Final Preview

Howdy,

Tonight was the final preview. The play is now handed over to the actors and Jessica, our stage manager, to maintain and support it's growth. Scott and I will be around during the run. But it is a goodbye to a phase of the work. The work continues. It continues for the entire run. As a matter of fact as I put the key into my apartment door a thought struck me about clarifying an overall intention of one of the characters. I know I will be looking at this thought during tomorrow's run. If it is valuable I will share it with the actors. My thoughts are on the end of the process because it clearly shifts tomorrow.

First, I want to talk about tonight. Jamie D. and Eric T. carried yesterday's excellent work into tonight's performance. More consistent. A couple of 'intense' moments that need to be more specific and couple of casual moments that need to have the right fuel under them. Overall though the work is done with a 'conscious spontaneity'.  It has it. And my goal for the actors is to keep that spirit of the work while utilizing the run of the play to continue to craft their performances. I see it happening now. 

This blog has been to track the development process. I will probably blog tomorrow. The play will continue to develop after opening. For now though, the rehearsal process is over and it seems the right time that it has been an honor to work on this play with all of the very committed and generous artists. Scott, Eric T, Jamie D, Lea, Sarah, Betsy, Jessica, Bob, Marieke, Alchemy, LAByrinth, Keenan, Jayme, Kate, Martin, David, Lauren, Becky, Dan, Leah, Irv, Kohl, Barrett, Jewdee, and all. This play and production will hold a special place in my heart forever. What makes Sweet Storm truly special to me is that it is absent of cynicism. And it seems to have had a similar effect to all of the artists that have engaged in the process of developing this play. Each of them has brought themselves fully to the process and I know because of it I am leaving this process a better artist. Thank you.

Goodnight,

Padraic

True Development

Howdy,

The performances took a leap today. I think I've said that before, it is unfair to say it took a leap, they took flight. That is more accurate. Before rehearsal today I talked with Scott, and Andrea Haring about warming up, and the purpose of it, and they both spoke about the intention of warming up just prior to the show is about becoming open, relaxed, connected to the material in order to create 'conscious spontaneity'. I came to rehearsal only to discover that both Jamie D. and Eric T. on their own had been thinking about their warm up process. I shared with them the idea of taking advantage of being with each other, talk about the play, run lines, - connect with one another. Andrea's suggestion was to also warm up in the space. To take advantage of the opportunity of their connection to the world of the play. And, that is what they did before the show tonight. And they were both really there for the 'first' time, hearing, reacting, being for the 'first' time. They allowed themselves to not 'control' or manifest the performance. And I was proud. There were some stakes dropped and the new is goal to keep the freedom of performance while working toward 'conscious spontaneity' with the deep emotional connection.

To be perfectly honest the work of directing the play is done.  We've discovered the shape, the needs, the event of the play. The technical elements are complete. It is now moving back to development. The development of two very talented artists. I remember hearing when I was studying acting and just becoming a director that it takes 20 years to become an actor. I don't know if that number is random or not but now that I'm entering my 20th year as a professional director I believe the statement to be true. Eric and Jamie have a wonderful opportunity to continue to grow, find out the best way to work, and push beyond past limitations to reach the next level of their artistry. I have complete faith. Tonight I saw them exit a cocoon and fly. There may be fear about how far from home they want to journey, but after tonight I know that the cocoon will no longer serve them. I'm very excited to watch them take flight together.

Goodnight,

Padraic

TwoDay

Howdy,

Today was a two show day.  A two day show during previews after tech is really a test of stamina. The job of the actor is to do it for the 'first' time after doing it for the longest work week there is, following a show earlier that day. What was clear is that the foundation of the play is strong. The matinee was very strong. With flashes of inspiration. Very strong. And The evening show, was the play. The play is good, the energy was a bit low, and it is hard to watch as a director. It's a good show.  It was better earlier. And the difference is subtle - probably only you and playwright are aware of the difference. And what I took away from the second show today was the prep, mental and physical, required for the run of the show. 

I had a great conversation with Scott today between shows about the commitment it takes to be a great artist. Something he said really struck me and that is - The commitment it takes to be a great artist is going to cost you. -  Cost you some socializing time, cost you in how you are able to talk about the work, cost you in how you are perceived. There is a cost. And I understand that because working with two actors on a play they really care about, watching them grow and try to push through barriers of their own to serve the play best as possible, it really is work. And it is also illuminating in how critical preparation is for the work. And when you are expected to do something nine days in row, that preparation is not something that is done at the theater. It begins when the show is over, when you go home, how you treat yourself all day prior to arriving at the theater. It is a discipline.

