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!