Clothing can tell us so much about a person before they’ve ever opened their mouth. The clothing choices we make communicate information about who we are, whether we are aware of it or not. For a theatrical performance, it’s up to the costume designer to analyze and decode the characters, in order to discover what they might wear and why.
Read MoreIn an earlier post, I offered some considerations for actors during this season we're all in the middle of - when many theaters are having general auditions and casting for next year. But turnabout is fair play, so I wanted to offer some thoughts to those sitting on the other side of the table…
Read MoreWith each rewrite the character got more specific. Less some kind of metaphor (although she and all the other characters are, of course, still metaphors) and more a full human being with odd quirks and her own mysteries that she may or may not share.
And the play suddenly became more multi-faceted.
And my understanding of the world got bigger.
Which, I suspect, is why I got into this art form.
Sir/ma’am/friend, this industry has conditioned me to hide my body. Perform various Jedi Mind tricks to make you stop staring at my apron belly, or back rolls and look at my face and hear my words. Walk a certain way, look a certain way, dress a certain way - and now you just want me to move- don’t think about it- just move? With OTHER PEOPLE AROUND? Are you f***ing with me? Is this a joke?
Read MoreAll parts of the creative team and cast contribute points of inspiration that help them cross the threshold into the world of this story. These inspirations may be literal or denotative, or they may be figural or connotative. This team really stepped outside the box in bringing all sorts of mixed media, dioramas/sculpture, and experiential inspirations to the rehearsal room. Take a look for yourself!
Read MoreOnce I have some kind of metaphorical thread to pull on, I can start crafting. As with a lot of other procrastinators I have to get something, anything, as a concrete starting point. (What was once, “down on paper”.) Accomplishing anything else flows from there. It’s much easier to revise and add, or even to throw out and start over than it is to get started in the first place.
Read MoreI heard a staged reading of First Snow months back. I loved it. My actor-and-very-smart husband loved it. Folks bantered about Chekhov (Anton) as a model or guide or inspiration where nothing really “happens” but Change hovers and there is A LOT going on. A LOT… The “slice-of-life/end-of-[something]” was captivating. The presence of “Something-Other/Bigger/Unknowable” fed my soul. So when auditions came, I showed up. And here I am. Grateful. Humbled. Excited.
Read MoreFinding balance is a moving target. Anyone who says they’ve “figured it out” probably isn’t telling you the full story. The reality is, most days I’m doing the best I can (at least I hope so), adjusting constantly, and giving myself permission to recognize when I haven't given my best, pick myself up, and try again. I read somewhere about the rule of Thirds. If you are working towards something you deeply care about, then you can expect
Read MoreIt’s that time of year when auditions are happening. Like many of you, I’m auditioning for shows. And like some of you, I’m also watching submissions and casting shows. So I thought it might be fun to share thoughts from both sides of the table - as a reminder to myself, as insight for those who are preparing to audition or making decisions, and perhaps even as a bit of helpful encouragement or butt-kicking. So, without further ado, some thoughts today for actors; the next installment will be for (casting) directors.
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