In todays lesson we focused the first 2 hours on singing through all the songs once with lyrics then another with lyrics down. By rehearsing the songs this way it gave us a chance to look over the lyrics we may not have been so confident with and letting us have the reassurance. Then to test us and prove that we do know the lyrics we are just relying on our scripts because we have them there.
I thought this rehearsal was useful as it meant we got more confident with singing them and also started to work on our characterisation of how we would sing the lyrics along with the piano. We also managed to work out the timing in Baggy Trousers to how we choreographed it as the instrumental is slightly shorter than we needed so we just added in an extra verse to give us that time.
In the last hour and a half we were joined by the year 13 and 14s. This is so we can start to get an idea of how many people will be on stage during certain scenes and whether we would need to re-block parts. We instantly came across a few difficulties with spacing due to us not having our staging up and running. This meant that the stage space was more cluttered with people. However, this will be sorted when we have the staging as they will be on different levels to us. Myself and Megan realised this when we had to enter but couldn't because there were people in front on our entrance. However, this was because they had moved forward to accommodate the year 13/14 whilst they were understanding what they were doing. Meaning that when everyone knows where they are and what they are doing we will not have this issue.
EBI.
I think in order to make rehearsals run smoothly I think we should bring the rule of putting phones in a box as our class worked more efficiently and quicker with this. And I think it would be more beneficial for the yr 13/14s as they have less time to learn our show.
I also feel that people need to take it in turns to speak as at one point we had around 10 different people talking from both classes and it made everything un-audible. Also people need to be quiet and considerate when people are acting as there was chatting in the audience which was putting off the actors. To add to this I feel that people need to not laugh if someone gets their lines wrong as It puts them off and doesn't help them if they are trying to remember.
Thursday, 27 April 2017
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
Our House - Tuesday 24th April - Working on the ending of 'Our House'
In todays lesson for the first hour we spent this time working out what we needed to work on and when our extra rehearsals would be. This was a production meeting including the year 13/14s so they knew when they would have to be a part of our production and rehearse.
REHEARSAL PROCESS
In the second hour of the lesson we focused on the ending of 'Our House'. As a group we agreed that compared to the whole show this was the part that needed to the most work. This is due to us continually going over the beginning and middle and not really looking at the ending at all.
To start off this rehearsal we went from a few scenes before i.e. The funeral Scene.
We did this to understand the transitions and make them smooth and slick in terms of performance and how it ran. By doing this we understood that we would be onstage for that last few scenes and would just transition between times and locations. This meant that we would have to have a quick change between the funeral and the few lines we have before we re-enter to form the prison bars/wall/prison guards. By having the last few scenes in smooth transitions with possible lighting changes to make it clear what's going on to the audience it keeps pace and subtlety suggests to the audience that the end is near as almost the whole cast is on stage. The only other time this happens is right at the beginning of the show. This is an example of continuity. It is also a good indicator that the finale is near. By also solely focusing on the end we figured out exactly how the ending works. This is because we got confused with the order of the dialogue and how we would be blocked on stage. We didn't understand the whole picture moment and thought it was confusing because we already blocked taking a few photos and then later on in the script had to take more. However, we sorted this by staying in our photo positions but miming movement and conversations whilst the other dialogue was happening. Meaning we were ready for the next photo bit and didn't have to suddenly move into these positons again. We also decided to finish the show with a freeze frame moment that we used to open the show. Signalling the end of the performance of a high positive note.
WWW.
We managed to finish the show and understand the order and narrative better by running the ending a good few times straight after one another until we got a smooth run.
Everyone had good energy and was positive when it came to blocking the confusing photo part which made the rehearsal run smoother and made us able to solve the problem quicker.
We are starting to understand the transitions between scenes and how we need to work with them in order to keep pace. For example, trying to stay on stage during scene changes rather than keep going off then back on.
EBI.
Possibly start to think about lighting, set, props and costume in terms of our characters and what they would wear in certain circumstances. I.E. The Funeral, the wedding and general attire.
100% learn our own lines and possibly our cue lines in case people need cueing or prompting or in terms of show to keep going if someone forgets a line.
REHEARSAL PROCESS
In the second hour of the lesson we focused on the ending of 'Our House'. As a group we agreed that compared to the whole show this was the part that needed to the most work. This is due to us continually going over the beginning and middle and not really looking at the ending at all.
To start off this rehearsal we went from a few scenes before i.e. The funeral Scene.
