Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Sadness, Accomplishment, Development

Howdy,

Tonight was the closing night of the run at Clark. It went wonderfully. All four performances were full. The audience responded to everything. They were fully engaged from point one - according to Kate Rafey. The actors said the play continued to grow. I'm going to write about that in a moment...but before tonight's final performance on the blog was the most generous comment from Jewdee - it's from a posting two days ago - and you have to read it. It confirmed from experience everything that Leah, Jamie D, Scott, and myself have been aiming for in the character of Ruthie. I wish I had these words for rehearsal because they so accurately describe what we are striving for - from experience. When I read it I was stroke by the generosity of spirit Jewdee has in sharing her insight. Then I was upset because I wanted to apply this information, apply it better, if possible. And then I realized this blog is part of the development process. This information Jewdee shared with us all will be here for as long as the blog is here...and is a reference point for every production that happens of this play. And that in itself is incredibly valuable...and for that not only do I thank Jewdee, but Trevor at LAByrinth for suggesting the blog for the process.

At 11:15PM tonight I finally called Kate Rafey (best collegiate stage manager ever) and learned she was sad that it was over. "It should still keep running. The actors are still growing..and it's so good." Dan's mom came a second time and thought it was better. And Dan is anxious to apply what he has learned to his next project...which may be some Shanley short plays (keeping it in the LAB family) and Leah doesn't want it to end. Which of course it's not going to. The play will get done again. Hopefully in New York. But in the conversation about their growth in this process, it was heart warming to hear about the sadness that they were feeling. Sad, not because they were going to miss each other, or the magical bond of the play, but a sadness that tends to be mixed evenly with pride. Proud of what you have done, and a feeling that sits deep within you...yearns to be recognized - and even when it is...wants more than anything to be sustained. In your next project, the continuation of this project...in some way...wanting to be recognized for doing something extraordinary. And everyone involved in the Clark production of Sweet Storm is feeling that contradiction that sits in the title - they are sad that this lag of the journey has ended but they are very proud of how far they came. And so am I. The play is stronger and better for everything that Kate Rafey, Dan Derks, and Leah Henoch brought to it. Thank you.

Goodnight,
Padraic

Monday, December 8, 2008

Development from afar or Love is in the Air

Howdy,

When I remounted The Dirty Talk with Kevin and Sidney - I remember talking about at rehearsal that it is a privilege to be able to revisit a play you love. Once in a decade type of an event in a career. It is actually a fourth in a lifetime event for me with Sweet Storm. This is the first revisit I've had with a different cast - but it is equally as special. And what makes it special is the investment everyone puts into the play. This play demands it - because it's about allowing us to be loved and to love. And you can't do that half assed. As I mentioned I could only see the first performance at Clark. Mainly because I had committed to get back to the LAByrinth Master Classes on Sunday and Monday - and you can't get from Worcester to NYC very easily - so I had to return Saturday morning. I have been honored the last two nights to get a call from the stage manager, Kate Rafey (the best college stage manager ever) and Dan and Leah - both nights reporting on the growth of the play and setting goals for tomorrow's performance. Goals of growth. And it really reminds me of the three performances we did at The Public with Jamie D. and Eric T. because in each of those we pushed for growth. And each show got better and better - and it sounds like that is happening in Clark as well.

A valuable lesson was learned by both actors tonight. Saturday's prep was so good and so strong...that they set new goals and made the assumption that there prep would be there because it was there last night. Something they won't do Monday because they both realized they still have to do the prep to realize the early moments of the play. At the same time they knew it wasn't as strong and they put the focus on the other and trusted them, invested in them, and as Kate Rafey texted me...'the actors were good'.
I love getting the calls at night to hear how it went, and what they want to strengthen tomorrow. I love that they care about the play as much as I do, and Jamie, Eric, Jessica, Lea, Betsy, Sarah, Martin and all do.
My quote of the night comes from Dan (Bo)- "It's amazing we are able to approach each performance as an opportunity of growth. Usually you're going on stage trying to make up for things you didn't get to in the process. Here we're not trying to catch up, we're trying to add to it. And make it more specific. And that's really cool."
That's the feckin' spirit of LAByrinth if I ever heard it.

Goodnight,
Padraic

Saturday, December 6, 2008

UP and UP

Howdy,

The production/workshop at Clark is up and running. It opened last night and was tremendous. The actors really are giving it their all and is a lovely piece for young actors. The one thing that is great about Sweet Storm is it holds what ever ability you have and supports that story. But as the actors get more specific and go deeper - it will tell that story too. And from all reports the second night...which I missed. We rehearsed today at noon, working a few points, mainly finding points of release for Ruthie, where she doesn't have to hold back. She found them. And from all reports it went even better today than yesterday. Which is all anyone can ask. Both actors called me seperately after the show to say how good the other actor was. That was fantastic. Also, Leah pointed out the feeling in the beginning of the play of the audience thinking Bo is so nice and that Ruthie is a little whiney helped her because that energy - she realized is probably what happens to these characters in real life. Bo is considered great for marrying and caring for a sick girl, and she doesn't appear grateful enough. I liked hearing it as an acting tool...and as an accurate journey the audience goes on with the two of them.

One note for the next full production - Clark got fake gardenias...and boy those are impressive flowers. It makes the whole room look fuller and about the burst. At Clark we had a similiar set as at The Public but with interesting flats and the stage was raised a foot off the ground. We were able to convey the idea of height and climbing into the tree house. Still no trapdoor - but the elevation was realized. And it does help tell the story.

I hope the play happens in NYC - and that the Clark team gets to meet the NYC team. I know the Leah, Dan, and Kate Rafey - the stage manager - would love it.

Goodnight,
Padraic

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The value in working slow

Howdy,

I wish this workshop at Clark was happening in the NYC so everyone could see it. Obviously, Jamie Dunn and Eric T. Miller were brilliant. But these two students - Leah and Dan are knocking it out. Really growing every day and doing all they can to bring these two to life. It is a treat to work with them. I've learned a lot about the play, the need for an astute sharp eye, and the basics of acting - the stakes are invested in the other person. That btw was a great reminder from a conversation with Charles Goforth.

My Quick findings:
Both characters are in a similar place of status to one another.
If each is trying to be worthy (in some form or another) of the other's love it keeps it very active and the stakes are always present.
If Ruthie is investing in Bo getting what he deserves...it makes her less 'spoiled' as it were. It takes away from her dissappointment it makes it more about her love for him and she becomes much more sympathetic. (By much more - I mean a tremendous amount to the subtle eye of someone who knows the play really well - but it's better.)
It seems obvious that the stakes reside in the other person...but it does take working with students to remind you of the obvious so that to ensure that the emotions of self identifying pain of Ruthie's is grounded - or more empathetic.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this effects the rehearsals and discoveries when we go back to work on the play in NYC this Spring. Stay tuned for more information.

Goodnight,
Padraic

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

God is in the details

Howdy,

I was invited to Clark to work on this play with students because my friend who teaches here saw the presentation at The Public LAB series in June. I realize now that our designers were so good, so good, that he didn't realize how hard the play is. By that I mean...where are you going to get 50 gardenias, and these sound cues, and wait...the clothes get chocolate on them every night, and she has to change clothes on stage? I mention all of this because our designers were so good that few people noticed all the detail in finding the right dress, the right nightgown, the right pair of boxers...all of it. Because working with students in a 'workshop' no one is specifically in charge of anything. So, the phrase I keep repeating is "Yes, the clothes are simple, but they have to be specific." You can substitute the word 'clothes' with any other that applies to the play.
I'm not complaining - just grateful for the efforts of others.

