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"Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you..."
Hamlet - Act III, Scene II |
Rehearsals are collaborative! With no director, every ensemble member is responsible for directing and acting. The rehearsal time is only two weeks! Note that every cast is different and there are slight deviations in this process as the cast works together.
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The Process
Week One:
1. First Attempt (intuitive blocking)
The players try out the scene by moving and interacting "from their gut." There can be some discussion on entrances and exits, but not much more. The players continue until there is a natural breaking point (e.g, end of the scene or a player enters/exits).
2. Feedback
Actors outside the scene give positive and constructive feedback to enhance the scene. This feedback can lead from work-shopping specific moments to discussions on how the scene fits into the plot. Again, different casts have different preferences on how feedback will work. Either way, we start off with quick and general feedback, while allowing the cast to fall into their preferred rhythm.
3. Run the scene again
Incorporating the feedback, the players run the scene one or two more times. (Wow, it sounds a lot like the audition process. I wonder if that is a coincidence? *Narrator Voice* It was, in fact, not a coincidence).
4. Repeat
Do steps 1-3 again until the whole play is blocked. The play will usually take through the fourth day of rehearsal to block, but is almost always completed by the end of the fifth day.
Note: It is vital that all cast members contribute to the rehearsal process. Hence, you are engaged in the process, mentally, emotionally, and physically during the times you are not on stage (i.e., phones off, always framing feedback positively, and limiting bathroom breaks).
The players try out the scene by moving and interacting "from their gut." There can be some discussion on entrances and exits, but not much more. The players continue until there is a natural breaking point (e.g, end of the scene or a player enters/exits).
2. Feedback
Actors outside the scene give positive and constructive feedback to enhance the scene. This feedback can lead from work-shopping specific moments to discussions on how the scene fits into the plot. Again, different casts have different preferences on how feedback will work. Either way, we start off with quick and general feedback, while allowing the cast to fall into their preferred rhythm.
3. Run the scene again
Incorporating the feedback, the players run the scene one or two more times. (Wow, it sounds a lot like the audition process. I wonder if that is a coincidence? *Narrator Voice* It was, in fact, not a coincidence).
4. Repeat
Do steps 1-3 again until the whole play is blocked. The play will usually take through the fourth day of rehearsal to block, but is almost always completed by the end of the fifth day.
Note: It is vital that all cast members contribute to the rehearsal process. Hence, you are engaged in the process, mentally, emotionally, and physically during the times you are not on stage (i.e., phones off, always framing feedback positively, and limiting bathroom breaks).
Week Two:
The second week is spent running the play and polishing. Start bringing in your costume pieces/props and working on costume changes (quick changes are common).
FAQ:
Do I have to be memorized before rehearsals start?
Yes. You must be memorized. It is a requirement to be off book by the first rehearsal. There are usually three to four weeks before our first rehearsal for you to memorize your lines, and four table meetings. We fully expect each and every one of the ensemble to use this time to learn their lines and ques. There is not enough time to hold scripts, block, and act. It is essential to commit to memory all of your lines prior (not to beat a dead horse).
Yes. You must be memorized. It is a requirement to be off book by the first rehearsal. There are usually three to four weeks before our first rehearsal for you to memorize your lines, and four table meetings. We fully expect each and every one of the ensemble to use this time to learn their lines and ques. There is not enough time to hold scripts, block, and act. It is essential to commit to memory all of your lines prior (not to beat a dead horse).
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Will there be any help to get off book?
Yes! We usually have four meetings for table work and discussion. Also, there are always cast and board members happy to help, so don't be afraid to reach out! Do I have to attend every rehearsal?
YES. Attendance is absolutely mandatory. However, you will be excused if you are really sick, or have a family emergency. This is due to the fact that everyone will have something to block each night and will be expected to direct. Missing a rehearsal makes it very difficult on the rest of the cast. |
Can I call line at rehearsal?
YES. We know you are human and you will forget lines or just have trouble remembering some lines and monologues. Although, you should try your best to not "call line," there will be someone to prompt you. We encourage you to bring your scripts to rehearsal to mark up and follow along while other actors are rehearsing. What time are rehearsals?
They usually start at 6:30 and go to 9:30 or 10. We normally take a 10-15 minute halfway through rehearsal. |
Where do costumes come from?
Actors are expected to provide their own costumes. We have a stock of costumes and cast members are welcome to rifle through them. We like the look of Elizabethan clothes, but you aren't required to be strictly period accurate. Any pieces you choose to buy are yours to keep or donate. Please note that board members and cast need to be consulted prior for costume approval. It is expected that anything you use from company stock should be cared for, cleaned, and returned.
Costumes are meant to serve the story. The main concerns when picking out a costume are: a) Does it look like I'm in costume for a Shakespeare play? b) Does this costume help tell my character's story?
Actors are expected to provide their own costumes. We have a stock of costumes and cast members are welcome to rifle through them. We like the look of Elizabethan clothes, but you aren't required to be strictly period accurate. Any pieces you choose to buy are yours to keep or donate. Please note that board members and cast need to be consulted prior for costume approval. It is expected that anything you use from company stock should be cared for, cleaned, and returned.
Costumes are meant to serve the story. The main concerns when picking out a costume are: a) Does it look like I'm in costume for a Shakespeare play? b) Does this costume help tell my character's story?
When do we need costumes?
We start discussing costumes as early as casting. We usually have a first look at costumes by the first Wednesday of rehearsal.
We start discussing costumes as early as casting. We usually have a first look at costumes by the first Wednesday of rehearsal.
