So while Miranda is away on a vacation this week, she left me with a couple assignments to work on. I'm currently in the middle of working on Sala's (Sydney's character's) pajamas and trying to think of more ways to make the illusive 'bra trick' work as well as researching different potential narrator hats.
Last week she asked me to look up "too cool for school" hairdos for Sala which was great! I'm a huge fan of Harajuku fashions (particularly Decora and EGL) so I realized a lot of those styles, which are based on little girl hairstyles, would work really well on Sala. I happen to have the Fruits and Fresh Fruits books which I went through, marking the styles that would work for Sydney, and passed the research off to Miranda.
This process has already been really rewarding and I'm eager to get back to work on the pj's. I am a little anxious since I'll be speaking in Miranda's place for her at this Sunday's production meeting but I know I don't have too much to be worried about since everyone's always been really nice and welcoming at the meetings. Next week we're really gonna dive right into building, shopping for, and painting more of the pieces as we get closer to tech week.
*Paige*
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Nick Tosches: The Technical Side
Hello once again everyone out in internet land. A lot has happened since my last blog and since there is no sense in beating around the bush with pleasantries, so I shall get right down to business.
We started set build this week and things have been going awesomely. Mark asked me what project I would like to take on with the set, and after some thought I decided to work on the archway (it’s going to be a floating Japanese style pagoda roof/arch thing). I chose this project because I wanted to learn how to rig and hang something large that isn’t just a flat piece of scenery. So most of the job will be done during load in, but I succeeded in finishing building the frame work and 3 sides of the facing in only two days. Besides the set building, Mark has been teaching me the nuances of being a tech director from scheduling to what pieces of scenery are a priority and such. He has taken the time to discuss how to deal with designers and directors and how you can make their vision come true while doing your other duties, and this week’s lesson was that something should not fail simply from a lack of trying. Even though your first instinct may be to say no because what is designed or asked for seems impossible, impractical, or over budget, there is almost always a way to execute it.
So next week is looking to be just as fun and tiring as this week was, as we finish the set build and begin our load in. I am also looking forward to the designer run this weekend and hopefully we’ll be able to keep up this awesome pace that we have set for ourselves. See you all later around the blogosphere!
-Nick
We started set build this week and things have been going awesomely. Mark asked me what project I would like to take on with the set, and after some thought I decided to work on the archway (it’s going to be a floating Japanese style pagoda roof/arch thing). I chose this project because I wanted to learn how to rig and hang something large that isn’t just a flat piece of scenery. So most of the job will be done during load in, but I succeeded in finishing building the frame work and 3 sides of the facing in only two days. Besides the set building, Mark has been teaching me the nuances of being a tech director from scheduling to what pieces of scenery are a priority and such. He has taken the time to discuss how to deal with designers and directors and how you can make their vision come true while doing your other duties, and this week’s lesson was that something should not fail simply from a lack of trying. Even though your first instinct may be to say no because what is designed or asked for seems impossible, impractical, or over budget, there is almost always a way to execute it.
So next week is looking to be just as fun and tiring as this week was, as we finish the set build and begin our load in. I am also looking forward to the designer run this weekend and hopefully we’ll be able to keep up this awesome pace that we have set for ourselves. See you all later around the blogosphere!
-Nick
Saturday, June 27, 2009
ATQ: Jess Strikes Again...
Hello again from your friendly PA. After the Quake is going swimmingly (I like adjectives). But honestly, as each week passes the show gets better and better. Now with the rough blocking done, the actors are starting to really delve into their characters and why they do the things they do. It’s part of what I personally love about theater, watching a play grow and transform from the first read-through to opening night. You see ‘characters’ become people and a whole be created in front of you. It’s really something and this cast is really growing with their characters.
The set is now being started as well and I’m excited to see this world literally come into being. I have a soft spot for scenic design, specifically painting, and I can’t wait to finish the building and get to work on painting it. I think the model and designs fit the concepts for this show so well, that I really just want it to be opening night so everything falls into place. I won’t give too many details; I couldn’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to come see it for yourself (:. But I just love that everything is starting to take shape. We’ve been talking about this deadline of sorts, opening night being in the middle of july, but as it gets closer and closer everything sort of starts coming together. It’s exciting and I’m so happy to be a part of it.
