This Flattering Glass: Edward

We open tonight. The show is great. Come, come, come! And then tell your friends.
Jessica

Previews!!!

Well, we're finally here! It's the week of opening and tonight and tomorrow night we are previewing the show.

Dress rehearsals are always a bit tempestuous... new playing space, costumes, hair/make up, lights, props, etc. Mondays are always the worst, Tuesdays are 10,000 times better and by Wednesday/Thursday you are just ironing out the final wrinkles and the show gels nicely.

We are at that place in time where our show will reach the beauty it is meant to be. There are always 6 more changes and I have seen some new things from the cast mates even now. It is exciting and I can't wait for there to be an audience and to feed off their response.

This show kicks! I love performing in it, I love working with this group of people and I can't wait to share that love with all of you!

Thank you to all!

Break legs!!!!

Alais

Love Hurts

Inside This Flattering Glass

To steal this video... GO HERE!

Flattering Glass - mini-doc
Uploaded by dathang

Tonight, Tonight

Tonight was the last night of rehearsals before we start the tech/ dress rehearsals at CalArts North. We've grown so much and it shows. Richard remembered to refer to Edmund as Edward's father, not uncle, Isabel remembered to pronounce her R's when she gets mad/crazed, Mowbray did a wonderful job with his fight scene, Bushy did an overall superb job tonight, though his voice did seem a bit high-pitched, Henry and Gaunt's close relationship really showed tonight, Alais was more backstabbingly evil, Eleanor made you sympathize with her more during her monologue and during her reaction to Mowbray's sentence, Edward was more affectionate towards Richard, Joan was more pitiful, yet strong, Edmund was more two-faced, Percy and Hotspur had a stronger father-son relationship....everything's just falling into place beautifully!!!!!

Da Count: Our Actors

Our actors...those amazingly gifted and wonderfully beautiful people that we have been blessed to spend the last four weeks with: Renee "Alais" Newlove, Dave "Bushy" Otero, Hal "Edmund" Bolen, Stephen "Edward" Torres, Jessica "Eleanor" Reedy, Ron "Gaunt" Blackwell, RJ "Henry" Blak, Arthur "Hotspur" Koster, Melissa "Isabel" Geston, Julia "Joan" Reimer, Rene "Mowbray" Lastreto, and Matt "Richard" Otstot.

You rock our world.

For the past two nights, we have played at rehearsal, in addition to working. For the first half of our time, we have had guest star appearances. This means we can be any person or character we want as we play our role. There have been some hilarious results. There were movie stars, a wide range of accents and even song and dance numbers. Next time, we will definitely have to film the event. This group is always game to try new things.
Jessica

promo video

This Flattering Glass promo
Uploaded by dathang

Doin' Bushy Things...

Playing...

An Open Thank You...

as of last night we concluded the first major phase of our rehearsals for "this flattering glass." the language, relationship, emotion, action, and character exploration is done (inasmuch as those things are ever truly "done.") and, while i had absolute faith in the ventoux process , it was always the actors themselves who would prove my faith warranted.

and i now find it "all unpossible" to voice the humility and honor that i have felt in their presence for the last three weeks. they are Actors! each of them, renee, dave, hal, stephen, jessica, ron, rj, arthur, melissa, julia, rene, and matt, in their own way and to their own degree, have taken what i was confident would be a workable and useful tool for actors, and demonstrated, nightly, what Will and Dedication can accomplish when melded with Craft.

as we enter the final shaping phase of rehearsals, let me simply thank you for all you have done, and for all that i know you will continue to do.

and to alissa: thank you for joining our merry troupe and for your enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication. hell, girl, you scare me...and that's just what a good stage manager should do.

and my darling lisa, my partner, my touchstone, my wife, my Love: none of this is possible without you. more importantly, without you, none of it matters.

etonne-moi
gt

I found this today and thought...

... you guys would get a kick out of it.

HAMLET (original)

HAMLET for the Shakespeare-impaired

Cheers!

Every night I go to rehearsal and wait for the actors to experiment a little more with their role and bring something new to their part... and they do. It might be a new emotion to experience, a new direction to move during their scene, a different person to interact with or a additional prop or part of a costume to use. These performances of Shakespeare's play are going to bring a lot a new recruits to his ranks and hopefully many new followers to ours. I can't wait until there is an audience in front of us to complete the performance circle.

Vive le Bullshit? no shit!

