We only have one performance this week--which was today with the International School of Boston. We performed for lots of French students in a church building.
The kids were very sweet and appreciated the show very much. They did get a little antsy during the emotional parts but what really counts is the feedback afterwards. They really enjoyed the show.
We are nearing the end of our tour. Our next show is next Monday and we need to get up extra early again.
It is hard to keep things fresh. You'd think that performing in a different place all the time would make things fresher--but maybe not. A lot of your time prior to performing is spent finding the bathroom, freshening up makeup and hair, setting up the stage and having a fight call. That doesn't leave much time to truly focus before the show. Sometimes the only way to deal with work that is condensed like this is to be able to laugh about it a little.
A lot of kids ask me what its like to kiss the men in the show.....they ask it as if kissing is something gutsy and unknown.....uncomfortable...maybe even a little scary...
When I was 5 or 6..i remember wondering how I would ever get married and have to actually kiss the groom! I wondered if i could get out of the kiss...or maybe not even marry at all because of it. And when I was a freshman in high school, I still never got to kiss anyone until later that year. It was always a magically unknown thing for me. So I understand those questions that the kids ask. It's funny how today I'm not fazed by a kiss. I told the kids...when you're older....it doesn't bother you as much. I sometimes feel immature and young about things, but when I answer some of these questions, I feel older...in a good way.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Catch up--YMCA, Newton, New Rep
It's been awhile since I have written--about a week maybe. We did one show at the Cambridge YMCA for a bunch of very spunky city kids. During the kissing scenes, there were "ooohs" and howls. One girl up on the balcony was very into the show. At the end she nearly yelled at Cyrano for not telling me(roxy) that he loved me. She disagreed with his choice to stay silent.
"are you guys famous?"
Then we did our Newton Center public performance which was ....odd:) We performed on a very small stage decorated Seussical style. There was silence during most of the play,however the family from India really enjoyed the show we gave them. They gave us a standing O. I know Paul and Robert need to hear laughs to feel like the show is going well. But for me, I go by how I feel personally that day..and...i didn't feel one way or another about it. Alice, the sweet lady whose hairs I wash in the salon attended and Paul's parent's surprised us as well. The talk back was discussed with much intensity.
Today was our two show day at New Rep! I believe that tonight was one of my best performances. Doug and his group said I got an A plus plus....which....golly..made my night. They said they laughed and cried. They were beaming. Before hearing that, i thought--hey. the last scene was very good tonight. I did what I could with the death scene. Of course, I had my qualms about this or that. But once you hear someone tell you A plus plus...it doesn't matter what you think. I love good grades.
As for the first early show today, we had home schooled kids and their families. Very nice folk. We had a couple theatre kids in there who were going to put on Rapunzel in their house. I think we inspired them.
Everyone has a different way of preparing before the show. Robert is a very focused actor. He is out in the audience or pacing, going over his lines. He is very mature.
Paul is very silly...but he can afford to prepare in a less serious way because his role is so funny.
I need both the seriousness and the silliness to do well in this show. But it was very hard not to laugh at Paul's popped collar in the opening.
"are you guys famous?"
Then we did our Newton Center public performance which was ....odd:) We performed on a very small stage decorated Seussical style. There was silence during most of the play,however the family from India really enjoyed the show we gave them. They gave us a standing O. I know Paul and Robert need to hear laughs to feel like the show is going well. But for me, I go by how I feel personally that day..and...i didn't feel one way or another about it. Alice, the sweet lady whose hairs I wash in the salon attended and Paul's parent's surprised us as well. The talk back was discussed with much intensity.
Today was our two show day at New Rep! I believe that tonight was one of my best performances. Doug and his group said I got an A plus plus....which....golly..made my night. They said they laughed and cried. They were beaming. Before hearing that, i thought--hey. the last scene was very good tonight. I did what I could with the death scene. Of course, I had my qualms about this or that. But once you hear someone tell you A plus plus...it doesn't matter what you think. I love good grades.
As for the first early show today, we had home schooled kids and their families. Very nice folk. We had a couple theatre kids in there who were going to put on Rapunzel in their house. I think we inspired them.
Everyone has a different way of preparing before the show. Robert is a very focused actor. He is out in the audience or pacing, going over his lines. He is very mature.