And tomorrow, we do it again. Only once. But again as if for the 'first' time.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Happy Birthday Scott Hudson

Howdy,

Today is, was, Scott Hudson's birthday. And the gift he received from the cast and myself was implementing the realizations of last night. He also got a card and some cake. But the real gift is the willingness of Eric T. and Jamie D. to fully commit to taking the work to the next level and eagerness to refocus, or maybe strengthen the focus of the work. They did a great job tonight. And, there is a vocabulary and grounding in the essence of the play that leads me to believe they will continue to grow on in this direction. 

It is, was, also Monique's birthday today - she took beautiful production shots of the play. This is but one of them.

Implementing the change this evening, though it seemed like a major refocusing was really possible because Scott, Eric T., Jamie D and myself had already done the detailed homework. And they could now let go and just experience the event of the play - which they did. 

There are two shows tomorrow, no rehearsal between, I look forward to them having an opportunity to keep working back to back.

Goodnight,

Padraic

The Greatest Team on earth

Howdy,

Anyone who knows me would think that with the title of the email it would be focusing on the Yankees beating the Mets. No. The greatest team on earth is Sarah, Betsy, Lea, and Jessica.

Tonight's run was a disappointment. A disappointment because it lacked the energy, stakes, moment to moment work that is cliche for second previews. It is a disappointment when you see the trap coming and still walk right into it. The audience saw a fine play. I believe they enjoyed it. I did not.

Then I went out to eat with the designers and Jessica and was challenged about what the play is about. What the event of the play is. What is the fundamental experience the characters are going through and why is it vital for us to watch? Those were the questions on my notes tonight for the actors. But with truly intelligent questions and challenges of choices in the rehearsal process from Sarah, Lea, and Betsy I was able to clearly identify the work that needs to occur over the next couple of days. 

The experience has been expressed in notes. But it really has to be grounded in work the next couple of days. The play lives in the two lovers being left alone together and discovering each other and themselves, and learning if they are capable of being loved and loving one another. The foundation of that experience is the essence of the play. That is it. Previews can be painful because you think you did that in the rehearsal room, not until you are in front of an audience and see where actors retreat to when tired that you learn clearly that the foundation is not as deep as you thought. This is not a criticism of the actors. It is an enlightenment - and push from Lea, Betsy, and Sarah to dig deeper. And for that push, I am most grateful.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Preview #1

Howdy,

First preview and it went really well. Still searching for the final ending moment - how do you get the wind to stop, can't blow it away with wind, can you? We'll find it tomorrow. I feel like I want to write about courage a lot when I think of the work people are doing. We made a major lighting change between the afternoon run thru and the evening performance. Lea has transformed the set through details added in the last 30 hours. Betsy is pushing the the details of story telling just write and we are filling out the play nicely. And Scott is amazingly present for all details in the show including how to help support and guide the actors to more specific work.

Jamie D. and Eric T. knocked it out of the park. Really private intimate work. Honest and in line with all of our work. Had the security of having been working for a while. I look forward to how far the play will grow. 

A lovely audience. Thanks to all that showed up tonight. 

Look forward to fine tuning and watching the work develop.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Trust

Howdy,

We had a full day of tech today. We got through most of the play. Well we got through all of the play but there are about four sections we have to look at again tomorrow before a final run through before our first preview. It is always most challenging to get into and out of a play. What I was struck with today is how much trust of fellow artists is critical at this part of the process. There is a huge amount of work going into putting everything together in the days of tech and then in previews. All of the plans are coming together, actors are dealing with a lot of information that effect their performances. Everyone is in the room together and giving input to each other about the work. Well, what I realized as I worked all day is that I trust everyone in the room. I have worked with each of them now many times, or on this project for over a year, and I know if something isn't 'right' or could be better - they will put their efforts toward making it so. I trust all of them fully. That is the joy of being in a room creating something, knowing that everyone working with you is excellent at what they do and will do what ever they can to the best of their abilities.

