Amphitryon Rehearsal - April 18, 2006

Observation (Pre-Rehearsal):

• Additions to the set
• Railing is added to the balcony, black paint, iron-work, blocking still taped on the floor
• Actors show up much earlier (6:30) to work on lines
• they read, some with emotions and some just reading the words.
  
• There is much more tension in the air in reference to the lines
• Some actors read with script and some from memory
• First Ten minutes the actors are instructed to work with a partner over their lines
• Director asks for my suggestions as they practice (VERY COOL)
• Many different things going on
• lines, dancing, etc
• Characters use the masks for the first time.
  
• no paint, first fitting
• Director punches holes for nose
• Director takes the whole group to the bathroom to have them look in the mirror at the masks
• play "YES" game in masks

Action Starts:

• "Start from the top"
• Calls, "HOLD" when he wants to introduce a comment/direction
• Director seems to make very precise notes in a journal
• Sosia makes a lot of adlibbed comments (not so funny)
• Director makes small changes throughout
• The actors tend to stay in character even when they are talking out of scene
• END SCENE

Notes:

• Goes over his notes from the performance
• Demonstrates the importance of "full-out" performance
• looking directly at the audience
• importance of using diaphram instead of chest
• "Need to pick up ques" less long silences
• Lets the group know that the last time to give music to be used in the performance is that night
• Q/A for actors...
• "ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY!!!

This rehearsal was much more fun. The actors seemed to grow a great deal just in the few days that I have missed. I had some strong suggestions for certain actors and performances.