Reading these posts, one may begin to wonder if there isn't perhaps some measure of rosy glasses going on, or maybe there is some whitewash on the fence? Vive le bullshit after all..
Well, the answer is no. The picture is what it is, no whitewash needed.
It really is going as well as described. What I think is being expressed is that it is going better than many of us expected...maybe? I know I had high expectations and that so far I've not only NOT been disappointed, but pleasantly surprised most of the time.
It really is no accident. The folks involved were asked and agreed to become a part of this production BECAUSE of their focused dedication. Theater Ventoux is a creative, fun, challenging, explorative, safe environment/process within which we can bring that focus to bear. (a synonym for press...hmmm) So everyone feels free to bring what they have into this environment and we play with all these ideas and keep what feels good and work past what feels difficult. And throughout this process we are encouraged and given tools to use to further our exploration.
As to my personal experience...WOW!!! I thought I had peaked - maybe plateaued - after Tuesday night (running Act 1 Mon. & Act 2 Tues.) but after Wednesday's work I am able to distill the essence of Bushy down to the core and fill myself with that essence. For me this has been - continues to be (6 more changes) a very effective process of creative development and that is hugely satisfying.
Vive le bullshit? no shit!

"I think I'm gonna to need a doctor"

I am drained. Exhausted. Entrapped. Enveloped in the world of This Flattering Glass. When I leave the rehearsal room, I literally have to sit in my car for a few moments and think, "woah, What just happened to my body? Why do I feel so strange?" This character, this play is real for the few hours we are together. The other people (characters) in the room are just as real. There is no one in that room that is not the person they're portraying, that is "acting" during our rehearsal time; it's incredible. I'm speechless. Tonight's rehearsals were amazing. There were a few new suggestions by the director and everyone was affected by them, and everyone added another layer to their acting, and it was wonderful.

I can't wait till we get to perform to an audience other than the mirrors. Dr. Frankenstein (the directors and actors) is making an exquisite monster.

Love-Fest

In talking with my cast mates and working on this show, ya'll might not believe that our rehearsals are going as well as we are blogging. But it is! It is so nice to be a part of an ensemble and grow together and work together and be such a well oiled machine that anything can be thrown our way and we'll conquer it, together.

There are no restrictions. We did not all agree to only reveal the good things about what we are doing... there just isn't anything to complain about! That is so nice.

Tonight was amazing. In the scene I have with Isabel we were brought to the next level and it's powerful. I love the transitions we have made, the places we are in and I love being Alais. She is such a fun ride. Every night there is a new step and after we got off stage, Isabel looked at me and wanted to strangle me... I loved it! I love how we have been brought to this place, this scene, and it is so real it is bringing out natural reactions and making our interactions that much more profound. Thank you Isabel for being there with me! You are truly my sister in arms!

Thank you to the cast for taking what you've been given and making it real!

Alais

First Runthru: Postlude and Beyond

you see, the difficulty is this: each and every single actor in this play is working so hard to deepen what they are already doing as well as bring new things to the table, that i, truthfully, find it very difficult to say anything more than i said after tonight's rehearsal...which was just, "you continue to amaze me."

This Flattering Glass, the adventure

As we enter week three, I am amazed at the way this venture is taking shape. It is a grand undertaking, and we have no idea where it will take us. But we boldly step off the edge and trust our skills, intuition, and desires to take us to the heights we wish to achieve. What ever the result, we all have grown as a result of this challenge.

Thank you, Greg, for your dream and allowing us to be part of it. Lisa, you are so supporting and encouraging, we could not do this without your insight.

To my cast members, We are "This Flattering Glass". What we do reflects back our dedication and devotion to our craft.

Thank you all.

The Play IS the thing

If you're reading this, then you are among the many already buzzing about this show. I am truly amazed to hear how many people know that this amazing production will take the stage at the end of the month.
With all the work, emotion and dedication this cast is putting forward... this is already one of the most memorable acting experiences of my career. To watch these actors bring life to this show and to see them showcase their abundance of skills is inspiring, to say the least.
So often actors can focus on the end result. How did you like the show? What did you think of that scene? That, too will be the case for this show I'm sure. But, it is not often one can focus on the process to bring you to your end point. With this show EVERY gathering brings new directions and new options. That can only add to what will, without question, be a much talked-about night of theatre.
And I must say I am King in character only. To be in the presence of this cast, I am truly a humble subject. And for them I simply say, "thanks my countrymen, my loving friends."