Trust hit me because as Scott and I walked home from the theater tonight. We both were expressing how we were comfortable with the fact that our first preview is tomorrow. Not over nervous, certainly not cocky. Trusting. That is how we felt. Trusting that people will come and bring the energy of support and that all of the artists will continue to grow in our work.

Speaking of work tomorrow is two different experiences. First it is time to continue working, detailing what we think might work best for the play. Then the experience of sharing the work with the public, and then the work will never be the same because we will have feedback from a live audience's response. They will become our new trusted collaborators. 

Goodnight,

Padraic

Day ahead

Howdy,

We had a rare treat today. The actors were able to be in the theater a day in advance to rehearse. Working out details for where props go. The sound quality of the theater. And working out the reality of making the 'trap' door work. Qui came in and gave a great creative idea for it - it now works and serves the play better.

Having the theater a day in advance gave Sarah and Betsy a chance to lay in some cues for the show - not specific but to get the idea in place. We will be ahead of the game tomorrow, I believe. The theatrical tree looks fascinating. The camo-netting (something I did not know existed or how it works until this show) is an amazing solutions for willowy leaves. There is no borders or masking until beyond the treehouse. It is a very exposed playing area - and it seems to be working very well.

There are theatrical elements - the tree for example, and very real things, like an old chair and trunk, and then there are things that combine both, like a quilt that needs to be aged. There is a delicate dance to figuring out how to combine all of these elements to best present the play. Lea shared a great thought today. It was, the setting of the play has to do with the cumulative effect you want to have when examining the entire story of the play. 

That is important to remember as you slowly put a play together on beat at a time in tech rehearsal. I'm hoping to remain open to the whole story, the input of all involved, and the details of every moment in the play.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Loaded

Howdy,

I stopped by the theater and saw lights in the air and the set on stage. It's looking great. Already cleaning things up - like the minimal masking. Focus is tonight. Sound is later tonight. And then tomorrow we begin rehearsing in the theater. Tech officially begins Wednesday. Tuesday is for the actors to get used to the sound in the theater, for some spacing on the set, and addressing some sight line issues. It looks great - out of respect for the element of surprise I will try to refrain from posting a picture of the set before it is performed for an audience.

The next week. With technical rehearsals and previews will be very busy and I will want to blog about the experience. However, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Trevor Brown. Trevor was the marketing director for LAByrinth Theater that first asked me to blog about the development process last year when were at The Public. It has been very helpful to share the development process with everyone. This has helped to articulate thoughts about the play, to crystalize what is needed next, and to create a sense of community for the play. This play - maybe every play, is a communal event. Knowing that people are invested in the process and the success and growth of the play helps in some undefinable way to strengthen, empower, elevate the love, bond, and desires of Bo of Ruthie. As they enter the tree house all of you that have followed the blog go with them celebrating their happiness, empathizing with their pains, and rooting for their love to be fully realized. A play grows beyond craft of a team of artists and fully blossoms into an experience a community baring witness to one or more people attempting to overcome obstacles to achieve some thing vital. Thank you Trevor for thinking it might be interesting or valuable for people to bare witness to all of us trying to overcome every obstacle to achieve this production of Sweet Storm.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Time to move

Howdy,

Last night I was nostalgic for our time together in the rehearsal room before we even left. After today's rehearsal it was clear that it is time to move to the theater. Eric T. and Jamie D. had a great run through. Demonstrating the knowledge of the play, capturing the inner storm, and the love for and between each other. However, Scott and I saw clearly what was missing. Always pushing for more. Most time the last run in the room is a confidence builder. "we're ready." Well, they are ready. But today's focus on what elevates the play. Afterward, Scott and I talked with each other about what is the next level we need to see the performances at as we enter tech. Then I tactless talked about that with the actors during notes. Probably not the best for morale. Definitely attention grabbing. 

After rehearsal we had a cast and production team dinner planned. After a couple of hours off we gathered at the restaurant, it was then the actors said it was good to hear the notes. They wanted praise but appreciated the honesty. I got to apologize for my clumsiness and we all committed to the next level of work. It is time to leave the rehearsal room. Time to get into the space for presentation. And it is not our last time together. This experience will connect Jamie D, Eric T. Scott Hudson, and myself for a very long time. I am sure.

Oh, and thanks for the comments on yesterday's post. Both of them were very affirming for the work we are doing. Valerie's questions were those that I spoke about at the end of rehearsal today and why this play is an honor to work on, and exciting to present.

