The basic summary of the play is a group of teenagers think they have accidentally killed a boy there age called Adam. They were bullying him into doing things he didn't want to do and then he 'slipped' down into a big hole therefore they assume he is dead. They all begin to panic and decide they need to make a plan in order to cover up what has happened. They go to the two 'nerds/geeks/eccentrics of the school who they know, will know what to do. Phil a weird genius or arguably a criminal mastermind and psychopath makes up a plan so they wont get caught. However there plan goes terribly wrong when the police find a man who fits the description that was given by one of the group. In the second half of the play the discover that Adam isn't actually dead and has sustained bad head injures. They decide they need to kill Adam otherwise the truth will be revealed. However the audience never find out whether or not they do. Then Lea goes missing who we presume is having a relationship with Phil or quite clearly fancy's him and the play is left at the end in ciaos.
My initial thoughts after reading the play were it needed to be done in an naturalistic/realistic way as it portrays a serious message and is on a serious subject even though there are lots of moments of black comedy. With this in mind I think that a suitable practitioner to study for this piece would be Stanislavsky, however as I begin to plan scenes and start work with my cast I may want to change this view.
For the first rehearsal I wanted to get to know my cast as some of them I had never met or worked with before. I feel it is vital to form a relationship (in a professional way) with the cast members as you work so closely with them being the director. You want them to feel comfortable to give ideas as well as you been able to tell them when things aren't working ect without them taking offense. With this in mind, I decided that it would be best for us to start gently into the play, and for that reason didn't give them scripts only a basic summary of the play.
The plan for the Rehersal is to:-
- Firstly introduce myself, as well as finding out everyone else names, by playing the name game, where you say your name and do an action with your name, the person next to you then does theres and has to repeat the person's before them.
- Involve in a warm up game:- Freeze, where a scene starts between two people and at any time a person can say freeze. when they do they go in and take over one of the people and have to create a brand new scene. allowing body's to get moving, and to see peoples personality.
- Then explain basic story to cast, then explain the first page in detail, where friends discovered Adam is dead and they are having a conversation on this. Then begin reenacting the first page, at first improvisation, using their natural reactions if somebody had just died.
- Then discuss how people react to situations like this and assign a reaction to each person.
- Split group in half, playing around with idea that someone has fallen ( Like Adam did in the play) one half does the reaction to the fall. Whilst the other half does the narration of the story in a child like way. By improvising and playing around with the idea that they are children making up a story.
- At end after both groups worked on task, with me helping both. Bring together groups, the story that one half were making up, happens too the 2nd group. Idea that children are innocent. Have split stage so can jump from place to place, where appropriate after listening to lines.
. Below in the link is my thoughts and feeling as well as an explanation of what I did in my first directing session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccGd3XqVfm8
Here is a short video of what our first session produced:-
Last weeks session we didn't use the script and because we have to follow the script I decided this week to begin to give everybody copy's of the script. My plan for this weeks session is to look at how the actually kill the boy (Adam) and there is a piece of dialogue between Jan and Mark that explains to the others (Lea and Phil) how Adam died. I plan to make the characters Jan and Mark in a relationship, indicated by there actions, such as holding hands. By doing this I think it adds an interesting dimension to the play, and as some of the audience will be similar ages to the characters it makes it more relate-able. Then as the stress of the death gets to much, the audience will be able to see the relationship begin to break down. Again this add's sub story's within the whole story. In my opinion this is one of the most important scenes in the whole play as it tells the audience what exactly has happened. Below ( sorry its not the most clear) is a picture of the dialogue which talks about Adams death.
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Here is a video of what we did in today's directing session as well as my thoughts and feelings of how the session went.
Today My plan was to give everyone the script and parts. I will do a read through all sat down so everybody gets an understanding of the play. Also by doing this it gives an opportunity for anybody to ask questions if they don't understand any parts. Today we also have a new cast member called Josh which has made casting easier as I only had one boy before, and really needed two or three males as the majority of the parts in the play is males, and I didn't have enough parts with the group as the cast is with 9 people and before I only had 7, so now making it 8 makes it a lot easier as I wont have to cut much scripted parts. If this was a professional theater group, then I would have the right sexes, playing the right sex character however due to school limitations it hasn't been possible.
