Friday morning July 10th was an excellent reminder to me of why I normally don’t stay out late on school nights! Our 9:30 meeting with Heather Neill was bit of a challenge for those of us who had been up late the night before with the actors. This is not to say we didn’t participate, but oh I would have loved another hour of sleep!
Heather Neill is a professional theatre critic and is not employed by the Globe Theatre. Having her lead a discussion of the performance was a lovely idea because there was no concern about hurting the feelings of someone who might have a friend on the cast etc. In our discussion it seemed that everyone had a similar feeling to me that the Puck interpretation was flawed in its execution. Heather made an excellent point about the staging in that they usually perform on lawns and outdoor spaces so the illusion of the forest is probably more often achieved by the surroundings. We also discussed the use of music in the production, particularly the singing of Puck’s prologue, which I have to say I hated. I hate to sound negative about the show because I did greatly enjoy it and the energy was fantastic. However it is a good illustration of the difficulties of taking on a beloved and well known play such as the Dream because your audience will have certain expectations before they even arrive at the theatre. I for one would rather have seen the If we shadows…” epilogue delivered without the entire cast singing.
Following our discussion we had our first ensemble scene rehearsal with Adam Coleman. Everyone on the program has been cast into small group scenes from Romeo and Juliet as well as an ensemble scene with the entire group. The ensemble scene is the opening market scene with Peter and Gregory etc. The “do you bite your thumb at me sir…” scene. I have been cast as Benvolio. I wonder if this means I get to fight Lindsey, who has been cast as Tybult? … First off I love Adam. Adam sort of nimbly moves around with the sense that it is costing him no energy at all to be everywhere at once. His smile is ear to ear. He is a fabulous director- one after my own heart with warm ups and character exercises and a clear goal of what to accomplish in every rehearsal. In this rehearsal Adam took us through what I think he called the 10 point plan. (We had no time to write anything down but he assures us he will have a handout with the steps next time!) Basically the 10 point plan is a scene treatment to help actors take on the physical nature of the script. The actors perform the scene ten times each time using a filter such as hitting your script every time you make a point etc. This was especially effective in the group setting. Some of the teachers on the program who are strictly English teachers with no theatre training have been dreading the performance but this method was unintimidating and fun for everyone. The most remarkable thing was by the final time everyone was taking on a distinct physical character and no one seemed self conscience. Adam also introduced us to the shadow personalities of the four archetypes. The Sovereign-Tyrant, The Warrior- Aggressor, The Care Giver- Smotherer, and the Joker- Manipulator. The more we work with these archetypes the more I am sold on their effectiveness.
In the afternoon we met for our first small group rehearsal. I have been cast as 1 of 4 Juliets in the scene when the Nurse informs Juliet that Romeo killed her cousin Tybult. This is going to be interesting. Basically the scene is divided up by the transitions in Juliet. So each of the four of us have bits of speeches weaved through out the entire script. Our director Ann is a beautiful amazon! Truly she is well over 6 feet tall and wow is she graceful. Ann is an actress. She has worked with the RSC for the last several years performing on their productions, mostly the histories. Everything about her screams performer. She speaks with total control and her stillness is enviable. I do think that this may be Ann’s first time directing so it’s an interesting experience. We began the rehearsal reading the script discussing text, working on transitions, thought, meter etc. Ann had a fabulous vocal warm up that worked on resonance. I loved it, and am hoping to get a written copy before we leave. After the warm up we read our scripts again and the difference in sound was amazing. The tones were more varied the vowels richer, the alliteration stronger. Next we were asked to read our parts but on this read thru to find a physical movement for every vowel we came across. Suddenly the piece took on a physical life. We ran through the script several more times and then began the detailed characterization. I have a lot of sympathy and respect for the English teachers in my scene who have never done any acting. What a terrifying experience to be given a script and asked to gallop around the room saying “gallop a pace you fiery footed steed…” We are an interesting group. Myself, an acting teacher, Allison an acting teacher, and Kate an acting teacher are together with Martha and Lindsey- both English teachers. I am not sure Ann was expecting such a wide variety of experience, it will be a challenge. But I love my group and my scene so I am expecting a lot out of the experience.
Finally on Friday we met with Patrick to discuss the week’s experiences and review what was on deck for the next week. From everyone’s comments it’s easy to tell that this is a rejuvenating experience for everyone. Deirdre, an English teacher from Charleston made an interesting remark. First I have to tell you that on the roads in England when the lanes shift or close etc. the road sign says “Change Priorities Ahead.” According to Deirdre it is not just a road sign, but her SIGN. She sees this experience as a clarification of her goals both professionally and personally. I can see how this experience is changing priorities for everyone. The English teachers are eager to get out from behind the desks and use performance to make the work accessible. The drama teachers are furiously scribbling down each new exercise too bring home. I have already filled up half my notebook!
