The view from my window. I tend to wake up early and this morning I was able to watch the sun rise and gradually bathe all the taller buildings in light – very welcome after the last two days of gray skies and rain.
I’m tired.
I suppose it’s because I’m not used to a long day in the rehearsal studio. I have to acclimate myself. And my allergies are really bad this spring. Put them together and you will find me falling into bed at 10 pm, barely able keep my eyes open. I’m homesick, too – but that goes without saying.
I thought I might share some of the rehearsal process with you. I’m thinking you might be interested in what goes on in that space of time between the very first rehearsal and Opening Night. Friday was our very first day of rehearsal. The first few hours were spent in a ‘Meet and Greet’ where all of us got to meet each other, as well as members of the theater staff. Then the director shared his concept of the production, along with the model for the set and the costume renderings. We had a break for lunch and then it was time for the first read through of Twelfth Night. For those of us who will be coaching and assisting the director, this was the first time we were able to hear the actors’ voices and get a sense of what they will bring to their roles. Some of these actors I have worked with before. Others are new to me.
After the read through, we started on what is known as Table Work. Table Work involves sitting around – you guessed it – a table and going through the text. In this process, the actors in any given scene share the table with the director, the assistant director, the Dramaturg and the Voice and Text coach (me). We take an initial swing at the text, raising questions, answering questions, clarifying the meaning of Shakespeare’s text and the director’s vision for each scene. Table Work is one of my favorite things to do. I have always loved the communal process of analyzing the script, agreeing, disagreeing and coming up with answers. I learn a lot each time I do Table Work. This part of the process gives me a chance to correct some mispronunciations and clarify some word meanings. But I also have to decide what I’ll correct in that moment and what I will note and share with the actor later, when we work one-on-one.
We are about mid-way through Table Work and by the end of rehearsal Tuesday we should be done and ready to move onto blocking. More about that later. I also will start some of my individual work with the actors later today. I’ll share some of that process with you later in the week.
It’s Sunday. Normally we start rehearsals on a Tuesday but this time we started on Friday and that means I have tomorrow off. I have a book review scheduled for tomorrow’s post – a fascinating biography I think you will like.
Happy Sunday.
Nana Diana says
Claudia- Reading this really makes me miss theater work…although I was certainly not involved on the large scale level you are. I did a lot of Children’s theater and also costuming for a large, local theater group. I was involved in the designing and execution of costumes and loved it all. I know all about blocking but on the costuming level. There is nothing as exciting as those first few days and last few days of rehearsal, is there? I hope your homesickness passes -sometimes it is good to be so tired that you don’t have time to feel homesick. xo Diana
Claudia says
I didn’t know you did theater, Diana!
Debra says
Good MORNING Sunshine! :) This is interesting! :) I think it will be a fun series to read as we go along with you! :)
Claudia says
I hope so, Debra!
SUSIE says
Claudia, Glad you are having sunshine..I think it helps when we feel blue. I know you miss your home. I have to tell you, I was excited to see the pictures you would take and post. I love the buildings and parks you photograph. Get some rest on your day off. xoxoxo, Susie
Claudia says
I will, Susie. But I’ll take some pictures, too!
Connie says
I’ve always wondered exactly what you do as a voice coach. Yes, I’d love to hear all of it. Very interesting so far. Things we never knew happening before the actual performance. Very interesting, honey, very!
xoxo,
Connie
Claudia says
Glad you like it, my friend.
Poppy says
Good morning, Claudia,
Reading your post today brought back memories of my theatre arts days a the University of Toronto, where I studied Performance with Ken Gass, at the Drama School. Table work, blocking, individual scene study, and my favourite, improvisation, are things I truly miss, when I’m reminded of the whole experience. You must love your job, Claudia. It has to be one of the most exciting professions, (along with Don’s!), and I always think of you two as the perfect couple, in so many ways.
Hoping you enjoy your sunshine today and your day off tomorrow! :)
Poppy xo
Claudia says
I love knowing you studied theatre arts, Poppy!
Meredith says
Get some rest my sister.
Mere
Claudia says
I will, sister. Miss you.
Linda @ A La Carte says
I love hearing the details of the process of getting a play from start to stage! Glad things are going well so far!
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
Thank you, Linda!
Martha says
Claudia, I’ve been thinking of you so much and wondering how you are acclimating yourself to Hartford! I love the personal touches you’ve added to your room. I hope you find some relief from your allergies and that you have a pleasant day today. I love peeking in on the creative process as the play starts to take shape! Take care, my friend. xxoo, Martha
Claudia says
I will, Martha.
Lori says
Good morning!
Thank you for sharing with us what it is you ‘do’ when you’re working. Until now,I could only imagine what a voice coach actually did. I look forward to hearing more.
Enjoy the sunshine, we are still in the grips of winter here in the midwest :)
Claudia says
It’s been awfully cold the last two nights, Lori. Winter doesn’t seem to want to leave!
Donnamae says
Thank you Claudia for taking us along on your journey. This will be interesting. Enjoy the sunshine! ;)
Claudia says
I will, Donna! Hopefully there will be more sunshine today!
Nancy Blue Moon says
This is very interesting to me as I have family in Philadelphia involved in the theater..I have no idea what is done behind the scenes to bring it all together..I am sorry to hear about your homesickness..That is an awful feeling to deal with..I don’t know if a day off will help or hurt but try to rest and do something you enjoy..Lord knows you took enough of those things with you..lol..I will be thinking of you..Hugs..
Claudia says
I got my MFA in acting in Philadelphia, Nancy. And I worked at the Wilma Theater there –
Dewena Callis says
It is nice to feel a part of what you’re doing by reading your post today. Having never had any experience in theater it is so mysterious to me. And pretty thrilling to “know” someone involved in it. You take care of yourself when you can, though, and keep enjoying this creative work.
P.S. I’m still working on trying to remember not to emphasize pronouns when “i” talk!
Claudia says
I was just addressing that very issue yesterday in my coaching sessions, Dewena!
Judy Clark says
Thanks for sharing this post. It’s interesting to hear about the process you go thru to get ready for a show. Do you stay for the show or are you finished when it starts?
Glad you are getting a little sunshine.
Judy
Claudia says
Once we’ve had our official Opening Night, I leave for home, Judy.
gardenbug says
You are absolutely right! I AM interested in following along on this journey with you!
Claudia says
Oh, good!
Lorrie says
This is a fascinating glimpse into a world about which I know zilch. I love it and am looking forward to finding out about blocking.
Claudia says
I’m so glad you find it interesting, Lorrie!
Sheila says
I hope you get to feeling better very soon, Claudia. It’s no fun to feel sick, much less be out of town and feel bad. Wishing you an end to allergies. Have you ever thought of getting a salt lamp? They help. They aren’t cheap, but they last pretty much forever.
XO,
Sheila
gayle says
good talk on an interesting topic! this work is so stimulating, keeps you sharp and bright. I enjoy personal entries like yours, too many bloggers are just posting other people’s works and other people’s pics. You are an individual and smart lady!