Here is a video of me explaining what we did today, with my thoughts and feelings.
Here is a short clip of what we did today:-
Here is my cast list:-
Mark:- Josh
Jan:-Pippa
Lea:- Libby
Phil:- ? possibly me/ other idea being that Richard character is merged into Lou's character and Lynzi plays Phil
Lou:- Charlotte
John Tate:- Will
Danny:- Meg
Richard:- Lindsay
Cathy:- Ece
My plan for Today, as said last week, is to begin to start perfecting the first opening scene with Jan and Mark (played by Pippa and Josh) as well as me giving a cast itinerary out as the screen shot shows below. By doing this it allows all cast members to know what will be happening over the upcoming weeks, and how they need to prepare before the session (eg what lines need to be learnt ect.) I also plan to start blocking out the second scene which involves John. Lou and Danny. In this scene they are arguing about the Death and John (the ring leader of the group) is trying to calm and gain authority back into the situation. There is also a lot of empathsis on who's side people take. This shows the child-like nature of the group making the audience relate to them more even though they have just killed somebody. When Blocking this out, I want to pay particular attention to the sequence of lines that are about being on peoples side. Also I plan to makes John's character very aggressive, by raising his voice and when he says 'if you say that again.' I would like to put some physical movement into the scene such as a push to Richard.
Here is the screen shot of the itinerary that everyone received,
Here is a video of me explaining what happened in today's session and my thoughts and feelings:-
Here is the video of Jan and Mark first opening scene, that is basically been perfected without scripts. Note the differences compared to the basic movements and blocking from last week to now have a realistic and interesting scene this week!
Here is a video of the blocking on the first appearance of John Tate, as explained earlier due to Will not being able to attend this session, I stepped in and blocked Will's character. This is only basic actions and it was the first time we had considered using the wheel chair for Megs character so it isn't a finished, polished scene yet. The Wheel chair Idea, came from the lack of Humor in the scene. By adding the wheel chair it creates Humor, by who it is used. However I am aware it lacks movement and is in the way when other characters trying to move, so I am not sure If it will stay, though it was interesting to try it out as part of the process.
Today we carried on working on the scene that we started last week. I decided to keep Megan's character in the wheel chair this week to see how it worked out. I do have a few concerns about the wheel chair, One being it limits the use of movement on stage, However I do feel the positive to it is it adds humor to the piece, With how other people react to the wheel chair.
Here is me explaining my initial plan for the day and what we did today:-
Below is what we produced today during rehersal time:-
Here is my notes given back to the group following the performance above:-
After notes were given, we continued to work on The scene, correcting the changes with my notes, we then showed the start of this scene to the other groups:-
below is the performance shown with me speaking over explaining why i did that and what i wanted to achieve in doing so.
insert video of phone
Also during today's rehearsal, I wanted to have a chat with Libby to discuss Leah's monologue, as we haven't started to block them out yet and I felt it was necessary to see if she had started learning lines and her general feel towards the character. On the first few sessions, I has spoken to Libby about Leah character. and suggest that she was slightly geeky, and a bit of an outsider. I also mentioned that when I read Leahs monologues I felt she was very self conscious ( especially in the first monologue) so below is the conversation we had:-
Here is my plan for today's session. :-
Rehearsal
Plan for 2nd November:-
·
Split
into 3 groups,
1:- Will and Pippa to work on the first scene, and perfect that,
following the previous direction given to Josh when he was playing Mark.
2:- Josh take over what blocked out with will and perfect what had gotten
up to on that. With aggression.
3:- Libby working on her monologue, spend first 45 minutes working with Libby blocking out movements.
3:- Libby working on her monologue, spend first 45 minutes working with Libby blocking out movements.
·
With
group 1:-
Perfect this
scene, as Will taking over Josh’s part I want to make sure the correct
movements are handed over.
·
With
group 2:-
Swap the movement I did with will and hand over to Josh, once movements are sorted begin working with
josh, on lines making sure he hits the aggressive
moments at the right times with the tones of his voice. Eg ‘are you on my side’
important to stress the sides as it shows power and authority within this
group.
·
With
group 3:-
Block out the movements with Libby for her first monologue, start with
Libby sitting down and the pace of lines delivered slow. Once the line pace
begins to speed up around the line ‘popular y’know’ then begin moving more.
