Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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
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
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
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
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
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