It is hard to believe that week two is already coming to an end. A huge amount of work has been done and we still have a long way to go. In the theater we have gone through the entire play and figured out the basics of where the actors move and when. In the other rooms there has been some more detailed rehearsal of sections of song, dance and combat, all of which is beginning to come together into a cohesive whole.
Stage-Combat is another focus of mine as an instructor, and this play has quite a few battles. It has been fantastic to see how physically engaged the actors are in learning the basics of stage-combat. Even more important, there has been remarkable focus and co-operation in this work. Unlike an actual fight, when we create a combat sequence for the stage it is of the utmost importance that the actors take care of one another, taking responsibility for their partners safety. There is also a collaboration that takes place in the development of a stage fight; the actors and choreographer work together to create a safe and compelling sequence. The company has been consistently creative, engaged and compassionate in these workshops.
I am so impressed with the work the actors are doing with their characters. We are seeing new shapes, hearing new voices and having nuanced conversations about the inner lives of all sorts of creatures, from Elves to Goblins. There is a tremendous sense of commitment and willingness from the company and we will need all of that energy to tell this huge story! ~TALISH BARROW (DIRECTOR)
As always, week two has been exciting, challenging, and extremely productive! In my morning classes, students have continued work on articulation, vocal projection and diaphragmatic breathing. Students have begun to incorporate character analysis and studio technique into their Hobbit characters. They also learned basic choreography concepts including level, tempo, line, shape, space, pattern, canon and mood. The students are producing amazing work! In the afternoons we have created two more songs and the opening dance. The student musicians have been doing a fantastic job keeping up with the change and adjustments made through this creative process. Please get plenty of rest this weekend so we can jump into tech week with bundles of energy! ~TAMMY MOSCHEA (INSTRUCTOR)
Week Two is nearly over and we are working our tails off! Talish has roughly staged the entire play, yet of course there is so much to do to make the story telling clear, the stage fighting safe, the characters come to life, and the songs, chants and choreography fulfilled. In classes this week, I’ve been helping your kids find and develop performance skills in areas that build their awareness, kinetic response, range of motion, and ensemble timing. Using concepts of space-between, shape in space, use of time dynamic, and awareness of architecture and environment, we build fantastic and hugely entertaining improvisations that go way past the predictable “two people are waiting at a bus stop, and one of them has a suitcase….”. Students are developing keen listening skills and razor sharp focus. It’s exciting to see them invent and adventure, and interestingly enough, this process parallels Bilbo’s discovery of his bravery and unknown abilities. In rehearsal, I’ve been working on some of the staging of the chants and songs, and helping Talish however I can. The kids are getting to know, and learning to trust each other. They are also learning how hard we have to work, the critical importance of deepening work through repetition, and how rewarding it is when a group and individual effort finally pulls a moment, a scene, and eventually, the whole play, together.
~SUSAN FINQUE (INSTRUCTOR)
As stage manager, week 2 is a combination of coordinating students getting fitted with costumes by Monica and Sharon (our costumers) and communicating with our set and prop designer-Mike Lawler for our load in of the set. In addition, all cast member’s movements on stage, including entrances and exits are all recorded during the daily rehearsals. Students are learning which props they are responsible for along with care of costumes. Overall, students are putting all the pieces together for our final week. Parents, please remember to call me with any questions and/or concerns at 219-9115. ~JULIE WILKE (STAGE MANAGER)
