The Ensemble

ensemble: noun: a group constituting an organic whole or producing together a single effect.

A major part of the Ventoux Process (or at least from what I've noticed) is the cohesiveness of the Ensemble. We are all individual actors that come together and perform as a whole. Our tune-ups are done as a group, a lot of the focus work is done to make us aware of ourselves, our body is our instrument, and of those acting around us. This group is not about one actor or one performance. This group is about performing a 'single effect,' the show.

Schedules and time constraints have made the cohesive aspect of this group more difficult, but we are all dedicated to the single effect, we all have the same goal; and regardless of what we have going on in our personal lives, we have to perform to the best of our ability. We owe the audience that and more.

The show has taken on a new life and we now know what the first layer of the show looks like, but in these next 9 rehearsals we'll step up the intensity and see how deep we can make the layers. We are playing the same emotions as before, playing the same intent and need, but now it's time to see how intense we can make that need. How many steps and layers into the process can we delve? That's for each actor to decide, and I'd like to challenge myself and my fellow actors... find those 6 more changes and take it to a place you never thought you could get to. Step it up and start to play for the single effect.

Cheers.

So.... Here we are again...

This being my second experience with the Theatre Ventoux process I find myself taking more from the Tune-Ups than I had with "This Flattering Glass." I really love the Tune-Ups because it gives me a chance to let my world melt away and allow for my creative process to come forth. It doesn't matter what I come into the rehearsal space carrying or weighting on my mind, as soon as we focus on our breathing and start playing with the Space Ball, the world as I know it disappears for the next 3 hours and I am in the zone. It's a mini vacation from my life and playing in a life I am portraying.

"Childe Byron" is an intense, touching, and kick in the pants show that is so much fun to perform. I am loving this group of actors, most of which I've performed with before and some I've never worked with before. It really is a good range of talent.

Tonight we are to be off book. The dreaded time period (I'm sure you heard the do-do-dooooooooo music and a scream in the background) as the actors rush to make sure they know their lines better than they did last night. I spent the weekend camping and sitting by the fire memorizing my script, yes even when the drinks were getting passed around, I was memorizing my script. It's strange what we are willing to do for our art, isn't it?

I know that this week of rehearsal will be a little clunky, but that is to be expected. We are getting off book rather quickly, but I can't wait to get it out of my hands and really be able to act. I especially can't wait to further develop a particular character I am playing, knowing that it's going to be an amazing connection.

So for now, I'll be walking around my office, waltz stepping (I'll let another actor talk about the Waltz Rehearsal), memorizing and speaking in a British accent as much as I can. :-)

VLB!
AL

REVIEW!!!!!!!!!

www.fresnobeehive.com

I just wanted to extend my most sincere thanks and gratitude to Greg and Lisa and the rest of the cast and crew. Without any of you we would not be able to play and WOW the audiences!

Hey, let's get together and crank this thing out 4 more times! Yay!!!! ;-)

Thank you!!!

Viva la Bullshit!

Alais!

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-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

On Our Feet

Tonight we got up and started staging the show. Relationships are starting to appear, intent is coming through, and the language is melodic.

As a character on stage witnessing the scenes unfold I didn't know what to do at first, but felt comfortable and encouraged to play. Having the freedom, I started allowing my character to flow and natural reactions poured out of me. It was amazing!

This group, ensemble is the better word, has been working so well together... I can't wait to get the scripts out of our hands and see the real playing begin!

Thank you!

Alais

This Flattering Glass Cast

In April/May of 2007, Theatre Ventoux will present "This Flattering Glass", our adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Richard II", at the Severance Building.

The following people have graciously consented to give of their Time and Artistry to this small drop in the lake of Wonderful.

Stephanie French as Alais
Dave Otero as Bushy
Hal Bolen as Edmund
Stephen Torres as Edward
Jessica Reedy as Eleanor
Ron Blackwell as Gaunt
Raul Vasquez, Jr. as Henry
RJ Blak as Hotspur
Kimberly Guevara as Isabel
Tessa Cavalletto as Joan
Jaguar Bennett as Percy
and
Matt Otstot as Richard

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