Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Day 1

What an auspicious start!  That storm was amazing - hail coming into the office - Yikes! There were a few phone calls back and forth - could the costumer make it in from Tempe? Put the photographer on stand by - but the storm stopped - everyone had traffic stories to share (who says nobody takes Osborn!) They say that rain is good luck - man, we've been blessed!
We had a short production meeting, while the Lesley and Eric got into costume for a photo shoot. Thom, our scenic designer, and Erik, our technical director (TD) went over paint colors for the 2 different sets. I have a call into Copenhagen (Furniture Store, not the city) to see if they'll loan us some furniture for Act 2 - but as a back up, Karla (our stage manager) has offered her Ikea couch and chair! The older furniture for Act 1 is easy to borrow from another theatre.  Thom went over the model of the set with the actors - I took them onto the stage, (where Phx. College is getting ready to open Tartuffe!).  Lesley had performed there when she was 17! 
When Lesley sat down in her costume for the shoot, Gail, our costume designer, and I could see that her skirt wasn't long enough to cover her knees well - a must for this character - so Gail will fix that.  The photos came out great.  If I can figure out how to post them, I will. 
After the Equity folks had their private meeting (they elect a deputy who is supposed to send weekly reports to Equity (and squeal if I brow beat them) and signed contracts and tax forms, we began the "read through." They were spectacular!  I was impressed by how well they knew the script - had clearly done their homework.  They each caught so many of the little nuances that could have been glossed over.  It's going to be a real treat to work closely with them.
We spent time schmoozing - it's so important that they feel comfortable with each other.  They didn't know each other before being cast.  5 and 6 hour rehearsals 
can be tiring with just 2 actors, so we'll make sure to take time to just bond as well.
Does anybody know if Orthodox are excused from military duty in Israel?  (Has nothing to do with the play, we just wondered.)
And if there's a photo shop geek out there, we could use you!
Oh, and I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff is at Phoenix College!  They couldn't be more welcoming or helpful.  We have a dedicated person, Tyler, and he's already part of the family!
And so it goes....
Janet

1 comment:

  1. I see your getting the hang of this blogging thing. I look forward to reading more about the rehearsal process.
    A Dapper Gentleman

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