Well, we are off to the races! The 2016 Company has officially been in rehearsals for almost one and a half weeks and we are moving at lightening speed, working to get all three shows up on their feet.
Our first day, Tuesday, May 17th, was full of mingling and delicious food (I am now in love with Avanti's lasagna!) - we had a delightful dinner with the entire company. This included all the designers, actors, directors (of choreography, music, productions, etc.), administration, crew, Board members and more - in short, it was a large number of people all sitting at one long table and getting to know one another, many of whom have been collaborating on our three productions for months and some of whom are just starting.
We spent some time doing 'table work' for each production - after reading the script aloud with the full cast for the first time, we go through the script again with a fine tooth comb and discuss any questions, concerns, unclear language, etc. For Twelfth Night and Hamlet, we used this table work time to work with our vocal coach, Gale Daly - she helps us make our text delivery clear and helps us find as many options in the text as possible. After the first read of Peter and the Starcatcher, the cast and musicians started in on music rehearsals. Because of the highly physical nature of the show, less time was spent at the table in an effort to get the show up on it's feet and give it a basic structure.
At this point in the rehearsal process, all three productions are in some state of blocking/working rehearsals. The goal is to give a basic structure to each story, although each process is different based on the director's style and each script - that's what makes it fun! Meanwhile, separate rehearsals are going on simultaneously for fight choreography, vocal coaching, music rehearsals and more!
I am so excited - the readings were wonderful and the designs are beautiful. It is thrilling to be in the room with so many incredible artists and I am learning a lot every time I am among them. I am so eager for you to see these productions!