We did this to understand the transitions and make them smooth and slick in terms of performance and how it ran. By doing this we understood that we would be onstage for that last few scenes and would just transition between times and locations. This meant that we would have to have a quick change between the funeral and the few lines we have before we re-enter to form the prison bars/wall/prison guards. By having the last few scenes in smooth transitions with possible lighting changes to make it clear what's going on to the audience it keeps pace and subtlety suggests to the audience that the end is near as almost the whole cast is on stage. The only other time this happens is right at the beginning of the show. This is an example of continuity. It is also a good indicator that the finale is near. By also solely focusing on the end we figured out exactly how the ending works. This is because we got confused with the order of the dialogue and how we would be blocked on stage. We didn't understand the whole picture moment and thought it was confusing because we already blocked taking a few photos and then later on in the script had to take more. However, we sorted this by staying in our photo positions but miming movement and conversations whilst the other dialogue was happening. Meaning we were ready for the next photo bit and didn't have to suddenly move into these positons again. We also decided to finish the show with a freeze frame moment that we used to open the show. Signalling the end of the performance of a high positive note.
WWW.
We managed to finish the show and understand the order and narrative better by running the ending a good few times straight after one another until we got a smooth run.
Everyone had good energy and was positive when it came to blocking the confusing photo part which made the rehearsal run smoother and made us able to solve the problem quicker.
We are starting to understand the transitions between scenes and how we need to work with them in order to keep pace. For example, trying to stay on stage during scene changes rather than keep going off then back on.
EBI.
Possibly start to think about lighting, set, props and costume in terms of our characters and what they would wear in certain circumstances. I.E. The Funeral, the wedding and general attire.
100% learn our own lines and possibly our cue lines in case people need cueing or prompting or in terms of show to keep going if someone forgets a line.
Thursday, 20 April 2017
Dance - Wings of a dove - initial ideas to final development.
In one lesson we got into three/four small groups to devise a motif/movement phrase to go in 'Wings of a Dove'. Myself and Megan's characters lead the entire song so we had priority when it came to choreography. However, we did take on board peoples ideas and collaboratively used a mixture of our own and the classes.
Here were out initial ideas for the chorus of 'Wings of a Dove' which made it into the final version of the dance.
As you can see the body percussion phrase didn't make it into the final cut. This was because from rehearsal we established that the rhythm of the body percussion didn't fit with the music. Therefore, we cut it from the piece but luckily it didn't make too much of a difference. We understood from watching the musical version of 'Wings of a dove' that it had a lively carnival like theme. Meaning it would be very energetic and full of colour. This meant that we experimented with movements we may not have done if it were for a more contemporary serious dance. For example, we use the butterfly arm movement and wavy arms. This is to represent the crazy, fun wedding/party atmosphere that goes along with this song.
In our next lesson of choreography for 'Wings of a dove' we had the year 13/14s meaning we could experiment with more elaborate movements. For example, right at the beginning there are two lines and they each go through each other. I thought this move was good as straight away it shows the intimacy of the dance and how relaxed it should be. i.e people are holding hands and are in close proximity to each other. Showing that the relationships between them are close and that they are in a happy moment at this particular part.
WWW.
I believe we worked well as an ensemble and managed to add in our own characters characteristics to the dance and how they would react with certain people. For example, as a certain moment we have a little bit od dialogue during the song. At this point me and Andy (lewis) group in a corner. Then Megan, Harry and Vicki group in the other (Billie, Emmo and Kath) these characters have very strong positive relationships with one another so it would make sense that they were together. By having us grouped together away from the main ensemble it shows our closeness.
I think we managed to capture the high energy and enthusiasm the danc ehas through some of our movements. For example, we have a section where we skip around the stage following each other and then later a motif where quick thigh slaps are involved. This shows the ecstatic nature of the song and how its a happy, celebratory dance. i.e. The Wedding.
EBI. ( I was in a lot of pain when doing this dance this day hence why I look really unhappy)
Personally, I find this dance a little bit of a struggle as I'm not a dancer and therefore feel slightly uncomfortable and inferior. In order to improve this I could practice more and ask fro individual help with movement and technique from either Kat (the dance teacher) or Megan who is my duo partner. This way it would make me feel more confident with the movements and therefore also help with my characterisation in this dance as 'Angie' is known to be outgoing and therefore would exaggerate these movements.
I feel that this dance in certain parts still needs to have more energy and ferocity as its a celebration and it almost seems to tamed. For example, at one point it has the ensemble walking in a circle at a fairly slow speed. I feel as though we need more possibly duets and solo dance motifs just add a bit of flair into the routine. However, this may be improved when costume and props are added into the mix
Here were out initial ideas for the chorus of 'Wings of a Dove' which made it into the final version of the dance.
In our next lesson of choreography for 'Wings of a dove' we had the year 13/14s meaning we could experiment with more elaborate movements. For example, right at the beginning there are two lines and they each go through each other. I thought this move was good as straight away it shows the intimacy of the dance and how relaxed it should be. i.e people are holding hands and are in close proximity to each other. Showing that the relationships between them are close and that they are in a happy moment at this particular part.