Also, I'm watching the specifics of the actors, and how lazer specific the internal life needs to be great in a play. Pushing Leah - the actress playing Ruthie to get specific when Bo is pushing her to tell him what she wants...In trying to get her to name the one thing that would make her happy...She named being able to 'successfully' consummate the marriage. And it took a while to get that answer, I didn't know it was the answer - I actually thought the answer was " I don't know" but wanted to push so she could feel the frustration of not knowing...but when that answer came out, it helped to clarify how she is listening. It also made the stakes and fears specific for her. And I realized, yes, when I don't know...there is always a specific tartget of need, want, or fear...and that specificness is what makes the behavior in acting exciting and engaging.

Scott's rewrite is great. It took the actors a couple of days to make it not jarring to my ear to hear something new. And now that have a sense of ownership of it...the change is very powerful. That Scott Hudson is a feckin' good writer.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Continuous Learning

Howdy,

What is great about taking a play back into development, and with new actors, is you hear it differently. Working with Leah and Dan at Clark - I've heard some of the levels of humor and friendship that need to be a little more present in the play. Also, I'm learning about the specifics of love, what is it exactly these two individuals get from the other - in just their relationship. Just by knowing and being with the other that they get from no other. Watching these two young actors discuss that with each other today really deepened how specific this relationship, well probably every relationship is, but specifically this one for the play - how their interactions inform their relationship to the world and the journey. (I'm leaving the word journey in the blog...it seems less specific than I want to be but for now - it stays.)
This play is wonderful to work on with students - because it works with what ever level of specificness you are capable of achieving in action and emotion. The deeper and more specific work you do the stronger the play. It can support you and you learn - and expand with the actor. Also, it forces you to keep learning and growing. I saw Jamie at the LAB party last night - and she said she still is stopped in the middle of doing something with an "Aha" moment about a moment in SWEET STORM.
those "Aha" moments make it a great play to work on with young actors.
Okay - I'm hoping to keep this blog up. I hope to learn more about the development process - if not of the play, maybe of actors and directors.

Goodnight,
Padraic

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Life after the Summer Winds

Howdy,

I am in LAByrinth's off speaking with Trevor, who began the idea of blogging for the Play Development Process of the Public LAB presentation of SWEET STORM, and we were talking about the value of the blog in all of our Development or Production Processes. And well - I'm a fan. I love sharing the process with you - whomever you are, because I think the process of creating a play is challenging and should never be done alone. And sharing my experience with you - makes me understand it better, and possibly for those of you venturing into your own process reading these postings will give you comfort in your process. And for the voyeur or fan who is just curious what's happening with this play...hey good to see you again.

Two things happening with Scott Hudson's SWEET STORM. The first is after seeing the play at the Public LAB in June Clark University invited me up to work on the play with their students. We are doing a presentation with the similar level of tech as the Public LAB. It is more of a workshop for the actors. Who, thus far, are great. Leah and Dan are playing Ruthie and Bo. They are meeting every challenge and working as hard as they can. And they love the play. I also have the fortune of a brilliant post grad stage manager - Kate who is holding the tree house together as I commute to Worcester, MA and NYC. We are doing the presentations in a wonderful rehearsal room with a giant tree blowing outside the window. We are hoping to light this tree for our presentation - hopefully the wind and rain will be there too. For more details - I will share as they come.
Oh - and Scott added some text that we are trying out. So far so good.

Second piece of news: there is a theater company in New York interested in producing the play in the Spring of '09. It is still in the discussion phase as of now - so I won't mention the Company involved. But I will say that their interest stems from seeing the Public LAB presentation as well - and that they thought the play was beautiful and about the risk involved in allowing another person to love you. And the absence of cynism - was not only heart warming, but also a little threatening - and something that the world should experience today. All of that was lovely.

Now that Trevor has jogged my memory of the blogging - I'll keep you posted about the Clark Presentation, and any news on the possible Spring Production.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Follow Up

Howdy,

Hope all had a lovely 4th of July weekend. I didn't want to post because I love the picture of the company that worked on the production being the last shot on the blog. But then I realized eventually there would be other posts - so might as well go now. Also, Scott and I had a very productive follow up conversation on Thursday regarding the play and the process. Thank you to all of the comments, on the blog and in person. We really talked about - maybe this is directing and acting thought - but we talked about how when Ruthie really captures the Southern sweet girl she was before getting Polio - it really taps into the struggle she is facing as she confronts the negativity she is allowing to creep in. We also discussed with the wonderful detail work Eric T. and Jamie D. were doing, it allowed us to focus on the behavior of their relationship before the illness. I look forward to incorporating more of that work in any future productions. Also, Scott and I discussed the value of naming the illness, polio, in the play - it would have to organic and not expositional, but we don't want people guessing...for too long about what happened to Ruthie. That was a very useful note from the blog. Thank you for that.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The Cast and Crew!

Here's the team for Sweet Storm (not the whole team, but everyone present), assembled after the dress rehearsal, Thursday 6/19/08.


From left to right: Carly Whitaker (our Assistant Scenic Designer from Bennington), Sarah Sidman (one of LAB's fantastic Lighting Designers), Jamie Dunn (the one and only Ruthie), Jessica J. Felix (our tremendous Stage Manager), Eric T. Miller (the one and only Bo), Padraic our fine director, Martin Andrew (Scenic Designer), the playwright himself Scott Hudson, Elizabeth Rhodes (one of LAB's great Sound Designers), Lauren Lopez (production assistant extraordinaire), David Jackson (Assistant Director - and a genius with his own company, Impetuous Theater), and Becky Harris (our other Production Assistant extraordinaire).

Beautiful Photo by Thom Kaine.

Production Photos 3

Here's my favorite: Jamie Dunn and Eric T. Miller, photo by Thom Kaine.

Production Photos 2

The second batch: Jamie Dunn and Eric T. Miller. Photos by the great Thom Kaine.






Production Photos 1

Here are the first of the production photos! Thom Kaine took these shots at the dress rehearsal on Thursday evening 6/19, and I think they're great. If you want to see more of his work, you can do so here. All the photos are of Eric T. Miller (playing Bo) and Jamie Dunn (playing Ruthie).



Sunday, June 22, 2008

Presentation 3 - Goodnight

Howdy,

This was our final presentation in the Public LAB workshop. The goal of our workshop was met. The play has been developed to its fullest and is in production fighting shape.

I will update you on any news regarding the play. I hope you enjoyed the show - and the development process. It is now time to hear your comments.

It has been an honor.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Saturday, June 21, 2008

PERFORMANCE 3! 6/21/08 closing night

A great final performance. What a show.

Stage Manager notes: "Really Terrific Show! Nothing but the best from the audience. The actors took 2 curtain calls due to the ravenous applause! Moments that got a large response: Very Top Entrance, New Boxers, Mr. Jenkins burnin' in hell, Scrooge, Gloria Hattersfield, Blue Jay, Collecting the gardenias, Colas (open cooler and preacher push!!!!), Cutlery, Fish!!!, Ladder Break. CONGRATULATIONS on a superbly executed show!"

1 note for the actors: Great Job!
1 props note: All props are stored at the Shiva right now.
1 set note: Set Elements are stored in the Shiva right now.
1 costumes note: Becky washed all the costumes and they are stored in the Shiva.

Running time: 1 hour 13 minutes.

If you saw this performance, please post a comment and tell us your thoughts. The show might be over for now, but we'll be talking about it for a long time.