Tomorrow I go to the theater to see all the tech loaded in. 

Goodnight,

Padraic

First things Nerf

Howdy,

Today's rehearsal began with Dunkin Donuts and a Nerf football. Feed the soul and create a safe environment in which to play. That is the goal of rehearsal, at least today. The atmosphere was playfully productive. A little catch. Dialect warm up. And a run.

At the end of the run. The element that was missing, slightly, is the scope of the 'event'. The Honeymoon in a treehouse. The size of that and what it means to each character. As the actors become more familiar with the events of the play, it seems only natural to find fascination - as I do watching each day in the new details, details the character may not actually be aware of in the moment because it is the first time they are in a treehouse with the person they love. It is very challenging to keep that first time, true first time, presence of experiencing something for the first time, fresh. 

After the run, I went back and reviewed three sections of the play remembering what the discovery was of the 'stakes' and action, the first time we did the scenes - back at The Public. Not to duplicate them, but to re-examine the impulse. Those three scenes re-connected us with the essence of being in the 'event' for the first time.

I think Eric T. kept expecting some exercise for actors with the Nerf.  I just brought it to remind me to keep the room light and playful. Mission accomplished.

Tomorrow is the last day in the rehearsal room. There will be a run-through of the play. Some notes. Looking at any sections that will help ground their work before we enter tech.  It is absolutely time to move into the theater. However, I will miss the safe, private time I have had with Scott, Jessica, Eric T.,  and Jamie D. It is an honor to live in and care for the world of this play with them. I look forward to expanding that world, however, I have to acknowledge I will miss this time together.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Play

Howdy,

There are two days left in the rehearsal room. We have rehearsed the play 70 hours. For the workshop last time we rehearsed 75 hours total, including tech...and possibly the run. So we have practically matched that effort. And the actors know the play and characters better. Yesterday was a huge leap in the capacity of the storytelling. Today, we fell from that leap. That thing that had the work come crashing down, or falling down, is that we forgot that doing a play is fun. It is play. The joy of these characters are that they are Characters - with dialects and intellects different than our own. Not that those elements weren't present but the joy of embodying them seemed to be missing. So, we spent the last half hour of rehearsal heightening those elements, celebrating, and having fun. It is in there. They just have to own it. It is hard. There comes a point when a play has to be shared with a fresh audience. The actors are doing something as if for the first time, but it is necessary to add a new fresh energy to the room, usually the audience, maybe the technical elements; I don't think Scott and I provided that today. Funny how we need to bring an energy to receiving the work, which is as important to the actors as their energy in sharing the work. At least at this point it is.

I'm looking forward to having fun tomorrow. Working a few moments then moving onto a run-thru, celebrating Ruthie, Bo, and their romance.

Goodnight,

Padraic

Courage

Howdy,

First off, we welcomed Jayme, our newest P.A. to the rehearsal room. She worked on UNCONDITIONAL, and WINTER PARTY, with LAByrinth and we are happy to have her in the room.  

Yesterday, Bob Saxner came to the run through. We had a brief discussion about some larger notes. And my experience with the play told me why some observations wouldn't serve the play. The questions that made most nervous were the ones that I didn't know how they would serve the play. It made me nervous because it would change things. Dramatically. It would change blocking, sure, it would also change the risk the two characters take in the scene. It would change the depth of their experience. I like risk and depth - but what if it threw off the balance of the play?

It didn't. Scott's play can hold all levels of honest experience.

The actors were ready and excited about these moments of exploration. All of the work we had done to this point prepared them emotionally to experience these changes with the depth and reality that Bob saw...and is in the play. It was some simple blocking changes, with internal shifts expected. If we had done this work (changed blocking) without the other exploration, I don't think the element of 'danger' would've been fully appreciated. The play got more dangerous today. And the actors proved to be courageous in their approach to the work and the play.

Shaking it up was so good for me. The play showed me another color today. That is critical as we go into tech - because up until now I've been dreaming we'd be sharing this work as it is in the rehearsal room. Today's growth got me excited for the details and growth that the design elements can provide.

Two big pieces of news:

The bedpan showed up today. And The poster is up at Theater Row. Both were lovely to see. And good signs that we are getting closer and ready for an audience.

Goodnight,

Padraic

What if...?