WWW.
I believe we worked well as an ensemble and managed to add in our own characters characteristics to the dance and how they would react with certain people. For example, as a certain moment we have a little bit od dialogue during the song. At this point me and Andy (lewis) group in a corner. Then Megan, Harry and Vicki group in the other (Billie, Emmo and Kath) these characters have very strong positive relationships with one another so it would make sense that they were together. By having us grouped together away from the main ensemble it shows our closeness.
I think we managed to capture the high energy and enthusiasm the danc ehas through some of our movements. For example, we have a section where we skip around the stage following each other and then later a motif where quick thigh slaps are involved. This shows the ecstatic nature of the song and how its a happy, celebratory dance. i.e. The Wedding.
EBI. ( I was in a lot of pain when doing this dance this day hence why I look really unhappy)
Personally, I find this dance a little bit of a struggle as I'm not a dancer and therefore feel slightly uncomfortable and inferior. In order to improve this I could practice more and ask fro individual help with movement and technique from either Kat (the dance teacher) or Megan who is my duo partner. This way it would make me feel more confident with the movements and therefore also help with my characterisation in this dance as 'Angie' is known to be outgoing and therefore would exaggerate these movements.
I feel that this dance in certain parts still needs to have more energy and ferocity as its a celebration and it almost seems to tamed. For example, at one point it has the ensemble walking in a circle at a fairly slow speed. I feel as though we need more possibly duets and solo dance motifs just add a bit of flair into the routine. However, this may be improved when costume and props are added into the mix
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Our House - Singing rehearsal - Embarassement and Baggy Trousers
Embarrassment
For one of our lessons we spent the entire two hours working on songs in the musical that we weren't comfortable or confident singing. We mainly focused on the ensemble songs in order to make sure that everyone was doing something as well as to make use of the full cast when we have the opportunity.
For the first hour we focused on 'Embarrassment'. This song ranged from solo/duet and ensemble singing meaning we could also work on characterisation of specific characters. To start with we sang the whole song through with the piano working out timing and rhythm. This is good as it gives us a solid structure to work with. Once we know that basics of the melody we can then start to progress to work on movement and vocal technique in terms of characterisation.
Whilst singing this song as an ensemble we came across as too 'choir like' and soft toned. When the texture to this song is harsh and mocking as it is putting down the character 'Joe Casey' because he is a reformed young offender. In order to help people understand and develop their own understandings of the atmosphere of the song and the way it should be sung. Our director got the cast to separate where we were all together accept the two 'Joe Casey's' and sing directly at them standing in a line. This helped as it meant we could see them and start to act through our singing channelling the emotions. However, in some respect we were still focusing too much on the vocal correctness rather than the acting. In order to try and get us more into our characters our director had us insult the two Joe's in order to get into that mind-set and find our tones in our voices. At first everyone was hesitant and didn't want to say anything. Then eventually a few people would shout out a few insults here and there. This encouraged more people to do the same as it made the atmosphere less tense and awkward and almost relaxed people into the idea.
After doing this we then sang through the song again. This time however, there was more enthusiasm and confidence. People were having more fun with the song and its context and were more relaxed. This then also created a natural blocking where we would step forward/move forward as the song progressed. At the end of the song we all centred around the 'Joe's' and pointed at them singing 'you're an embarrassment'
WWW.
I believe the exercise of shouting insults at the two 'Joe's' helped us get into character and work on our characterisation when singing. As, as a group we tend to forget about this. This worked well as it gave us confidence in our characters as well as in our vocals as we didn't feel pressured when performing to be vocally impressive. I think that as a group we are also starting to understand crucial emotions/atmospheres that are created through certain songs. For example, in embarrassment its a mocking atmosphere full of exaggeration and teasing. Therefore, we are using our physicality more and using facial expressions in order to portray the emotions. I.E. crossing our arms, cornering the Joe's and raising eyebrows/smirking.
Personally I felt as though my characterisation improved greatly. As usually I focus a lot on the vocal performance and making sure its as good as it can be rather than the acting part of it. However, I was acting on behalf on my character and adding emotion into my vocals almost making it sound spoken. Therefore, creating a more convincing and impressive vocal performance in terms of performing a musical number.
EBI
Next time we could start to properly block it with characters immersed in the scene. In order to smoothly block it in rather than it being acting then singing.
We could continue to work on characterisation in our vocals as well as our physicality in order to portray a convincing performers of the 'Our House' cast.