First Run Thru: Interlude

a few random thoughts that i had during the course of last night's rehearsal (in no particular order): oh yes...GOOD!...i told you NOT to play with the guns...YES...i really need to learn my lines...hm, it doesn't fall out when i have it...YESYESYESYESYES...i'm so happy...damn

LAST NIGHT- FIRST RUN THROUGH

Last night was our first run through, and it was absolutely amazing. There was more emotion, more characterization, more interaction (more everything!!!) than ever before. I can't wait for Monday so we can continue working- I'm so excited about this play, I find that I'm even thinking about it while I'm in the shower or trying to get to sleep...(insane?)

Thanks go to Marcel Nunis for taking the time to come and watch and film us last night.

Vestal Blog

So what can I say that hasn't been said? We are almost (after tonight) through our first half of rehearsals. So far they have been exciting and well-crafted learning experiences each and every one of them. We all agreed to concentrate our collective efforts to maximize the use of our time- (anybody else flash on Mr. Hands from Fast Times? Oh well could have been just me) guess what? It works if you work it.
And each rehearsal does bring new ideas, new levels of creative input and new fun. I will soon start to repeat what has been said before but I can't help it. I too can't wait for tonights run through, for tech, for an audience...and so on. Will keep you posted...

Exciting (posted for Jesseree who is having puter issues)

Exciting is when you can't wait for the rest of your day to go by so you can go to rehearsal.... This play is exciting; this theatre company is exciting!

First Run: Prelude

so tomorrow is our first full run of the show and i am deliciously intrigued to see what will happen. of all the shows i have done, this is the first in which the actors deliberately and very definitely bring new ideas and new levels to each and every rehearsal. from the foundation of their own work, to communicating meaning, to playing the language, to listening, to communicating relationships, to physicalizing emotions...every night...something new...something deeper.

and not just some of them, but every one of them. i find it impossible to single out the exemplary work that one of them is doing for the simple reason that they are all doing exemplary work. and i choose to use that word very deliberately: exemplary. each of them is working at a level that is an example to each of the others. and, oh my, how they do feed on it.

so tomorrow is our first full run...and i have the feeling that something wonderful this way comes.

We Play With Balls

In our "focus ups" GT has lead us through a particular exercise that I find to be the most helpful. It's the Space Ball exercise. Now this is no ordinary ball, this ball can be any shape, size and it changes on a whim. This ball emotes too.

The hardest part for me is to get the Space Ball out on my head. I can picture a ball, you can say "think of a volleyball," and my mind will picture a volleyball. This is not the Space Ball exercise. The Space Ball is made of the space in front of you. It's up to you to make the Space Ball real and to play with the ball. We play with the Space Ball on our own and sometimes we combine Space Balls and play with a partner or a group. It's interesting to see what the other cast members come up with, new way to play with the Space Ball, different games to play with the Space Ball, it's all individualized and real.

Last night we played with the Space Balls as we were feeling different emotions. We were experiencing different feelings in regards to our relationship with the Space Ball. I feel bad for my Space Ball because I was more aggressive with it and it went through some abuse.

After our exercise is completed, I can feel my palm tingle as if I can still feel the ball, my arms are warm from the movements and playing, my legs tingle from focusing on moving to get the ball, and I'm a little out of breathe (because I am out of shape) from playing with the ball. My whole entire body is so focused on playing with the Space Ball, it is that real. And it's totally trippy to experience.

I love this exercise because it not only focuses my mind but my entire body too. I can put that energy into playing on stage with the actors and the space. Placing emotions into our Space Ball exercise raises the stakes and makes the playing that much more intense.

I have to say thank you to the ensemble for letting go of inhibitions, for following the exercises and for giving 100% to the space... the ensemble makes the environment open and welcome to be free to play! Thank you!

Alais

Musing Made Metamorphous

Most of us who have the honor of acting on stage are very accomplished craftsmen. Many craftsmen in other pursuits become a prisoner to convention and repetition. One of our jobs as actors is make things "new" for each audience. That is a challenge and a reward. Our work on emotions last night helped remind us of our collective gifts. I, for one, am impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our ensemble. You all are gifted and unselfish in presenting your talents for all to enjoy. Vive le difference!
RL2

WOW!

The cast kicked ass last night! Everyone brought new stuff to the table, and there were moments that gave me goosebumps and nearly made me cry. I cannot wait to get this beast in front of an audience! woohoo!