After dinner I took the Tube to Oxford Circle to meet up with my good friend Sophie. Sophie and I met 9 years ago in Maine at one of my favorite places in the world Winona, the summer camp where we both worked. Sophie is now working in the HR department at the headquarters of Debenhams running some of their training programs. She travels loads so it was nice to catch up even if I was exhausted. I met her at a place called Bond’s with her workmates. It is a very different to experience London with Americans vs. experiencing it with Londoners! Her friends were lovely and when they asked me why I was here I was surprised to learn that not ONE of them had ever been to a show at the Globe. It seems the English are as intimidated by Shakespeare as many Americans. I mentioned the 10 pound tickets and several decided they would check it out. That’s me! Converting the masses to Shakespeare one happy hour at a time…
Heather Neill is a professional theatre critic and is not employed by the Globe Theatre. Having her lead a discussion of the performance was a lovely idea because there was no concern about hurting the feelings of someone who might have a friend on the cast etc. In our discussion it seemed that everyone had a similar feeling to me that the Puck interpretation was flawed in its execution. Heather made an excellent point about the staging in that they usually perform on lawns and outdoor spaces so the illusion of the forest is probably more often achieved by the surroundings. We also discussed the use of music in the production, particularly the singing of Puck’s prologue, which I have to say I hated. I hate to sound negative about the show because I did greatly enjoy it and the energy was fantastic. However it is a good illustration of the difficulties of taking on a beloved and well known play such as the Dream because your audience will have certain expectations before they even arrive at the theatre. I for one would rather have seen the If we shadows…” epilogue delivered without the entire cast singing.
Following our discussion we had our first ensemble scene rehearsal with Adam Coleman. Everyone on the program has been cast into small group scenes from Romeo and Juliet as well as an ensemble scene with the entire group. The ensemble scene is the opening market scene with Peter and Gregory etc. The “do you bite your thumb at me sir…” scene. I have been cast as Benvolio. I wonder if this means I get to fight Lindsey, who has been cast as Tybult? … First off I love Adam. Adam sort of nimbly moves around with the sense that it is costing him no energy at all to be everywhere at once. His smile is ear to ear. He is a fabulous director- one after my own heart with warm ups and character exercises and a clear goal of what to accomplish in every rehearsal. In this rehearsal Adam took us through what I think he called the 10 point plan. (We had no time to write anything down but he assures us he will have a handout with the steps next time!) Basically the 10 point plan is a scene treatment to help actors take on the physical nature of the script. The actors perform the scene ten times each time using a filter such as hitting your script every time you make a point etc. This was especially effective in the group setting. Some of the teachers on the program who are strictly English teachers with no theatre training have been dreading the performance but this method was unintimidating and fun for everyone. The most remarkable thing was by the final time everyone was taking on a distinct physical character and no one seemed self conscience. Adam also introduced us to the shadow personalities of the four archetypes. The Sovereign-Tyrant, The Warrior- Aggressor, The Care Giver- Smotherer, and the Joker- Manipulator. The more we work with these archetypes the more I am sold on their effectiveness.
In the afternoon we met for our first small group rehearsal. I have been cast as 1 of 4 Juliets in the scene when the Nurse informs Juliet that Romeo killed her cousin Tybult. This is going to be interesting. Basically the scene is divided up by the transitions in Juliet. So each of the four of us have bits of speeches weaved through out the entire script. Our director Ann is a beautiful amazon! Truly she is well over 6 feet tall and wow is she graceful. Ann is an actress. She has worked with the RSC for the last several years performing on their productions, mostly the histories. Everything about her screams performer. She speaks with total control and her stillness is enviable. I do think that this may be Ann’s first time directing so it’s an interesting experience. We began the rehearsal reading the script discussing text, working on transitions, thought, meter etc. Ann had a fabulous vocal warm up that worked on resonance. I loved it, and am hoping to get a written copy before we leave. After the warm up we read our scripts again and the difference in sound was amazing. The tones were more varied the vowels richer, the alliteration stronger. Next we were asked to read our parts but on this read thru to find a physical movement for every vowel we came across. Suddenly the piece took on a physical life. We ran through the script several more times and then began the detailed characterization. I have a lot of sympathy and respect for the English teachers in my scene who have never done any acting. What a terrifying experience to be given a script and asked to gallop around the room saying “gallop a pace you fiery footed steed…” We are an interesting group. Myself, an acting teacher, Allison an acting teacher, and Kate an acting teacher are together with Martha and Lindsey- both English teachers. I am not sure Ann was expecting such a wide variety of experience, it will be a challenge. But I love my group and my scene so I am expecting a lot out of the experience.
Finally on Friday we met with Patrick to discuss the week’s experiences and review what was on deck for the next week. From everyone’s comments it’s easy to tell that this is a rejuvenating experience for everyone. Deirdre, an English teacher from Charleston made an interesting remark. First I have to tell you that on the roads in England when the lanes shift or close etc. the road sign says “Change Priorities Ahead.” According to Deirdre it is not just a road sign, but her SIGN. She sees this experience as a clarification of her goals both professionally and personally. I can see how this experience is changing priorities for everyone. The English teachers are eager to get out from behind the desks and use performance to make the work accessible. The drama teachers are furiously scribbling down each new exercise too bring home. I have already filled up half my notebook!
After dinner I took the Tube to Oxford Circle to meet up with my good friend Sophie. Sophie and I met 9 years ago in Maine at one of my favorite places in the world Winona, the summer camp where we both worked. Sophie is now working in the HR department at the headquarters of Debenhams running some of their training programs. She travels loads so it was nice to catch up even if I was exhausted. I met her at a place called Bond’s with her workmates. It is a very different to experience London with Americans vs. experiencing it with Londoners! Her friends were lovely and when they asked me why I was here I was surprised to learn that not ONE of them had ever been to a show at the Globe. It seems the English are as intimidated by Shakespeare as many Americans. I mentioned the 10 pound tickets and several decided they would check it out. That’s me! Converting the masses to Shakespeare one happy hour at a time…
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