Baggy Trousers
For this song we had already blocked the whole song with a dance routine. Our main focus was making sure we sung as well as singing the right parts as the majority of this song is sung by the character Reecey. Therefore, to start with we got our scripts and sang through the song. Understanding when the ensemble are supposed to sing and when its just Reecey. Once we had done this we also worked out harmonies in order to make it sound aurally engaging and to give it some life and character to assist the dance. We then tried putting both together (dancing and singing) However, it didn't really work as we were still all focused on the movement and were too fatigued from the dance to sing.
EBI.
We need to work on singing the song as an ensemble as at the moment there are only a few people singing due to our main concentration on the dance and timing.
We need to work on singing whilst moving at high energy levels as this is an issue. Baggy trousers is a very high energy dance with jumping and running therefore we are finding it difficult to sing whilst performing. In order to solve this we could do little exercises whilst singing the song and increasing in difficulty to gradually increase our vocal stamina. Eventually being able to do the entire dance routine with a strong vocal backing.
For one of our lessons we spent the entire two hours working on songs in the musical that we weren't comfortable or confident singing. We mainly focused on the ensemble songs in order to make sure that everyone was doing something as well as to make use of the full cast when we have the opportunity.
For the first hour we focused on 'Embarrassment'. This song ranged from solo/duet and ensemble singing meaning we could also work on characterisation of specific characters. To start with we sang the whole song through with the piano working out timing and rhythm. This is good as it gives us a solid structure to work with. Once we know that basics of the melody we can then start to progress to work on movement and vocal technique in terms of characterisation.
Whilst singing this song as an ensemble we came across as too 'choir like' and soft toned. When the texture to this song is harsh and mocking as it is putting down the character 'Joe Casey' because he is a reformed young offender. In order to help people understand and develop their own understandings of the atmosphere of the song and the way it should be sung. Our director got the cast to separate where we were all together accept the two 'Joe Casey's' and sing directly at them standing in a line. This helped as it meant we could see them and start to act through our singing channelling the emotions. However, in some respect we were still focusing too much on the vocal correctness rather than the acting. In order to try and get us more into our characters our director had us insult the two Joe's in order to get into that mind-set and find our tones in our voices. At first everyone was hesitant and didn't want to say anything. Then eventually a few people would shout out a few insults here and there. This encouraged more people to do the same as it made the atmosphere less tense and awkward and almost relaxed people into the idea.
After doing this we then sang through the song again. This time however, there was more enthusiasm and confidence. People were having more fun with the song and its context and were more relaxed. This then also created a natural blocking where we would step forward/move forward as the song progressed. At the end of the song we all centred around the 'Joe's' and pointed at them singing 'you're an embarrassment'
WWW.
I believe the exercise of shouting insults at the two 'Joe's' helped us get into character and work on our characterisation when singing. As, as a group we tend to forget about this. This worked well as it gave us confidence in our characters as well as in our vocals as we didn't feel pressured when performing to be vocally impressive. I think that as a group we are also starting to understand crucial emotions/atmospheres that are created through certain songs. For example, in embarrassment its a mocking atmosphere full of exaggeration and teasing. Therefore, we are using our physicality more and using facial expressions in order to portray the emotions. I.E. crossing our arms, cornering the Joe's and raising eyebrows/smirking.
Personally I felt as though my characterisation improved greatly. As usually I focus a lot on the vocal performance and making sure its as good as it can be rather than the acting part of it. However, I was acting on behalf on my character and adding emotion into my vocals almost making it sound spoken. Therefore, creating a more convincing and impressive vocal performance in terms of performing a musical number.
EBI
Next time we could start to properly block it with characters immersed in the scene. In order to smoothly block it in rather than it being acting then singing.
We could continue to work on characterisation in our vocals as well as our physicality in order to portray a convincing performers of the 'Our House' cast.
Baggy Trousers
For this song we had already blocked the whole song with a dance routine. Our main focus was making sure we sung as well as singing the right parts as the majority of this song is sung by the character Reecey. Therefore, to start with we got our scripts and sang through the song. Understanding when the ensemble are supposed to sing and when its just Reecey. Once we had done this we also worked out harmonies in order to make it sound aurally engaging and to give it some life and character to assist the dance. We then tried putting both together (dancing and singing) However, it didn't really work as we were still all focused on the movement and were too fatigued from the dance to sing.
EBI.
We need to work on singing the song as an ensemble as at the moment there are only a few people singing due to our main concentration on the dance and timing.
We need to work on singing whilst moving at high energy levels as this is an issue. Baggy trousers is a very high energy dance with jumping and running therefore we are finding it difficult to sing whilst performing. In order to solve this we could do little exercises whilst singing the song and increasing in difficulty to gradually increase our vocal stamina. Eventually being able to do the entire dance routine with a strong vocal backing.
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