(friends are forver) blocking continues

[thoreau]

A four hour blocking rehersal tonight. Blocking is difficult for everyone - actors, directors, stage manager.... its tedious - but REAL important. Tonight we blocked a fast paced scene (12 pages of dialogue) that switches back and forth between three very different couples, often midsentence. I read this part of the script and while most amusing, I thought "how the hell will they stage that?!" We will perform this in a small intimate theater - not like there is room for three living rooms and lots of lights and quick changes. We made it through though! One transition I'm supposed to "makeout" with my "boyfriend", Leo, while the others are talking; that'll prove interesting! (I love gay plays!)

But I enjoyed tonight - it is fun watching how the actual three couples in the play were forming up. The twink pair. the older pair of guys who chat about china and glassware... and then there is us - (drumroll) the cake obsessed drippy sappy overthetop romantic (to the point of nausea) bear couple (Leo and me). Everyone is really taking to their parts... there is a particular scene where Leo and I have been making out - while alternatively discussing whether or not we have an open relationship. and he stops us at one points and reminds me that I haven't served cake yet. It is so damned funny (paraphrasing) "You are really sexy honey and I don't want anyone else - now - where's that cake I asked for?" Art imitates life?

I get tomorrow night off to run lines - then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday more hard blocking.

I am so loving this!

Comments

[eireangus.livejournal.com]

This play sounds really interesting.

I will have to see it! ;-)

[dewittar.livejournal.com]

You're making me ache for my theatre days.

(And thanks for adding me back to your list. Not being able to comment on your posts has been driving me crazy.)

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

i just noticed your name change :)

[kroyd.livejournal.com]

All the posts about theatre and acting bring back memories of a past life in Austin, Tx 1980-1985. I've never acted but my husband at the time was an actor and did some directing. I ran props mostly. A grand joyous time it was.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

and he stops us at one points and reminds me that I haven't served cake yet.

This reminds me, for some reason, of the scene in "Relax, It's Just Sex" in which the two gay Christian gymbots (yes, really -- see the movie if you don't believe me) are having sex while rhapsodizing about the food that's going to be served at a party they're attending later.

[moofedma.livejournal.com]

No wonder I never hear from you, but I'm glad you're having such a good time!

[starzinked.livejournal.com]

blocking rehearsals are tedious, but don't you find once you've got that done you have more purpose to your character?

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

oh absolutely - totally understand the role of blocking in designing a play. movement and purpose are realy important. :) But I love the freedom to "interpret" that as we start rolling - and making the movement seem natural and not scripted.

[starzinked.livejournal.com]

as a director i love seeing the actors either get stiff at my blocking or roll with it. as an actor, ditto on the freedom. gosh, i'ts been over a year since i was on stage, the itch is coming back.

can't *wait* to see your play!