Presentation 2 - director cut

Howdy,

I'm posting for continuity. I don't want to combine the two shows together because we did implement notes from what we learned during last night's run. Scott took one of Brett C's notes - and put it into the script. It truly added to the hope. Great eye for detail. And I talked with Jamie D. after my discussion with E-Rod. Her prep was great. Very powerful. Huge growth.
Only a couple of notes for tonight. And I saw a blocking opportunity that can help tell the story - we'll put that in. Also, we added water, meaning I sprayed the actors down before the show- you know, cuz it's raining outside, at the top of show - helped the reality. Bout time we tried that.
For more details - read below: You have the performance report and photos. Thanks Trevor.
Thanks Rebecca for your comments.
They are going to go even deeper, and more specific, with a spirit of play.
Designers rock. P.A. rock. Jessica...rocks them all.

Look forward to the final presentation tonight. We have learned a lot - and hope to learn more tonight.

Goodnight,

Padraic

PERFORMANCE 2! 6/21/08 matinee

Another happy audience. Partial standing ovation.

Stage Manager reports that there were "Huge responses for: Hanger!!, Boxers!!, Mrs. Owens section, Gloria Hatersfield, Blue Jays, Bo collecting the flowers, Colas, Cutlery, the whole Cake scene, The Fish!!!, Opening the radio."

Padraic will be giving the cast notes at 6pm, before tonight's performance.

Props note: cola cap still tight!

If you saw this performance, PLEASE POST A COMMENT!

Running time: 1 hour, 11 minutes (we gained 1 minute).

Production Photographs

Thom Kaine, one of LAByrinth's fantastic interns stepped in at the last minute to take photographs at the Dress Rehearsal (Monique, our irreplaceable Company Photographer, wasn't able to be there). The results are A WORK OF ART. We'll post them on the blog in a couple of days, but in the meantime, you can check them out here. (http://tkaine.carbonmade.com/projects/2080233#1)

Thanks Thom - great work!

Presentation 1 - "Open"

Howdy,

Way to go everyone. The pressure that became apparent yesterday, the pressure of sharing the work...well that pressure clarified what we needed to focus on. And the courage, strength and commitment to meet that challenge. We rehearsed a couple of clarifying moments - blocking with sound. A lighting moment or two, looked at and found the best quilt for the bed spread. Thank you Marieke for bringing in the perfect option.
Audience - it was sold out...but it also proved that if you come, you will get in. Everyone got a seat - so please, come to the theater and see the play.
This presentation tonight was fantastic - everything came together in a lovely way. Audience, actors, tech...all parts. There was a tremendous amount of love after the presentation. I'm not going to write about that too much. I hope you all will come and experience it for yourself tomorrow. Either at 2pm or 8pm.
However, I am going to focus on the 'development' aspect of presenting work like this. If it was a one time shot - I'd be basking in the glow of our success. And Scott and I would talk in a day or two after we come down from this achievement - and get a sense of clarity about what happened tonight. However, because we have a show at 2pm tomorrow. We celebrated tonight...and then scheduled rehearsal tomorrow morning. There are a couple of beats to look at again. Mainly to tighten up, to keep the stakes present, and - some people say louder, faster, funnier...but most of the time...faster is good for allowing the characters to be effected by what is going on in certain areas. The heightened emotions motivate things...and makes them less intellectual and more visceral. So we will explore that.
The other reason we are working is because it is a 'workshop' not a run. I don't want the cast, or Scott - to think we are done because the audience liked us. And there is a terror, or slight fear, that comfort will settle in. Rehearsal is not to prevent comfort but to focus or efforts.
Okay, one more thing I love about LAByrinth. I went to the E. 4th Street Bar after the presentation. Rounds of praise for all. And then when the backroom emptied E-Rod and I talked about how to make each moment more emotionally specific and deeper for the actors. She talked about the key being in the emotional preparation before going on stage. It was good...it was things the actors, Scott, and I talked about during the process...but to hear it again got me focused back on reminding the actors and pushing them to continue to reach. Even if it pushes off the security of what we had tonight...because we know what tonight was, but our goal is to see what the play can be.
After that conversation Brett C. had two text thoughts for Scott. Scott left early...but he asked Brett and he is passing them on to me. One of them is to remove the biggest laugh in the play...but with a lot of good emotionally honest reasons for the journey of the play. And Scott and I will talk about these points - and we do have rehearsal, so we can look at it. Put it up infront of the audience in the afternoon and try something else in the evening.
It is growing. So - if you came tonight...feel free to come again.
I'm very happy with the work of all. And excited about tomorrow knowing that everyone wants to continue working.
Hope to see you all tomorrow at the presentation.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Friday, June 20, 2008

PERFORMANCE 1! 6/20/08

A fantastic first performance. Everybody very pleased. The audience gave the show a standing ovation, and thunderous applause went on for over a minute after the actors had finished their bows.

Stage Manager notes: "Moments the audience really liked: the no hanger situation, Bo showing his boxers!!!, Mr. Jenkins going to hell, The Gloria Hattersfield story, The getting of the Cola, The Cola Push!!!, Gettsyburg, Cutlery!!!, The Wedding Fish!!!"

2 notes for the actors.
1 props note (a cola cap was on too tight - adjust for preset)
1 costume note (approval for the boxer shorts!)

Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.

If you saw this performance, PLEASE POST A COMMENT!

Day 13 - Wait, people are actually going to see this?

Howdy,

In preparation of sharing the 'rehearsal' process with the public tomorrow and Saturday. We spent three hours 'teching' - really that means setting levels, and timing on sound cues - specifying the lighting cues. And for the first time when watching you start to question shit that never bothered you before - and wouldn't in a rehearsal. For example - they wear white, white nightgown, white t-shirt, white boxers...maybe the bed shouldn't be all white?
Getting the shout outs out of the way: In order for people to be able to see this forever Tom came and took pictures for us. Thank you for doing this. We're going to want to look at these pictures later. Trevor stopped by, confirmed some people are reading this blog - which is nice because yesterday, I actually wrote something smart. I hope to duplicate that later in this blog - if not smart, at least, honest.
Big ups to all designers - Lea, Martin, Betsy, and Sarah. Thanks Marieke, Nola, Scout, and Kpoe for being around - making sure all things ran smoothly. Lauren was not feeling well in the first half of the day and Becky stepped in admirably. Both were operating at full capacity by the run through in the evening. Carly, thanks - and Danny not enough appreciation can go to having an actual production meeting. Things are going smooth, remarkably so, I believe the absence of the need of the production meeting is caused by the fact that we were having a production meeting.
Okay...Big ups to all.
Here are the signs that people were suddenly aware we were going to have an audience tomorrow: Playwright totally questioning the performances during 'tech'. or questioning his writing during 'tech'. Or all of a sudden you, the director, is thinkin - I can't stop the run through when one of the actors completely lost their character behavior because the actors - and designers have to see how thier work is supporting the story in real time....oh bullshit everyone would go with it, I feel like we need to get through it, as rough as it is, so that the first time in front of the audience - isn't our first time through it. The purity of the experience - always shifts when you invite people in. Immediately the joy of process gets challenged by the awareness that others are only going to see this once...and you want them to see the best version of your work. Especially if the play only gets presented three times over two days. We want you to see the best play we can do...two days ago...we wanted to explore and grow as much as possible. It took ten minutes after the run through to clean up one tech moment - and for the actor to reexperience and own her or his character behavior. Not playing the obstacle - but the hope. Faith is restored. But it is important that an audience see the work because that is the most important part of the development. It can 'feel' good to us - but our obligation is to tell the story. And we want to tell the story to you. Hope you will all check out the play. Thanks to those who stopped by to check out our run through tonight.
Final big ups to David Jackson - keeping tabs on all that needs tabs kept on, and to Jessica for running it all smooth and getting two, three, nine things done when I'm focusing on one. Today ran wonderfully smooth.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Day 12 - Production management