Paul is very silly...but he can afford to prepare in a less serious way because his role is so funny.
I need both the seriousness and the silliness to do well in this show. But it was very hard not to laugh at Paul's popped collar in the opening.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Something Eventful Did Happen
Today was our performance at Central Catholic for the seniors. Somehow, I wasn't having the best day. We had a great show--except I was a little vocally tired. I felt connected for the most part with the acting, etc. But the kids were intimidating to me and I sort of got peer pressured into singing a bit of a song for what seemed like 200 seniors.
I know I sing. and should be comfortable with singing on the spot. But i'm not. I'm a perfectionist and I always like to be prepared for singing a song. I haven't had a lesson in a couple months and after an hour of projecting, my voice was tired.
The seniors were very receptive and supportive. But they wouldn't take no for an answer. I was embarrassed because I was shy and nervous in front of them. And being forced to sing was topping on my shy cake. If the kids were younger I wouldn't have been nervous about even leading the talk back, but I felt like these kids were my age. It seems like only yesterday I was a senior in high school. And I wanted them to think I was cool.
I took a nap today and woke up at three in the afternoon , thought it was the next day and thought I missed the 930 call and show of the next day. I was so out of it, with these 4am wakings and strange naps. I screamed to chelle, OMG OMG! I missed my show!!!!!! But eventually chel figured out that I had a show this morning and everything was fine.
This was not the most positive blog but I have to tell the truth...there were three actors on the stage, but I felt like I was by myself up there.
I know I sing. and should be comfortable with singing on the spot. But i'm not. I'm a perfectionist and I always like to be prepared for singing a song. I haven't had a lesson in a couple months and after an hour of projecting, my voice was tired.
The seniors were very receptive and supportive. But they wouldn't take no for an answer. I was embarrassed because I was shy and nervous in front of them. And being forced to sing was topping on my shy cake. If the kids were younger I wouldn't have been nervous about even leading the talk back, but I felt like these kids were my age. It seems like only yesterday I was a senior in high school. And I wanted them to think I was cool.
I took a nap today and woke up at three in the afternoon , thought it was the next day and thought I missed the 930 call and show of the next day. I was so out of it, with these 4am wakings and strange naps. I screamed to chelle, OMG OMG! I missed my show!!!!!! But eventually chel figured out that I had a show this morning and everything was fine.
This was not the most positive blog but I have to tell the truth...there were three actors on the stage, but I felt like I was by myself up there.
Central Catholic
It's early morning. I got up at about 4. My beady little eyes wanted to sew themselves shut but i'm awake now. Yesterday's school --central catholic was surprisingly great! We played for about 700 high school students. We are going back there again today for the Seniors and then...SLEEP.
Some of the questions they asked us---
"Do Christian and Roxane really kiss?"
(I guess it was unclear!?)
"Why are the two cousins in love?"
(I managed to answer intelligently--that they are just friends and not cousins--- and then add that they ARE family members by accident...)
"Can (Paul) do some impressions for us?"
(He did Borat)
This is a short blog because I've got to get ready--if anything out of the ordinary happens today I will blog later!
Becca
Some of the questions they asked us---
"Do Christian and Roxane really kiss?"
(I guess it was unclear!?)
"Why are the two cousins in love?"
(I managed to answer intelligently--that they are just friends and not cousins--- and then add that they ARE family members by accident...)
"Can (Paul) do some impressions for us?"
(He did Borat)
This is a short blog because I've got to get ready--if anything out of the ordinary happens today I will blog later!
Becca
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Waldorf/Matignon Schools
The past few days have been crazy and different. I have to say that I had the most beautiful experience at the Waldorf School (I think I am remembering the name correctly).. The students were so respectful and receptive. They laughed at the comic parts; they were silent during the emotional parts. The setting was a sunny room with a stage and windows. I felt such a connection with the students somehow. It was my best performance yet.
After, students came up and told me how much they loved the show. One girl was beaming and told me she played Roxanne in school. The age group of these kids was 15-18ish....What a perfect day.
The next day was with Matignon Catholic High School. This was not my favorite performance. The kids weren't as receptive. They didn't seem to laugh much. However, the teachers were SO nice and bought us muffins and donuts...i even had myself a little piece of those goodies.
