...OK...so there may have been (a few) problems, but I appreciate you all handling it like professionals as we start to work through the kinks of everything that needs to happen in order to put the show on the stage at Danville. Even without sets, furniture, and many other critical items, I hope you were all able to catch the vision of the show and how it will all come together.
1. THANK YOU for your patience and attention. I am sure you could sense some stress, and I appreciated your cooperation. Thank you, as well, for respecting the venue.
2. GREAT WORK! You are all off book, remembered most of your blocking (with adjustments for spacing), and I am seeing terrific glimpses of your characters starting to emerge. Please keep working toward the goal of being present, being engaged in the moment, and transferring that energy to the audience. We're getting there! We made it through everything by 10:15 last night, and that is a VICTORY!
3. ALL OF THE VIDEOS ARE NOW ON THE HOOVERVILLE PAGE! I added "New Deal..." last night (sorry!), so all vocal and choreography videos should be there. I was so pleased last night when I saw so many adults modeling great rehearsal behavior - Warbucks, Annie, Grace, Servants, Lily, Rooster, Hannigan, Hooverville, NYC, etc. working the dances in the hallway and other spaces. USE THE TIME when you have it, and grab our fabulous assistant choreographer, Emily, if you need help filling in the blanks. Keep practicing - especially our Ensemble numbers...that's the only way we'll get there!
4. I NEED A FAVOR: Do not touch, look at, pet, engage, make eye contact, etc. with our favorite pup, Sandy. At this point, we all need ignore that she is at rehearsal. The only person who can give Sandy attention is Annie. If Sandy approaches you to sniff or greet, resist the temptation to love on her. We are not being mean, we are just trying to help train and acclimate her that Annie is her person. If you have questions, please let me know. THANK YOU in advance.
5. TONIGHT: We are starting at the top of ACT II with the Bert Healy scene at 6:00pm in the Pink Room at The Biz. It will be tight quarters for us. I am going to check on the availability of the piano room to practice dancing, if needed. I am also going to clear some space for chairs in the room before rehearsal begins. When you arrive, please grab a chair from inside The Biz and join me in the Pink Room. It is my goal to start as close to 6pm as possible.
WEDNESDAY: We do not have scheduled rehearsal. I am looking in to opening a space for those who might need extra optional practice. I will announce if this is available.
THURSDAY: This is fix-it time. We will NOT have Linda at rehearsal. Please be on the lookout tomorrow for a schedule of what will be happening during this rehearsal.
FRIDAY: No rehearsal. Adults party at the Shartons beginning at 7pm. Details, address, and what to bring are forthcoming.
SATURDAY: We will start running the show at 3pm at The Biz. We will work there from 3-6pm. At 6pm, there will be a 45 minute dinner break. We will resume at 6:45pm at Danville High School for the Stizprobe (a seated-rehearsal, sing-through, with mics, from start to finish) with the Orchestra. This will last until approximately 9pm.
OTHER GENERAL NOTES:
Try to not break character as we are doing our runs. If you forget a line, lyric, or dance move, simply say "line" or continue when you can in the song/dance.
PROJECT YOUR LINES AND VOCALS! Although some of you will have microphones, do not rely on that when delivering your lines. And, it's time to SING OUT LOUISE!
The single biggest thing that will change our show immediately is ENERGY. I cannot say this enough. If you are tired, fake it until you make it. If you aren't sure what you are doing, smile and express the feeling of the scene. No excuses. We need energy, and we need it badly. It will speed things up. It will add the intention to each scene. It will inspire your other cast members to channel their energy. Please be committed to bringing ENERGY to each scene.
I am proud of all of you. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it! Keep up the work and know I believe in you!!!!
Rachel
THIS BLOG IS FOR CAST NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR ONLY. PLEASE VISIT THE ANNIE "HOOVERVILLE" PAGE ON THE BIZ ACADEMY WEBSITE FOR ALL OTHER PRODUCTION INFORMATION. THANK YOU!