Howdy,

(Ticket selling moment) I got to see Eric in his underwear today. They fit perfect and Jamie D, and him in the world of the play in their white garments really feel right. I'm telling you that Scott Hudson sure knows how to write a crowd pleaser. yes, I hear we are sold out. Please don't let this prevent you from attending - tickets may be released. You might be able to get in...all the optomistic things I want to say because I want you to see the play. It is beautiful. Or come tomorrow at 7:30 and we'll do an open final run through. Big news we have Danny - a Production Manager, on the job a day and already our bed is sturdier, the position of the light board is clear, and the things we aren't sure about...we aren't sure about them because we've gotten the most informed answers of options that could happen with road boxes we are using for walls...and etc. But we also have good back up plans. I said there was a mystery prop person - and Dina Janis wanted to remind me it may have been Carly from Bennington. Carly designed the set at Bennington, and did a lovely job. We are grateful for her continued effort on the play. Thank you Carly. However, there are other mystery prop people that have been dropping off new things every day...and today we had another person bring more props...the support and help from every direction has been appreciated. Martin was in today...planning out the hinge for the 'rehearsal' trap door as well as cleaning up other presentation ideas. We are very close to getting ready. Sarah Sidman was in today...sharing her thoughts on presentation. But also, and this is what I love about designers, she gave me the first note on the text from anyone besides myself and Scott. I love the engagement and the challenge designers bring the process. As the actors, writers, stage managers, and directors don't stop working in the rehearsal room, either do the designers in the process. Tomorrow we will begin putting the elements together - in workshop manner, for sharing the process with the audience.
Today we worked some blocking at the top of the play. Tightening the action to word. And then we revisited certain moments - making it more and more specific. We talked about what I appreciate most about LAByrinth, and that is the fact that our play is very good. I'm not being cocky to say this...it is very good. But we are striving for great. And greatness is in the details - and Scott and I only care that the actors continue to strive for the specificness of the characters. The NEED that resides in the characters....and Jamie D. and Eric T. each day touch into that need a little more each time. We will get as close to it as we can...and the commitment is to try to get as close as we can with each attempt, and closer the next time.
Becky good to have you back. You are needed. Especially now that the cakes have arrived. Thank you Andrea.
David Jackson thank you for the support and the facts.
Lauren...ten pounds of rain. Thanks.
And last a note of process: There is a point, just before public presentation of a play, when the essence can get lost - the purity of the first experience, the innocence of the character drifts a little to one side or the other, and the characters are a little more mature than they were just a few days ago. That maturity, is the knowledge of the actors' experience - and in the coming days they have the challenge of forgetting what they know...and like you, the opportunity to experience this lovely play for the first time.
I look forward to seeing it with you this weekend.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Day 11 - never stop working

Howdy,

I didn't know what to title this post. But that seems most appropriate. What I love about a workshop is that everyone contributes, even on what is not thier job. Jessica Felix, our stage manager - and someone who deserves a post all to her own, and someday that may happen but like the Secret Service stage managers don't take curtain calls. But they do everything else. Today - the new nightgowns arrived and they are perfect. Lea was right. They are better than what we had, but they needed a little sewing to tighten up the neckline a bit. Jessica had white thread and a needle and fixed them both for us during the rehearsal. Martin came in this morning and we got new hooks and rope for the play. It is looking very good - still rehearsal hall - but a great looking rehearsal room. Regarding sound - I tried to make a wind machine out of Ricolla container. I was not successful - apparently there is a true science involved. But the idea was there. Thankfully, we are keeping it simple Lauren is the rainmaker once again for this new spot. Finger nails on a metal bucket - sweet music to us all.
Andrea is getting us cakes for tomorrow. Becky too is back tomorrow - don't know if that is a coincidence or not - but we will be happy to see both of them at rehearsal.
Today was a day of very specific behavior work. Even deeper. It seemed a little frustrating at one point for the actors. Understandably so, because it is so close. Actually the work is very good but in the details is where greatness lies - and there are moments of greatness. I love working with Scott because - he is supportive of the work, and yet always pushing to make it better. In the journey of making it great, sometimes makes the play messier. But it was a good push today because yesterday was the last day off before being in front of an audience - and I've been thinking about the presentation a little. And the presentation is always better if the detail work, in production as well as acting, is being strived for. Regarding Matthew's question regarding the trap. We don't have one - we have a rehearsal stand in. It is fitting with the style of the presentation. Shout outs again to grandma Shirley, Jewdee, and Matthew Barbot. Thanks for reading and sharing feedback. Also forgot to mention on Sunday David Deblinger stopped by rehearsal and it was nice to have his eye on the process.
One quick plug for all those trying to get tickets - it may be sold out. So please try to buy now. If it is sold out - know that some tickets are held and will be let go. We hope you try to see the play, we will do our best to get as many in as possible. On that note - tomorrow's rehearsal at 3:30 is open - and so is the run on Thursday at 7:30. Please know that both start times are flexible due to rehearsal needs.
We look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Final Day Off - Checked out a well Developed play

Howdy,

Holy crap is Hamlet in the park good. Well worth seeing for many reasons...the best is Michael Stuhlbarg's performance. Also, the grave digger scene has a trap door - an actual one. It was good to watch, it is the only moment I was thinking of Sweet Storm, during the captivating production. Back to the trap - we are simulating how it would be used, but the story telling elements of furniture coming out of the ground, and being thrown through it, and heads popping up, and the artistry of climbing out - we'll have to see how to incorporate that into the process.
Oh yeah - as well as to continue to shape the excellent performances.
And the sound - which we are going to try a few to be made live by Lauren, our new foley sound op. I hope I used that word properly. It's too late to google it.
Martin cleaned up the floor today - so our rehearsal taped out floor is more presentable. We hope the rest of the minimal needs will be there for the audience and tech on Thursday.
Andrea promises the cakes by tomorrow - we are looking forward to post show quality control of all that remains.
Tiger Woods is the greatest athlete in the world.
Congratulations Rocco Mediate!

Goodnight,

Padraic

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Day ten - Our first Run Thru

Howdy,

For the first run through off - book, the work was really good. And the line notes are minimal. The audience helped to elevate some moments. It also pointed out what needs to be shaped or cared for a little more for the audience. Dialect and speed of talking by Bo - has to be cared for. Next is making sure in a very steep house of the Anspacher they are lifting their heads as well as thier voices.
Martin, Marieke, and Betsy were at the run. Martin has very little cleaning up for the set - we really like the rehearsal room feeling. Betsy's challenge is to make help us find a couple of more organic rehearsal sounds for wind - and rain. We added one more today. The wind is next. The reason we aren't using recorded wind again is because for the workshop we don't have the best quality speakers - so wind doesn't necessarily read as anything but maybe static. And we're just using what we need for story telling.
Eagle Eye Becky is out of town for a couple of days. Look forward to seeing her on Sunday.
Lyssa got the final touches for the program - including special thanks. Thanks to all reading the blog.
Tomorrow is a day off for actors, final set work is being done. No building, just fixing the bed, cleaning up some rope - cleanign up the floor plan. Stuff like that.
Regarding development process it is now focused on getting presentation tight, and the emotional depth honest and full - in order to learn if the play is a complete journey and supports what is asked for by the actors. So far it does - beautifully.

