Off-Book Followup...

3M:

First, thank you for patience last night!  We saw really strong moments already.  This is one of 4 very challenging scenes in the show and we made it about 3/4, so that is big.  We will finish up tomorrow and clean next week and following.

Following up on the discussion last night concerning "off book".  The challenges of any show, but particularly a show like this, is the physicality. As you can see in Scene 5 blocking, there are a lot of very specific movements and timing challenges and your ability to remain line consistent in rehearsal is important for the cadence and rhythm of everyone in the scene.  Theatre is a teamsport! 

It will makes our rehearsals move smoother if you can get out of your scripts as quickly as possible.  I fully expect our phenom Stage Manager(s) to help you and provide lines for an unplanned pause or on your que.   I suggest you try to be out of your script/off-book by the next run of the scene.  I am not expecting perfection by any stretch--but a big win for us would be you to not have your script on stage.   As a general rule, if you comfortably memorized 80%+of your lines for a specific scene, leave the script offstage and call for lines.  

btw: Contrary to the rumour...there are no "punishments" or "wrath" of Stephanie, Michael or Kiara for not being off book! We are thrilled to see are actors already 80-90% off book, so I would expect positive pressure to motivate you.  The bigger challenges will come as we load more scenes :-).

Notes: 

-If a combat/sword scene calls for lines, you should be off book before your first choreography session for that specific sword fight.  Just easier to work. 

-We will start providing specific line notes next week.

-When not in the scene, feel free to work lines with actors in the extra room.

-Review your lines before every rehearsal, if you think you are off book.  It will help when you have to save a dropped line as well.   Some of the most success actors I know, review lines before each show as well, no matter how confident they are. 

-If you cannot give your line, pause one beat and call for the line by only saying "Line". Please don't pause for an excessive time, stop the scene with commentary about missing the line, etc, drop character and panic or get down on yourself.  It will come together if you stay vigilant on your daily line work.  Acting is hard work--especially for part-timers. This is why we rehearse. It's all good :-).  

Thanks Guys and Gals...See you tomorrow!
-Michael