To those of you who took the time to read my blog yesterday (actor's obligation): thank you. The bad theatre experience I had during Rogue (the only one, actually, since everything else I saw was top-notch) stayed with me (like when you have onions for lunch and they're still there at dinner-yuck) and I had to get it out. That was mostly a PMS-fueld rant and once I got it out and had some chocolate I was all better.

...onward and upward....

lis

psst... Lisa...

... part 2 is up... ya know... B.I.T.S.! Oh yeah... the rest of you can read it to.

An Actor's Obligation

Have you ever been in a show where you or another actor had an "off night?" Worse yet, have you ever been in the audience of a show that was having an "off night?" Why is it acceptable to excuse a sub-par performance? Don't we, as actors, have an obligation to our castmates and audience?

We have one chance every night to make a lasting impression. The audience doesn't care if we had a bad day at work or the dog threw up on the carpet or we had a fight with our significant other or if that certain "someone" came to see the show. Each and every person took time out of their lives and money out of their pockets to see us; we owe them the best work we can give. If a cast has an "off night," are they going to offer rainchecks for people to come see a better show for free? Of course not. We shrug it off and say, "Oh well, I'll/we'll be better tomorrow." I saw a show during the Rogue on an "off night." I felt cheated, especially when a cast member said that the night before had been really good. "Thanks for coming; too bad you saw us on an off night."

What will make Ventoux stand apart is the training the actors are getting. With what everyone is learning in terms of emotions, relationships, etc. if somebody has a bad day it won't affect the performance. Every night we will bring our best game, because every night is opening night.

TO THE DIRECTOR AND ASSSITANT DIRECTOR:

Emily Dickinson once wrote to her editor: " Thank you for the surgery- it was not so painful as I supposed." I believe you are entitled to receive the same message. Thank you for allowing us the freedom to try new things, to come up with our own ideas, etc., but also thank you for your suggestions and keeping us focused on our work. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

from the "intermittent in nature" theatre company

Since we are and anyone hardly comes by any more... there is a new post up there.

BTW... cheers on the great work that is continuing to happen!

Breakin' Da Rules

One of the goals of Theatre V. is to get past the "rules," both spoken and unspoken, we are taught as actors.Last week's rehearsals showed me that when you go against the grain and break the rules, amazing things can happen.

The actors were on their feet for the first time Wednesday, staging Act 1. GT laid out the expectations: if an actor was not in the scene, they were to be working lines/scenes in another room or they could stay, observe and reflect upon what was happening. Nearly everyone chose to stay and watch. After each scene, we shared our observations, which had to be prefaced with "Yes," "No," or "What if." Initially, there was some hesitation; As actors, we often don't give constructive criticism to our peers because that opens the door for us to be criticized. We addressed that issue, then dove in.

What followed was collaboration, exploration and experimentation I've never seen before. As the "what ifs" flew round the room, the actors brought the work to a new level. Hal (Edmund) came up with an idea that we hadn't considered, and it worked beautifully. It raised the stakes for Edmund, Percy and Hotspur, while showing Richard (Matt) in a deliciously sinister light; the connection between Richard and Edward (Matt and Stephen) is disturbing in its intimacy; Ron and RJ (Gaunt and Henry) are developing a believable father-son relationship; Renee and Melissa (Alais and Isabel) have a close, alsmost sister-like bond that takes an interesting turn in the second half of the play.

In all, the first week of rehearsal was very productive. The actors trust Greg and are willing to do whatever he asks. I am looking forward to seeing what this week brings.

Rehearsal ala Ron: On Our Feet

B.I.T.S. Pt. 2

(or... How we got over ourselves, experimented in web marketing and sold out 3 out of 5 performances at Rogue 2007!)

Is now up and can be found HERE & HERE.

Cheers!

Week 1

Well here it is one week of working "This Flattering Glass". It is such a talented group, with such a passion to create. Sometimes I feel a little over whelmed, that I am not further along in my work. So I have to remind myself it has only been a week. Our Director has a different way of directing, and alot of what he does comes from the actors themselves. It is so different to be able to create our own characters from how we see them in relation to the other characters and their position in the story.
This play is coming along extremely well. Everyone is learning and contributing, It is truly a group effort.
This is my first attempt at doing Shakespeare, and I find that I struggle with the lines as it is soooo different from the way we talk, but slowly it is starting to come, and gets easier every time.
We still have almost a month before we put this up to the public and I know it is going to rock. Thank you everyone in the cast and especially Lisa for all her hard work and the invaluable help she gives.
This is going to be AWESOME!!!!