btw - learned the play is selling very well. If you are planning on attending - please order tickets in advance. We'd hate for you to miss the play.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Day 9 - Need for audience

Howdy,

The work is getting really specific, as P.A. Lauren notated - it can always get more specific. Right now it is living in a wonderful place of privacy - almost everytime the scene begins again, and the two actors begin acting, the Anspacher goes away, and the world of Sweet Storm emerges. It is lovely. There is part of us that would like to keep it that private but there is now a need to lift the play to a place of theatrical presentation - in the acting. Keep it private with an awareness that the audience needs to track the story. Tomorrow we will get an audience, of a sort, we are doing a run through for the designers. So the awareness of an outside world will be filled. Also, there is a desire for more production. Scott is starting to want more elements of the storm. Wind, Rain, and lights - we will figure out how to get it in there in a quality rehearsal room way. But that need is there because the play is ready to be lifted toward production.
One thing we do have is workshop costumes - and fashion eagle eye Becky is on it. She has an acute sense of how things should fit, is starting to think about how to coordinate things for cleaning between rehearsals and shows, and when Eric T. is in his rehearsal boxers (nike shorts), black socks, dress shoes, and dress shirt, she is there to okay his fashion forward outfit for standing outside the public on break. One more time, in honor of Tim Russert - don't forget, "If it's Sunday, it's Father's Day."

Looking forward to our first run through tomorrow.
Goodnight.

Padraic

Friday, June 13, 2008

Day 8 - Happy Birthday Scott

Howdy,

It is Scott's birthday, and in his humble spirit we learned this at the end of rehearsal when he announced he was going to try and see The Hulk tonight. We wished him happy birthday - and thank him for the gift of the play.The mystery prop person returned with orange crates, mason jars, and a cool cooler. The gardenias are mixed in metal buckets from Bennington, lower oval shaped buckets, and mason jars - put on the floor, orange crates, and milk crates. The various shapes and sizes and heights of it, as suggested by Martin our set designer, really help to set the stage for ritual. It is perfect for the event about the happen. Also, we started using costumes today - all of the elements are supporting the work the actors are doing.
There was a lovely moment in rehearsal. Betsy and I agreed not to try and incorporate the sound of rain into the presentation of the work because we don't have the quality of equipment for the workshop to balance out the rain throughout the event. After the first read through we agreed we didn't need it. But there is one moment of silence where they break it by referring to the rain. Today - Lauren our P.A. who is operating the CD player for the sound in rehearsal, played, what I believe were her finger nails, on an upside down metal bucket to create the rain. It was perfect and simple. An ideal solution for the workshop.
Today was a lot of detail work with the actors. They keep meeting the challenge of getting more specific. Deeper connection to the ideas of faith, personal beliefs, and fears. They are doing it. Both of them. Jamie D. incorporated immediately the notes about polio from Jewdee.
There was a quote that put the workshop into perfect context. One of our P.A.'s writes in a journal every now and then during rehearsal. Today - I asked, 'what'd you write?' - "You can always get more specific."

I look forward to seeing you at the play - June 20th 8pm, Saturday June 21st at 2pm and 8pm but this weekend remember "If it's Sunday, it's Father's Day"

Goodnight

Padraic

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Day Off again again

Howdy,

Thank you Jewdee for answering all of the questions with great thoroughness and thoughtfulness. I forwarded them to Jamie D and look forward to incorporating them tomorrow at rehearsal. It was really very helpful. I am really glad you are part of this process and that Mr. Hudson got to share in the Barn Series process.
I love the idea of a day off, got the great email from Florida, talked with Lea who thought she could find a better option for one of the costumes - that anyone else working on a workshop would've called done last week, talked with Sarah Sidman while teaching a LAB Master Class at NYU with her and Andromache, spoke via voice mail and email with Jessica about next week's prep for production, and finished the night with detailed conversation with Scott about the next steps the script (maybe not text) but interpretation needs to take.
In that conversation we both agreed Judy Bowman, our casting director, needs a big shout out for finding Eric T. for us. She did a great job and is not to be forgotten as to how important that part of the process is. Casting 90% of directing Which is true when you get it right, when you don't you end up working 90% harder - not necessarily better. Thank you Judy - I hope to see you at the performance June 20th or 21st.
Okay - I got the time wrong for the second show - 2pm on Saturday the 21st. 2pm for the show the Penalties & Interest cast who will be coming then. If you get a chance, check out their blog. I'm a little jealous. They have gone high tech - they have video blogs. Video blogs - they may not write every day but it is impressive. I wonder how they do that - I hope some one will show us. Not to have me on the video, we're trying to keep people engaged in the process - but maybe we could get the very attractive and talented writer Scott Hudson's face on the blog. Hopefully they'll share the technological know how.
We have plenty of work to do in the upcoming rehearsals, but as promised - we are doing an open rehearsal. I don't know what we will be doing but the schedule is 10am to 2pm. Feel free to drop by - sit quietly in the back and then on a break make sure to say hi.
Went to see Isaac Hayes in Prospect Park tonight - for those of you who don't know him, as my friend Michael said, 'he's a bad mother, shut your mouth'. Happy Birthday Hideki Matsui!

Goodnight,

Padraic

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Day 7 - Florida is well represented

Howdy,

Hope you all read Lea's blog. It's two down. That was one introduction to Florida blogging and then a comment came in from an expert on Sweet Storm, and Scott - Jewdee from Florida. Thanks for the comment, at the end of this post I'll have a couple of questions for you from me and Jamie D. But first I have to say - we've worked through to the end of the play today. It has a lot of beautiful actions. But it also has some challenging emotional moments for the actors - challenging in the avoidance of 'how it seems it should be played' by first read vs. what is truly happening between these two people. It is a challenge to avoid the 'should' and Eric T. and Jamie D. meet that challenge beautifully. All they need is a little suggestion or reminder of another direction and they take it and run with it. The whole play brightens and goes beyond the simple story and becomes a rich experience of these two people on very critical night of thier relationship. As I said to David, assistant director, and he agreed '"It is a pleasure to work with these actors on this beautiful play". A pleasure because they are willing - and able to go where the play needs them to go. Also, everyone in the room was able to invest in a discussion of what is happening with Ruthie at the one point that Scott is looking for clarity in the script. Everyone - David, Lauren, Becky, Jamie, Eric, Scott - and myself all discussed the moment. Scott was able to articulate the moment with our first slight script change. It may change more, it may not - but the understanding of the moment is vey clear now to everyone. It was a great moment when rehearsal stopped for fifteen minutes while we figured it out. There are moments when the rehearsals feel like an acting class with acceptional young actors - but this fifteen minute dialogue reminded us why we were all there. To serve the play. Then we got back to freedom and fun of the relationship (ticket selling moment) with Eric T. and Jamie D, wrestling with chocolate frosting in the bed.
Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you...
Back to the process...we got a great orange crate and transitor radio today. The details are very appreciated...don't know from where, or who they came from - she said she was from the Public and around, and then she was gone. Thank you masked prop woman, who ever you are. And thank you Andrea for agreeing to make us chocolate cakes for the run of the show. You are a kind, generous, talented person who will be thanked every night.
Our P.A. Lauren is very smart - she had an acute review of Penalties & Interest. She gave big ups to Yetta's performance...to hear any more details, I'll let her post them. Or after you go and see it post a comment here and I'll see if your thoughts agree with hers. But I was very impressed by her thoughtfullness on the show. Bodes well for University of Michigan.
Saw Jamie D's bf's band play tonight. They are very good - the rest of our gang couldn't go. Eric T. is in his last week of the Off Broadway play Betrayed, Becky is probably too young to get in, since they asked for my ID...and well the rest of them probably had to go home and root for the Yankees.
Day off tomorrow because of the Equity contract...Jamie D and Eric T are getting together on their own time to learn the rest of thier lines. They are doing very well. Again - Saturday's rehearsal is open, I'm going to say anytime...Noon to 5pm. We had a guest today, and it was lovely to share the process.
Okay Jewdee - thrilled you have the bug for SWEET STORM, sorry your other bug won't allow you to see the show this June - but your spirit and insight are greatly appreciated. Jamie and I have a couple of questions - many, but I'll limit them for now, and if you don't want to answer them, that is okay...Jamie is a lovely southern girl and wanted to make sure I said that. These questions are in no particular order but here goes:
How long after your diagnosis, or your illness settling in, did you get comfortable with - or have a sense of routine to your method of physical activities?
Is your breathing effected by very active times. Is there an advantage to being still?
If there is a paralysis in your legs - does it start above your hips? I believe Jamie is particularly interested in how it effects sitting and getting up from a lying down position.