Towards the end Libby goes to touch Phil ‘What are you thinking’ then Phils
reaction pulls away, therefore she reserves herself. Finish with Libby coming
in front of Phil facing him. (Possible problem with this could be Libby’s back
to the audience, so may be altered if I feel it isn’t suitable. )
·
At
the end Show each group what have done, then hopefully will be back updated
with the character swaps.
Since Last week, Josh ( who was playing Mark) contacted me explaining a personal situation with Will that means he doesn't feel comfortable to play John. After speaking to Will and Josh about this, we came to the conclusion that Will and Josh are going to switch characters as it means Will feels comfortable with this. Due to this change, today's lesson ( as explained in the plan) will have to involve these two swapping characters, re learning the movement and blocking out the scene again with them playing the character. As they both have been there when we was blocking out the scene and have watched videos on the scene it shouldn't be too difficult to alter this. This is why i felt it was beneficial today to split into 3 groups, rather than working on scene 3 like i originally planned.
Below is me explaining the rehearsal from today, including the change:-
Here is what each small group produced:~-
Will and Pippa's 1st scene
Leahs Monologue, with me sitting in as Phill for this Lesson:-
The send of scene 2:-
The volume of the lines on all three performance's needs to be improved, however that will come when more confident on their lines.
Today, we began to work on Scene 3 which involves the whole cast. This scene tells the audience how they killed Adam, as well as revealing it to Phil and Leah as well. I want this scene to be really lively and energetic as it is a long scene, therefore the if it is slow the audience may become quickly bored as well. Below is a video of the plan and then what we did:-
As we didn't finish blocking the scene out last week, this week I thought it would be beneficial to continue with scene 3:-
Here is what I plan to do in the rehearsal:-
Here is the video of me explaining the Rehearsal:-
Here is the plan for today's Rehearsal:-
10th December Rehearsal Plan:-
·
Give
cast the new amended scripts that no longer have Richards character in, the
lines have been devised between Cathy, Lou and Danny. Have a Read through of
the small section of the script that has been amended to make sure everyone
understands.
·
Then
with these new changes work on this section, ( as was already blocked out, keep
the same actions for Megans, character just without wheel chair this week as it
is restricting the movement on stage too
much. Also As Lou taken over more of the confrontational lines, work with
charlotte on the fear, so at first she starts confident and John slowly works
her down until she is scared. She starts stood up, when saying ‘this is bad.’ And
sits down when she admits scared of John, as it shows power John has Over her.
·
Also
for scene 2, when talking about side, make very clear hand gestures from Josh,
big stress of the word side, to show childlike behaviour, and power/authority
from Josh.
·
Once
re blocked, split into two. Allowing them to run scene with direction given.
Work with Lynzi and Libby on Leah’s monologue Libby did last week, slowing
Libby down especially at the beginning as too quick. Make sure Lynzi eats at appropriate
times. Include look towards celing when Leahs asks question ‘do I talk to much.’
·
Once
direction given to Lynzi, check back on group 2, then bring both together,
letting Leahs monologue run into the other group. Making transition smooth.
Transition needs to be Josh and Megan entering
from left ( megan bringing crate on which would be during black out.) Ece and
charlotte, need to enter from right, only charlotte bringing crate on libby and Lynzi, walk off during blackout
Here's my opinions on how the Rehearsal went
My Plan for Today's Rehearsal is to start with a Full run through of the scene's blocked out so far. Although scene 1 transitions haven't been blocked out yet the others have so hopefully we should be able to get to scene 4 without any stops. I think this is really important to do before we break up for Christmas, as some scenes we haven't done in a couple of weeks, and I don't want them to be forgotten over the Christmas break. After the full run through, I would like to then give feedback and notes I took during. By doing this it allows the cast to be reminded of possible direction they have forgotten. After this, I think it would be really beneficial if I spend the last hour with Libby and Lynzi blocking out the second monologue. This monologue explores Bonobo's and there sex habits. It shows a different strange side to Leahs character that the audience hasn't seen. I have already cut some of the monologue, as Libby told me she may struggle to learn all of it, however it still is very long. I want to when blocking this out, really stress to the audience the different side to Leah, When Leah try Killing herself during the script, I think it will look good, If Libby stands on the crate, strangling herself and then from lack of breath she falls. This then will lead nicely into her becoming sexual on Phil. From they I plan to get Libby to Crawl over Phil whilst ranting on about sex. As Phil is eating Crisps in This scene I want to play on that, by making the crisp a significant to show how Phil is feeling about the situation. When Leah begins to rant, I want Phil to start eating the crisps really quickly, almost chucking them over himself, showing he feels awkward. Also when Leahs strangling herself I want Phil to eat really loud, showing his disinterest.
