I had to visit the set often in the shop while it was being built. I had to see how big it was and how fast I could move the pieces without it being dangerous. Another factor that played to this was the costume. The costume is always a challenge, especially the shoes. These things determine the way that you will ultimately move on stage. I do feel the worst for the girls. I couldn’t begin to imagine walking in heels and even breathing at the same time! On top of that, doing the other stage business. But, on a more character development side…it could be very helpful or not so wanted…
I remember doing a Footloose a couple of years ago. I played the leading character’s( Ren) uncle Wes. Now, in the script, there isn’t a specific reference to where this man works. So, I made that up for myself. Me thinking outside the box, decided that since I( a black male) was playing a character who lived in a small town(let’s be honest—there weren’t too many black people in this small town) should have a top notch job. So, Mr. Wes Warnicker was to be a consultant at some firm. When our design presentations were given, there was nothing that disagreed with that. Our costume designer came to the presentation with a collage of 80’s clothing from magazines. No specific costume for anyone. Then there was the actual fitting. I went into the room and there was a custodial jumper waiting for me with my name on it! Now, don’t get me wrong…there isn’t a thing wrong with being a custodian! But, there is something to be said when you’re doing a show like Footloose, that centers around a small town in Hickville, USA and the only black character just happens to be a custodian. Let’s just say that that changed a lot for the character I was building.

Post #6- Greg

After our respective Techtastic Weekends, Reflect on Tech. How did it go? What did you learn? Were you able to continue your own actor work while still being a part of the detailed, difficult process of folding all the technical elements into the production.

Technical rehearsal went well. I was scared at first because of the complexity of the show. But how can tech rehearsal go wrong with FIVE AMAZING UBER CREW MEMBERS! WOW! Is all if have to say. I am kind of jealous that I am not an uber crew member. They are a force. Don't fuck with them!

I learned to trust other actors onstage, even the ubercrew. I thought we were going to run out of time because the opening number took three tries if I am not mistaken! But we got through teching the WHOLE show AND got a run through in! I was able to work as an actor too. Stacy was totally right. She asked us to use the 10 of 12 as a rehearsal rather than a GOOF OFF. I am thrilled to be apart of this fun, new, and interesting idea! GO TRIUMPH!!!

PS. The phantom has yet to take me away to his underground liar! Thank heavens for Patricia, my bodyguard (aka. assistant trap door opener.) Holly and Patricia will ensure my safety! TAKE THAT COGER PHANTOM!

POST #7 That's a Wrap!- Greg

Well I am walking into the Triumph of Love a very proud man. It's weird, I am proud of my work, BUT I AM EVEN PROUDER OF THOSE WHO I SHARE THE STAGE WITH. Each one of the actors and ubercrew members has done magnificent work. It was amazing to watch my peers grow in one week! Each has done exceptional work.

Overall, this show has been troublesome, enlightening, fearful, romantic, and rewarding. I have learned a lot of things about myself as an actor and the true struggles one must go through. This experience has been rocky with the death of my grandmother and my sisters pending divorce, but I wouldn't change anything that happened for the world. The emotional energy that was taken from me was a lesson learned that no matter how realistic I may be, I need to look on the brighter side of life. After Triumph, I am taking a break and will be working for the rest of my days here in Springfield. Every Saturday, I am going to be collaborating with a superb dancer by the name of Sandra Lopez for her senior BFA concert! I can't wait.

The audience seems to really LOVE the show too. After talking to some friends, they really enjoyed the opening number, the closing number, the ubercrew, and everything as a whole. Two theatre goers have even said, "I think that has to be the best show I have ever seen put on a stage." What a compliment! I will be sad because the end of Triumph is near. However, I will be free to make some money from the current financial situation I am in! HAPPY TRIUMPH and BREAK A LEG RICHARD III CAST!

Post 7: And we wrap it all up!- Addie

Opening night jitters weren't nearly as bad as I expected them to be last night, although I was a little nervous about audience reaction. As we can track based on my previous posts, I was so worried about my character and her development into a true but larger than life person and the audience's response to it. The script itself, I feel, lacks appeal. Fortunately we have a wacky and wonderful director who wasn't afraid to take a risk and develop a concept for this show that is totally outside the box. And it worked! For the longest time, I would sit backstage and watch my peers doing their thing and think "this is brilliant." But then we didn't have anyone in the audience to respond to us, and I stated to worry we weren't going to be successful. Fortunately, I was wrong. Based on the reaction from our last night's audience, we are doing something right. Now my only concern is keeping the show consistent and honest to us and our rehearsal process instead of trying and playing to the audience. No matter what, this has been an incredible experience and I'm so thrilled to have been a part of it.

Post 6: Techtastic Addie

Triumph of LOVE- Technically, our show is a little bonkers. Luckily, we have 5 incredible cast members who act as our UberCrew. I feel that having cast five actors to work as a "well oiled machine" who have been in rehearsals since day one to fix, tweak and practice with our rehearsal set gave us a HUGE advantage at our 10/12 rehearsal. The looming set pieces didn't phase us at all, and I think it went ridiculously well. Having the advantage of no stress during the tech, I found it a great opportunity to continue my character work.