Okay - now that I've written those questions: I agree with Jamie, answer any you are comfortable with - you can also email me directly at padraic@creationincommon.com. I will also see if we can get you a log on - so you can post yourself if you'd like.
The play is beautiful and it is an honor to be working on it. At first I was blogging with the intention of sharing the development process with those interested in theater. I am thrilled we can share the process with those who might not be able to get up to NYC on June 20th and 21st. Especially those in Florida.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Week Two - Stronger than ever

Howdy,

Wow - thrilled to see someone else posted. Read the post from Lea below this one. It is brilliant, poetic, artistic - and again, I suggest you read it. Especially because this may be a long post. First off - the Yankees won tonight, which means - no more days off from rehearsal. Second, a sports metaphor for a theatrical workshop. I am going to run the Dublin marathon at the end of October. It is two days before my birthday and a fine excuse to go to Ireland. I expect to train 16 weeks for the marathon. Starting July 1. However, to be able to do that I have to be in good enough shape to start training. I have been committing the month of June to get my mileage up high enough so I can begin my training officially. That is what a workshop is for a play - to get in good enough shape that it is ready to go through a full fledge rehearsal and production process. Okay - enough sports talk for now.
Big shout out to jamie D's grandma Shirley. Thanks for reading - and to no surprise to you, Jamie D is doing an amazing job. Over the two days off I had a thought, informed by a conversation with Lea while she was in town, about Ruthie, jamie's character. I shared that idea about with Jamie today, and immediately she began applying it. It effected her work positively in more than the obvious ways. That is my favorite part of collaboration. Everyone working to make the play better. Everyone grew from the days off. Eric T. is doing great work too, and when he tells me his relatives are reading the blog I'll go into more detail.
Had a production meeting. it was productive. Learned we may will be able to focus some lights. We will get some support for props - and there was a discussion about how to work a taped out version of a trap door. I think we changed the groundplan today based on how the audience will view this rehearsal solution, maybe not the best for the long-term life of the play. But, hey, it will not alter how we tell the story or the value of the workshop. Just maybe a weakness of process vs. product. If we were going to actually fully realize the set - I don't think the change would've been made. Again, that is part of the value of the workshop - no changes are permanent. But the growth of the actors is - which is lovely.
Stop reading this and go to Lea's post - this will be here later:
I saw Penalties& Interests tonight. It is very funny. A great example of the development process. I hope all of you will see it more than once. Go early, go often. Ask Katie Flahive - she knew to go early. Actually just a way to acknowledge what a pleasure it was to see her tonight. Hope to see her and Josh at Sweet Storm. Okay, back to Penalties & Interests - The script is tight - direction solid, love the sound design by Betsy Rhodes - and the actors are genius. It is a very funny tight Beckettesque satire of the modern corporate existence. Our production assistant Lauren came with me. Maybe she'll blog tomorrow about what she thought. If not - I'll let you know. All of the artists involved talked about how hard the process was, or terrifying it is to be in front of an audience with only 11 rehearsals. No need for them to worry - yes the play will get tighter as it gets more performance and rehearsal time. But they are already in wonderful shape. However, those involved in the production can take solace in the fact that the show will perform in front of an audience more times than Sweet Storm will rehearse. And they are all invited to attend Saturday June 21st at 3pm. Then do your evening show - then go to Lexi's going away party in Queens. Then wake up and check out the Benefit Reading of the original cast of JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN - for more information on this go the lab's website. Hard to believe that play is ten years old - it also ran the same creative path of Sweet Storm: Intensive reading, barn series, showcase...hope someone will blog about the anniversary reading of Sweet Storm ten years from now.
Oh - always important to go out after a performance - had a brilliant design conversation with Sarah S at the E. 4th St. bar, called Stillwater - but will always be the E. 4th St. Bar to me. Not only were her ideas very good - but I love her concern and thoughtfulness regarding all aspects of the play and the process. I look forward to seeing her at rehearsals and talking during the process as I got to do with Lea this week, and hopefully will with Martin, and Betsy in the coming days.
Walked home over the Brooklyn Bridge with Charles. You're invited to join us for that anytime. Something to be experienced. As is Sweet Storm rehearsals, which you're invited to come to: We're opening up tomorrow (Wednesday) from 3 to 5pm - and Saturday from noon to 2pm. Just stop by, be quiet when you come in hang in back and if there is a break be sure to say hi.
Well that's more than enough tonight.
It would be incomplete to blog without mentioning how great it is to have Scott Hudson in town. He is feckin' great to work with. (Feckin' cuz I'm training for the Dublin Marathon)

Goodnight,

Padraic

Three Costumes in 36 hours

Flight left Tampa 6:45am on Friday to NYC....

First fitting 1:30pm on Saturday....

Last Stitch on pants hem- 12:30pm on Sunday...

Flight back to Tampa 4:35pm on Monday.....



From start to finish the costume process seems to be fairly quick based on actual hours that it took, but to know who these people are- well I think I have been working on that for my lifetime.
When first reading the script, Sweet Storm, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it all takes place somewhat near my hometown. Tampa, Clearwater, Lithia Springs.....all places that I have taken into my conscienceness over the past 20 years of living here. Knowing the heat, knowing the storm, knowing the sweet smell of the summer air as it lingers through orange groves, walking the old cobbled streets of Tampa, cruising the beaches of Clearwater.......all this makes the picture of who Ruth and Bo are ever so clear in my mind.

Armed with mental notes, visual research and a sense of knowing I shopped my way through a variety of thrift stores, vintage stores, and yes even the modern department stores. I could see pieces of Ruth and Bo here and there. My job- to paste these fragments together so an audience, a director, a playwright and the actors can better know the who, what, when and why of this couple who stands before them on the stage.

Each detail, hopefully thought of- down to the clip earrings and the white crew socks to make a complete picture.