Doug came to this show. It was great to see him. I felt like Doug was watching us as a parent letting his children fly away a little. He guided us so well during rehearsal and I was so glad to see him there, especially since the rest of the audience was a tough crowd.
There is nothing better than feeling like the audience is with you during the performance. I felt like The Waldorf kids (and the other guest school which escapes me) were like friends in my pocket. I caught glimpses of their gleaming eyes, shining up at us, enjoying and appreciating us. I hope we have more performances like that one.
Our next show is ultra early! we have a 545 call which means...i'll be getting up at nearly 4 in the morning, maybe earlier. I pray that the kids at Central Catholic will be wonderfully worth the early start!
This has been quite an adventure so far.
After, students came up and told me how much they loved the show. One girl was beaming and told me she played Roxanne in school. The age group of these kids was 15-18ish....What a perfect day.
The next day was with Matignon Catholic High School. This was not my favorite performance. The kids weren't as receptive. They didn't seem to laugh much. However, the teachers were SO nice and bought us muffins and donuts...i even had myself a little piece of those goodies.
Doug came to this show. It was great to see him. I felt like Doug was watching us as a parent letting his children fly away a little. He guided us so well during rehearsal and I was so glad to see him there, especially since the rest of the audience was a tough crowd.
There is nothing better than feeling like the audience is with you during the performance. I felt like The Waldorf kids (and the other guest school which escapes me) were like friends in my pocket. I caught glimpses of their gleaming eyes, shining up at us, enjoying and appreciating us. I hope we have more performances like that one.
Our next show is ultra early! we have a 545 call which means...i'll be getting up at nearly 4 in the morning, maybe earlier. I pray that the kids at Central Catholic will be wonderfully worth the early start!
This has been quite an adventure so far.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
A Show for Nativity Prep
Today was the first showing for an audience of about 50 8th grade boys from Nativity Prep. It was a strange show for us.
All of us had to adjust to the young men's attention span and tastes which differ so much from Doug's:)
We cut 6 minutes off the show by speeding things way up. There was no wallowing in moments--although i couldn't help but take some time with Christian's death scene.
The kids were great! They asked a lot of questions during the talk back.
It takes a very good actor to perform for kids, especially kids from all different types of backgrounds. Each performance is catered to that audience--it has to be. In this case, the show is not just a piece of theatre for the sake of good theatre---it's theatre for the kids.
I tried today to honestly do what I should do in character, but technically, I had to make sure I could be heard, that the energy was up, that everyone was following and paying attention to what I was doing---my luxurious moments with Cyrano could not be today...I almost felt like I was back in grade school myself---would they think I was cool? could they relate to me? No they wouldn't understand the death scene completely, but how can I truly be Roxane when I have to constantly be checking in with an audience that I haven't been including for the past couple weeks.
Doug wanted a lot of what I was doing to be just Cyrano and myself....like a private world. But I can't ignore the audience. Or else I may loose them. I am the one person in the show that doesn't really use the audience and it makes me feel a little strange. I must talk to Doug about this.
All in all, The show went well because we did it.
All of us had to adjust to the young men's attention span and tastes which differ so much from Doug's:)
We cut 6 minutes off the show by speeding things way up. There was no wallowing in moments--although i couldn't help but take some time with Christian's death scene.
The kids were great! They asked a lot of questions during the talk back.
It takes a very good actor to perform for kids, especially kids from all different types of backgrounds. Each performance is catered to that audience--it has to be. In this case, the show is not just a piece of theatre for the sake of good theatre---it's theatre for the kids.
I tried today to honestly do what I should do in character, but technically, I had to make sure I could be heard, that the energy was up, that everyone was following and paying attention to what I was doing---my luxurious moments with Cyrano could not be today...I almost felt like I was back in grade school myself---would they think I was cool? could they relate to me? No they wouldn't understand the death scene completely, but how can I truly be Roxane when I have to constantly be checking in with an audience that I haven't been including for the past couple weeks.
Doug wanted a lot of what I was doing to be just Cyrano and myself....like a private world. But I can't ignore the audience. Or else I may loose them. I am the one person in the show that doesn't really use the audience and it makes me feel a little strange. I must talk to Doug about this.
