Wednesday, June 10, 2009

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

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