With any luck and speedy postal delivery, the actors should have their show costumes available to work in before the end of their second week of rehearsal. I am hoping this chance to live in the clothes and inhabit them as Ruth and Bo naturally would will prove to be helpful in the process of rehearsal and in the culmination of action and words.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Day Off again

Howdy,

This is a lot of distance from a play. It is nice - get a real sense of perspective and priority. We are returning tomorrow to a production meeting. We have been communicating mainly through email, I'm sure the meeting will mostly entail agreement upon what has been discussed in email. What props are needed, how and when we'll get them, and what the final event of this 'rehearsal' presentation will look like. It always seem to take a greater effort to do very little well. The good news is we have very minimal resources - so, we will be utilizing what we have to its fullest potential.
I'm going to see Penalty and Interests tomorrow. I will probably go again during the run - I recommend all of you do the same. Part of their process will be truly evolving or developing during the process.
Glad to see Lauren, our production assistant from University of Michigan has logged on to blog. Hope she will post about her experience watching the play develop - you could post a comment requesting it. Then the designers, actors, Jessica - David, and even Scott will drop in to say how it's going. Or maybe Lauren can post about how the Lakers/Celtics aren't the same rivalry since the one time great Michigan alumn - has stopped playing. Not the same Michigan I know - but it some sort of state pride. Okay, enough blathering - next time I get two days off from a rehearsal process there has to be a playoff game of some sort on at night and the Yankees have to win their day game.
Goodnight,

Padraic

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Day Off

Howdy,

I don't know why I'm posting on the day off. But a good week on a beautiful play. I may have written on this before but there is a temptation because we are treating the presentation as "a viewing into the rehearsal process" to take the pressure off because, hey - you'll see that we get where we get to. But the pressure of a date to show work is important. We need a safe place to grow and explore and work on the play, but we also need the pressure of presentation to keep us focused and doing our best work. Hopefully, you'll all come, enjoy the play - but the most helpful is the get an honest response - and as much as we can do to make what you are responding to as full as possible - well that's our job.
That is what I'm focusing on - on the first day off. As well as taking of day of Brooklyn site seeing with Lea, and Jenn O'Byrne. Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge - got some good ice cream - looked at London (twice), rode the water taxi for the first time, watched kids bunji jump at the S. Street Seaport (available to anyone between 20 - 200lbs, I'm taking my nephews when they visit at the end of the month) ate sushi - and the Yankees won. All in all a perfect day.
Two things everyone needs to know: Sweet Storm performs at 8pm on Friday the 20th, and at 3pm and 8pm on Saturday the 21st. Lexi Croucher is having a going away party on the 21st. Lexi is going Upstate to Ithaca for school this summer - so the it may be hot here, but the city will definitly be a little less bright, so everyone who can go to her party - should. However, that means you have to plan on seeing Sweet Storm at one of the two other performances.
Penalties & Interests starts performances on Tuesday - and its only $10. It's new, funny, damn good, brilliant cast and creative team, and air conditioning - so that makes it the best deal in the city. Speaking of the value of new plays, a big shout out to Oskar, who is pictured in The Sunday Times Arts & Leisure Section today, promoting the opening of Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park, wearing a "Theater Starts Here" Playwrights Center of Minneapolis T-shirt, supporting new plays - even when he is directing one of the best plays of the last millenium. So after you see Penalties & Interests - and before you check out Sweet Storm - give Hamlet another look. Can't hurt.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Day Five - Blocked and loaded

Howdy,

We finished going through the final pages of putting it on its feet today. There is a tremendous amount of action at the top of the play, physical action, and the same is true at the end. It is interesting to see how the energy of the action has changed - a bedpan event at the top, is completely different than the one at the end. It is clear in the story telling that the character's point of view have changed.
Point of view was very strong today - especially when we went back to the top of the show and examined the expectations, and emotional state of each characters as we worked the first 6 pages. Not that it changed from table work, or first bit of blocking - it got more specific. I want to put a shout out to Scott Hudson, the play has a very specific emotional life for each character. Not surprising because Scott understands it as an actor but it is very much alive and specific in the play.
Also, want to thank Becky who assisted Lea on costume work today, everything is looking good and probably will be finished by the time we return to rehearsal on Tuesday and Lea heads back to Florida. She says she is going back for work but I believe she just wants to escape our crazy New York City summer heat.
Lauren took up the important role of sound operator for rehearsal. It is great having both of them there for support. I look forward to Sarah, Betsy, and Martin dropping by at any point. It has been a very open atmosphere so far, I hope to keep it going that way.
This is going to sound obvious - but when doing a workshop on a play, which is a critical step for the play's maturation, it is vital for the playwright to be there. Scott's input was so helpful in pushing me to get more specific with the actor's, and to clarify their relationship to the space. Simple things - but again the words, specific and deepening come to mind. Also, he got to hear the part of the play he is looking to address and got a better understanding of it from the actor/character point of view.
Now, in my day or two off - I am going to start to push toward the design elements, because as we confront the absence of a trap door, it is telling how the details of 1960 - ice box, transistor radio, all of it - help to inform the story. Again, Scott has truly cared for the details I look forward to honoring them so that he can see if it is serving the play in the way that he envisioned.
Okay - end of my blog for the week. I look forward to seeing what others post.
Thank you Scott, David, Eric T, Jamie D, Lea, Betsy, Martin, Kpoe, Peter D, Marieke, Jessica, Lauren, and Becky for an excellent first week.
Goodnight,

Padraic

Friday, June 6, 2008

Day four- Hope vs.Faith

Howdy,

Lea is in town from Florida. Yeah. Great costume ideas. But mostly what is happening regarding technical elements really is the basics of practicality. There is the version of what is necessary for the audience to experience the story vs. what is functionally required for the ensemble to learn about the play. I'm truly enjoying the functionality of the workshop. But realize to benefit the play starting next week we need to start to include design elements, eg. orange crates, bedding, the right jars holding the flowers, all of it moving beyond functionality will inform the behavior of the actors.
Saw Betsy today - who is working on tech load in for Penalties and Interests - which I believe begins performances on the 10th. Anyone reading this should check that out. It is a very funny play.
It is fascinating, developmental theater on any level seems to not have enough support or resources to fully realize a show. Less may not always be more, but it is guaranteed that less is achievable.
We had two drive by's at rehearsal today. Marieke and Trevor. Lovely to have them there.
The play is revealing itself more and more. Today - it revealed the fear of hope, the pain of not getting what you want. And the need of faith, Faith, the belief in something in the absence of proof. I will write more and more on this, maybe, later during the process because I can't talk too intelligently about this tonight. But what I can say - is that the conflict of hope and faith in today's rehearsal illuminated the moment when this beautiful, Sweet Storm, may not succeed. The conflict was there in The Barn Series, but again the depth of a workshop helps to strengthen that moment. The strength of process and time for investigation allows for the characters to risk failure. Failure is what allows the play to surprise us, and to go to a place where the story has to be told. I believe all actors, directors, and writers risk failure and understand this in the process of a reading - but the willingness to risk failure tends to go hand in hand with the numbers of hours of rehearsal before being put in front of an audience of the public. Because the obligation is to tell the story of the play...make sure they get the story. In the workshop the obligation is to make the sure the play is aware of the story it is telling.
Okay, enough of this blathering, I'll have faith that it made sense, and I'll let go of the hope of sounding smart.
Also, David Jackson - was the one who recognized the true stakes of the event in the play today... the moment this perfect marriage was courageous enough to ask if it was over.
Oh, and thanks for reading the blog - I'll have an open rehearsal date for you tomorrow.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Day Three - Get Real

