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