All in all, The show went well because we did it.
Pieces
The news from home is terrible. The death count is awful.
Stacy and I stopped each other in the hall in between costume fittings the other day and hugged. We felt speechless.
In the midst of rehearsal madness and trying to work on my lines, Suzana and I asked ourselves if telling this particular story is the right thing to do now, with all the chaos happening in Israel and Palestine. For a moment, we didn't know if we're supposed to respond to what's happening or to the story we're trying to tell. A story that took place fourteen years ago in a very different Middle East.
Stacy and I stopped each other in the hall in between costume fittings the other day and hugged. We felt speechless.
In the midst of rehearsal madness and trying to work on my lines, Suzana and I asked ourselves if telling this particular story is the right thing to do now, with all the chaos happening in Israel and Palestine. For a moment, we didn't know if we're supposed to respond to what's happening or to the story we're trying to tell. A story that took place fourteen years ago in a very different Middle East.
We searched for advice. We called a lot of people. We thought for a long time.
Then, we remembered a speech by a character in a play of mine called This Bloody Mess, a play that Suzana and I worked on last summer:
Emma: How to stay engaged with the world after you’ve given up on it:
You work with what you got. Even if it looks like nothing. Even if it evaporates just when you get there. You work with what you got. Even if it explodes in your face every time. If you look closely, there is always bit of a thing there, inside the nothing, I mean. And inside the blood and the rocks and the ashes and the grief and the stupidity of it all and the waste, the terrible waste and the mistakes and the tears, all the tears. Inside that there is a bit of a some-thing.
(Pause)
The Buddhists believe everything is nothing, everything is a big void and in that, there is everything. Complicated. But in the huge nothingness, there is a bit of a thing, of a some-thing, and you hold on to that as well you can and then you run with it. Because that’s all you have and the rest is really nothing: stasis, paralysis, that’s truly frightening.
(Pause)
And sometimes, when needed, you hold on as if you’re holding on to your life, to other people’s lives, to what you believe inside is real and true and how it should be. You hold on to what you know, because that’s a bit of a thing right there – what you know. You take a long and deep breath and you hold on to this planet. You hold on and you never let go.
Now go.
Emma: How to stay engaged with the world after you’ve given up on it:
You work with what you got. Even if it looks like nothing. Even if it evaporates just when you get there. You work with what you got. Even if it explodes in your face every time. If you look closely, there is always bit of a thing there, inside the nothing, I mean. And inside the blood and the rocks and the ashes and the grief and the stupidity of it all and the waste, the terrible waste and the mistakes and the tears, all the tears. Inside that there is a bit of a some-thing.
(Pause)
The Buddhists believe everything is nothing, everything is a big void and in that, there is everything. Complicated. But in the huge nothingness, there is a bit of a thing, of a some-thing, and you hold on to that as well you can and then you run with it. Because that’s all you have and the rest is really nothing: stasis, paralysis, that’s truly frightening.
(Pause)
And sometimes, when needed, you hold on as if you’re holding on to your life, to other people’s lives, to what you believe inside is real and true and how it should be. You hold on to what you know, because that’s a bit of a thing right there – what you know. You take a long and deep breath and you hold on to this planet. You hold on and you never let go.
Now go.
We decided to tell our story as best we can.
Peace,
Zohar.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Last Rehearsal; New Beginning
Today was our last rehearsal. We did a run through for our biggest audience--5-7 people. We are surely overtired and over rehearsed and tomorrow's day off will be a welcome one.
We have our first performance for a school on Tuesday. I am excited and a little nervous about how everything will go. I hope the girls can relate to Roxane. Tomorrow I am going to do something (i don't know what yet) to make Christian's death moment a little more personal to me. Doug has told me the moment is in a good place, but I'm not quite content with it...it's a tricky moment. But I like the challenge.
I can't wait to start writing about our experiences at the schools.
We have our first performance for a school on Tuesday. I am excited and a little nervous about how everything will go. I hope the girls can relate to Roxane. Tomorrow I am going to do something (i don't know what yet) to make Christian's death moment a little more personal to me. Doug has told me the moment is in a good place, but I'm not quite content with it...it's a tricky moment. But I like the challenge.
I can't wait to start writing about our experiences at the schools.
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