Howdy,

It is incredibly valuable to do something for real. If it is in the play, always find the real way things are done and the play will be richer. My example is Ruthie has polio, what does that mean for her ability to use her muscles. Scott talked to us about that, and it is a challenge for Jamie but one that is worth confronting. The earlier the better. Because it is in this reality that the play lives. What inspired the blog about reality is the use of a bedpan and Bo's manipulation of Ruthie to make the event of her going 'wee' to happen. Once it was done for real - Bo was tired, and you believed an event had occurred, and the reality of the two characters being alone for the first time was now settling in. It helped ground the characters, as well as, the actors. The whole opening of the play is filled with those moments - Bo carrying Ruthie in over his shoulder, the bed pan, getting dressed - and the idea of getting into the actor (ticket seller right here) into their underwear for real in rehearsal definitely helps inform behavior.
We are also learning about limitations of not having something for real - the trap door for one. Because of the Equity contract we can't build the platform needed for the trapdoor. I don't understand Equity's reasoning for this - and will not pretend for a second that it is in the best interest in the development process. We are spending some time trying to create rehearsal techniques for the surprise of Bo opening the door, or descending or climbing out...the substitution isn't what's important, as what would the reality of the event do for or to the characters. It is something we are being conscious of - but if the door was there - we wouldn't have to be conscious of it because it would actually be happening, and maybe the value would be surprising us. That's the value of reality...it surprises us and deepens our understanding of the world.
So far we put the first 11 pages on its feet, and even got to do some work in the details. It seems to be going pretty well.
And a plug for workshop - and non-reality. The floor of the design is taped up, we realized the bed had to be at a different angle and to make that angle make sense witht he reality of the floor of the space - all that had to happen was to lift up some tape and to move it to another place. Very simple - left a message with Martin to talk about why - and await his reaction. However, I know that we can keep changing the groundplan, and furniture plan as long as want - because no actual building has to occur. This is a luxury that a workshop affords you. We will have learned what is required before every starting to build.
Metaphor for workshop:
Betsy rocks - she got us a rehearsal CD today. Now all we need is a CD player.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Day two - I rehearse therefore I am

Howdy,

Today was the second day of rehearsal. I'll sum up day one: Brilliant.
The designers were brilliant, stage management brilliant, our P.A.'s Becky and Lauren - brilliant. Scott - nuff said.
The introduction to the depth of the play and what is about was lovely. Very glad that John Gould Rubin, Marieke, and Kpoe came down to start us off officially. There is tremendous enthusiasm for the play and the process. After much talking and enthusiasm around the play and process, we finally got to do what we were actually there to do. Read the play.
Eric T. Miller and Jamie D. Dunn - are brilliant. No joke. Thrilled that they are part of the development process of this play and they will be wonderful together but most of all I think they will bring to the play what Scott needs in order to make it as strong as possible. We read. And now for the important part of the process burriend in the blog - Scott and I went out, got a little falafal and talked about the text. We identified a section of the play he rewrote during the first reading at the intensive and talked about how it needs to get more specific. I won't mention what part, because hopefully you'll come to see the play and not be waiting for it, you'll just see a lovely smooth fully realized text that needs to be produced in every theater and university across this great land of out. Okay, it was great to really get to revisit the text and identify the parts that he is most interested in looking at. Because it is a development project - it is for that purpose.
Day two:
Read thru sections, discussed, reread - got a better, deeper understanding of how the play works. Oh, and finding how the honesty of the play helps with the humor. That seems to be best discovery so far. Also, it turns out we have now rehearsed as much as we did for the Barn Series and already the play has revealed itself to be deeper and more specific than it was a year and half ago. Plays take time to reveal themselves - it is a joy to have this time.
Tomorrow we start on our feet.
Okay - here is my test if anyone is reading this blog, we are considering opening up rehearsals starting next week. If you are interested in dropping in on the process let me know by posting a comment. We might run a section at the end of rehearsal or something, but since the final 'product' of this workshop is to present a rehearsal - we thought maybe we'd present a bunch of rehearsals. So comment, let us know if you want to check it out.
This blog is very long considering I thought I had little to say - but I will report that: David Jackson, asst. director found great research on polio today, Eric T. has been reading his bible - good for the preacher man, kpoe taught us how to make the rehearsal coffee (praise the lord) - Lauren and Becky are on it, they also got props from the office today for us - thanks to them, and Bennington. Jessica Felix is the best. And Lea our costume designer said she might blog after she comes this weekend from Florida. Point of interest - she lives 20 minutes from the where the play takes place. Okay, that's a point of interest to me, but she does get to tell me about the landscape and the trees that the play would take place in, if we had a tree - I get to tell her about the rehearsals it is taking place in. Which is a fun even exchange.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Pre - First Day

Howdy,

Okay, the first day of rehearsal is this afternoon. Yesterday at the going away for Lexi Croucher I got to see Scott Hudson, in person for the first time in months. It got me very excited for rehearsal. At some point there will be a blog posting about the limitations of a development workshop of a play - or maybe that element will be woven into all of the posts. But all of the limitations went away when I saw him walking toward me in the park and was reminded that ultimately what a pleasure it is to work on a new play, and how exciting it is to direct someone's first play.
Had a great conversation with Betsy about sound and how to confront the complexities of a hurricane inside the environment of a workshop - and how to address the needs of the play with minimal technical support. We will probably have a very specific beginning with many layers of sound to establish place and situation - and then the storm will only be present as needed for the story. Because of the limitations of the equipment, it is better to have key elements instead of having a lot elements that sound like 'ass' - is how I look at it.
Martin has an exciting set - ground plan for the process. I talked with Lea this morning - and Sarah and I are talking during first break.
Well its off the rehearsal - two things I wanted to say when I started this blog today: I hope the actors will post blogs about their experience. I talked with Julian who plays "Dick" in Penalties & Interests and his blog postings are brilliant. Chech those out if you can. The other thing I wanted to remind myself is that SWEET STORM is a beautiful and important play and to remember to take the same risk in addressing the vulnerability that it required for two people to come together and to possibly understand what it is to experience the love of another.

Talk with after rehearsal.

Padraic

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Pre-production Meeting

Howdy,

Okay, haven't blogged since The Dirty Talk, but I will try to keep this up during the process and I hope it is interesting. Had three conversations today about the play and realized a couple of things that might be of value to anyone tracking the development of the play. The most important thing that came up during a conversation with Cusi Cram about actor's becoming writers, and that is that Scott has done a wonderful job creating a poetic environment for a very honest conversation about faith and love to take place. Without going on about the beauty of the play, the thing that struck me is the great detail Scott took in the technical theatrical elements used to tell the story, i.e. props, lights, sound, set, costumes...well those are all the elements. The other care he took is the biblical references that are in the play and how these characters use them effectively to communicate intention, emotional state, and journey.
I also had a pre-production meeting with Jessica Felix, our excellent stage manager, in it we talked about how the Equity contract limits the technical elements we are allowed to use - this is closely defined as a 'workshop' production, so we are talking about the best way to effectively communicate the theatrical elements Scott's play needs to best illustrate the beauty and depth that reside in the story. Martin Andrew, set designer, and I have come up with some solutions for this - but mostly what we decided is to treat this process like a full fledged rehearsal process - and all solutions we come up for the rehearsal to solving the problems will probably be what present to the audience. So, as this blog will hopefully invite you into the process - the final presentation itself at The Public will be inviting you into the process by truly presenting a rehearsal room run of the play. Which is very exciting because June 20 & 21st is hopefully only the beginning of the long healthy life of Sweet Storm.

Padraic

Designers working on this show - Lea Umberger - costume designer, Sarah Sidman - lighting designer, and Betsy Rhodes - sound designer all from THE DIRTY TALK, and I'm excited to be working with Jessica Felix Stage Manager, Martin Andrew - set designer, and actors Jamie Dunn and Eric T. Miller.