How does the implementation of the design elements or pending implementation of design elements affect your work?
Having our rehearsal set pieces and the model and barbie-sized pieces to refer too and play with in rehearsal definitely help me with my understanding of our concept of Triumph. It is frequent (in my experience) that I have gone through a rehearsal process without having stand in pieces or rehearsal props and when I get to a show I don't have any idea how to work it into my performance. That being said, I feel that the presence of these things has definitely helped me feel more at home with my character and eases one of the woes I have about her. If I am comfortable with the stage, I'll be comfortable in my body and be able to focus more on my relationship to the other characters as opposed to the self-awareness of "am I using my pieces enough? Is this awkward?" etc. etc.
6 comments:
Ah, that was something that I was actually a baby bit concerned about; the self-awareness taking over. That's good that the show is being done in such a way that it won't be too much of a problem.
I've always found that once I start working on the finished set, it seems to bring an improvement in me. Same thing with costumes, actually- once I start working with my costume on, I tend to truly get into character. I guess it's just the evolution of the production goes along with the evolution of creating a character- each step for the production is a step for me as an actor. From memorizing lines, to using props, to putting on costumes/makeup, to using the real set, to dress rehearsal... every time something new happens, the excitement adds to my energy, focus, and character.
Just touching on something Addie said in her post about props and getting a chance to use them before you hit the stage; I think that is SO important. During Zorro last year, the girls and I that had to play Cantina singers (the more family friendly term for prostitutes in our show ;P) were given these HUGE feather boas to work with onstage during our first few scenes. We didn't get them til dress rehearsal week and we had no idea how to keep them from falling off our shoulders while we were taking down chairs and singing and wiping down tables...to even get those few extra rehearsals to work with props can help SO much!
It's definitely a huge advantage to have your props ahead of time. I think we need to be prepared to be in productions that aren't quite as professional and organized as the ones here at school, and I think if you ever find yourself in a situation where they're simply not going to give you your prop till later, I would just use something of my own, bring in something that is a similar size or shape, or if it's an easily found object, the actual prop itself e.g. a lighter or cigarettes.
I think besides practicing with props, knowing how to work and move in your costume is extremely important in how comfortable you feel onstage. I was in a show and I had to have a huge dress the whole time. Learning how to sit and walk around in only a week was very stressful. I remeber the first night or two of the show I was focusing on walking in my dress when I should have been focusing on other things!!
Shit, I haven't really been thinking about that, and I've got a train on my dress. I'm so screwed. Thanks, Kel.
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