Here is what we did today:-
As it is coming closer to the final performance I decided it would be vital to add in a few extra Rehearsals, as well as the two hours a week already. I wanted to make the Rehearsals only specific to the scene I wanted to Cover and the people involved so it is working more closely with the individual cast member which hopefully will benefit their performance. I had 4 separate Rehearsals working on various scene's that I have added to one Video Blog. Here was my plan for the individual Rehearsals:-
Here is my opinions on thoughts on how these Rehearsals went as well as the two hour rehearsal on Wednesday:-
Plan for the next two Rehearsals following up to the dress Rehearsal:-
- Sort out the transitions, giving sheets showing who needs to exit where. Make sure this is smooth and practiced with blackouts and projections.
- Go over both of Leahs monologues with food to make sure direction and pace is good. On Bonobo Monologue, stand Libby on crate for her then to fall so has greater impact.
- Do full run through, with feedback given. After feedback, do each scene slowly adding in any possible feedback.
- Practice Will's monologue again with him, and make sure everyone else is reacting. Josh needs to work on looking embarrassed and guilty.
To help the cast find the transitions between scenes easier I made a transition running order and gave it to them. Below is what I gave:-
As it is unclear, here it is below as well:-
Transition’s for cast:- ON FIRST BLACKOUT FOR ALL SCENE’S
MOVE OFF STAGE.
Scene 1:-
Pipa and Will start on stage.
Pippa and Will exit left.
BLACKOUT THEN PROJECTION. ON 2ND BLACOUT MOVE
INTO NEXT SECENE.
Scene 2:-
Libby + Lynzi enter from left. Libby carry Crate on.
BLACKOUT THEN PROJECTION. ON 2ND BLACOUT MOVE
INTO NEXT SECENE.
Scene 3:-
Josh and megan enter from right.
Charlotte from left.
Megan and Charlotte carry crates on. Charlotte X2 crates for Ece entrance.
End of Phil monologue:- Libby, Lynzi, Charlotte, Ece and
Pipa exit left.
Will, Josh megan Exit right.
Megan, Charlotte and Pippa carry crates off.
Will, Josh megan Exit right.
Megan, Charlotte and Pippa carry crates off.
BLACKOUT THEN
PROJECTION. ON 2ND BLACOUT MOVE INTO NEXT SECENE.
Scene 4:-
Libby + Lynzi enter left.
Libby Crate on, Pippa bottle on.
All exit left, Libby crate off.
BLACKOUT THEN PROJECTION. ON 2ND BLACOUT MOVE INTO NEXT SECENE.
BLACKOUT THEN PROJECTION. ON 2ND BLACOUT MOVE INTO NEXT SECENE.
Scene 5:-
Megan enter right.
Lynzi, Libby, charlotte enter Left.
Megan crate on.
Lynzi Crate on.
BLACKOUT THEN all cast back to middle for bow. Then off
stage.
Over the last few Rehearsals before the final performance, I felt it was vital to concentrate on small details that possibly could have a big impact on the Piece such as volume which lines are delivered. I worked as a whole group to correct these by doing several projection and voice control exercises to ensure that when performing all the audience would be able to hear. I also did two very quick transition runs, to make sure everybody was clear which entrance and exit to use during scene changes. This helped as I feel it made it more smooth in-between scenes and the shorter the blackout the better as audiences can easily tire. As well as concentrating on little things, we used the last remaining hours to do a few full run through's, just to ensure everybody was focused and had remembered all the direction I gave them. These also allowed the cast to recap over anything they had forgotten.
Here is a video of the final performance:-
Here is a video of me evaluating the final performance:-
Here is the link to the interview I did with Mr Chipp after the performance:-
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