Howdy,

Today we did our second run through for designers and Alchemy's A.D. Bob Saxner. What a difference a week makes. The actors were deeply and intimately connected. I got great notes from Bob after the run. Some of them were about 'how far, or ugly, can we push these characters?' It was a great question to ask. I can honestly say that we've seen that in the process in development and it doesn't fully serve the play. However, his point was good, to not let the actors back away from uglier moments...which they are finding. The reason we can ask and examine these questions is because the work is very solid. Now there is an impulse to challenge the hypothesis of the rehearsal process. Not because it's not working but because it is. There is a week before the first preview and we are in position to ask 'can we make it better?', 'how far can we stretch this story?'

Those are the questions I want to be asking. I'm going to explore all of that tomorrow, as well as discovering new questions. 

Goodnight,

Padraic

Welcome back

Howdy,

Kate Rafey joined the team officially today. Or I should say returned to the play from Clark. She was the amazing stage manager from the work up there and now is the ASM on this production. Glad you are here. And so are Jamie D. and Eric T. I'm sure they appreciated their line notes very much. 

After three successive days off it was lovely to be back in the room. The plan of taking the days off went exactly as planned. The production team, Jessica, Scott, and I caught up on our lives a bit and were very relaxed. Eric T. and Jamie D. thought hard about the play and came to a place of ease with their relationship. And, that ease tended to drop the stakes to as low as possible. All part of the plan. If they came back two steps forward instead of one step back we'd be in huge trouble. Instead, they deepened their stage relationship, though the stakes were lower the relationship was stronger. Stakes will be back by tomorrow. One step backward is necessary to take a leap forward. 

I understand the stakes getting lower in my own confession I missed being in the room for three days. I wanted to hang out and talk. I mean, the details of the work is tiring and I mean seriously, after this week we're in the theater with design and production concerns, and then an audience, and there is very little time left to enjoy the truly intimate process. I can tell in my comments to Lea about the set and props that I'm a little fearful of moving from rehearsal room - I love our intimacy. There is safety in that...it is now time to raise the stakes for me as well and start to ensure that there is an awareness of the story we are telling the audience...so when they join us it is equally as intimate an experience for them.

Goodnight,

Padraic

... grow fonder

Howdy,

We took two days off from rehearsal. We're not back until tomorrow. I spent Saturday running the Brooklyn Half Marathon, talking the first half of the 13.1 mile race talking about the play. The process, the growth of the actors. How special it is to go through development with the same team...and like a long run, how important it is to pace ourselves. We needed the time off because otherwise we would've peaked at mile nine and been lagging in slowly to the finish line. Which isn't exactly true, the finish line is not Opening night...it is a new part of the process. A new energy enters into the experience. I will write about that more toward Opening I'm sure. But there is something dangerous to be fully ready for tech a week in advance. It is my hope that the time off gives Jamie D. and Eric T. time to deepen/own the text notes from Andrea and a little excitement for the week to come. 

The second half of the long run, I tried to listen to my friend Aaron talk about his trip to Europe. Something happens when I run long distances...I get very annoyed at my inability to listen, and focus on what is being said. I'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other and finish. Maybe that's why it's important to take time off... so listening and responding remain a joy in the conversation of the play and not something that gets in the way of simply getting to the Opening.

I spent the second half of Saturday not thinking about the play at all. Far away. My mind was at ease. Sunday the focus shifted back on the play. Kate Rafey, stage manager from Clark, and our P.A. called to tell me she'd be arriving Monday and was excited about starting on the play. An hour later, l got a call from Lea who had spent approximately $40 finishing the costume shopping and prop shopping, besides cake, - in Florida. Got to love Florida shrift shops. And then I went out with a friend to watch the sun set over Manhattan - while there I spent most of the evening talking about the process of the play. 

And today, Monday, I'm looking forward to getting back to it all again on Tuesday. Working some notes. And hoping to have everything in place so Sarah, Betsy, Lea, and Jessica can focus on tech. I'm getting very excited about sharing the play with the public. It is a very intimate process and the intimacy is what I'm hoping we are able to share with the public. As it has become Scott, my, Eric T., Jamie D, Jessica, Sarah, Lea, Betsy, Kate Rafey, Keenan, LAByrinth, and Alchemy's play...I look forward to it becoming the audience's play too.

Goodnight,

Padraic