I really am ready to get into House Manager mode. The stage management crew and I have all been joking, we all wear glasses, but when I trade my PA hat for my house manager hat I’ll start donning my contacts. Just a little anecdote to make you chuckle. Speaking of stage management, I told Alycia I’d mention her fantastic drawings that are decorating my folder. My particular favorite is the wood that says “Hey. We’re Norwegian.” But thanks to this show Norwegian Wood is slowly climbing its way up my list of favorite Beatles songs. The music is really bringing this show together. The cast was doing such a good job, but me saying music when the script calls for it just isn’t the same as hearing the violin and bass clarinet come in with their haunting melodies. It was like the missing piece to the puzzle and it fits so organically that it’s no wonder why the script calls for so many specific music cues. I’m really just excited to see it all finished and come together.
Happy Theatering!
Jessica
P.S. If you haven’t checked out the video trailer, you should. It’s pretty baller: http://www.companyone.org/theatre_show_2008_quake/photos_videos.shtml
The set is now being started as well and I’m excited to see this world literally come into being. I have a soft spot for scenic design, specifically painting, and I can’t wait to finish the building and get to work on painting it. I think the model and designs fit the concepts for this show so well, that I really just want it to be opening night so everything falls into place. I won’t give too many details; I couldn’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to come see it for yourself (:. But I just love that everything is starting to take shape. We’ve been talking about this deadline of sorts, opening night being in the middle of july, but as it gets closer and closer everything sort of starts coming together. It’s exciting and I’m so happy to be a part of it.
I really am ready to get into House Manager mode. The stage management crew and I have all been joking, we all wear glasses, but when I trade my PA hat for my house manager hat I’ll start donning my contacts. Just a little anecdote to make you chuckle. Speaking of stage management, I told Alycia I’d mention her fantastic drawings that are decorating my folder. My particular favorite is the wood that says “Hey. We’re Norwegian.” But thanks to this show Norwegian Wood is slowly climbing its way up my list of favorite Beatles songs. The music is really bringing this show together. The cast was doing such a good job, but me saying music when the script calls for it just isn’t the same as hearing the violin and bass clarinet come in with their haunting melodies. It was like the missing piece to the puzzle and it fits so organically that it’s no wonder why the script calls for so many specific music cues. I’m really just excited to see it all finished and come together.
Happy Theatering!
Jessica
P.S. If you haven’t checked out the video trailer, you should. It’s pretty baller: http://www.companyone.org/theatre_show_2008_quake/photos_videos.shtml
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Grace Geller: Take Two
What’s scary about boiling Brussels sprouts? I have no idea, but there’s something creepy when Frog compares inflicting ‘physiological terror’ on Big Bear Trading to boiling Brussels sprouts. This is one of my many favorite moments in “After the Quake.” Murakami is a beautiful author. His words paint an elegant story that has been masterfully translated into a play by Frank Galati.
Despite the shudders Brussels sprouts now give me, “After the Quake” is not about terror. As we’ve been working through the production process there have been many discussions about the element of ‘fear’ in the play. The play hinges on nightmares surrounding the 1995 Kobe earthquake. But, as the title states, it is a play about what happens ‘after the quake.’ It is a play about how people deal with fear – from widespread death and destruction to personal insecurities. The play depicts universal problems and showcases the best of people. There is hope for every character, from the lonely honey bear Masakichi to the central character Junpei. There is hope that everyone can face their fears.
We have a little under a month left and we’ve already started doing runs of the show. Last week we incorporated the musicians into some scenes. Music is a HUGE element to “After the Quake.” The musicians will constantly be on stage and act almost like another character, helping to drive the show. Music is also vital to help the audience understand the progression of the play, as it switches between time, place, and character rapidly. Although I knew all this from reading the play (and seeing all the music cues), it was a shock to hear the musicians actually there working with us in rehearsals. I had grown accustomed to all those awkward moments. But now, music really brings the show together; it fills in pauses and creates charming moments.
Working on the show so far has been a truly rewarding experience. I am able to talk with Shawn (the director) and Liana (the dramaturg) during each rehearsal and then watch my comments effect the scene. I’ve also been working individually with some of the actors before each rehearsal, helping them with character work and their objectives for long monologues. I feel like I’m really a part of the rehearsal process.
I’m off now to start “Norwegian Wood,” one of Murakami’s novels. You should watch the video trailer and get your tickets for this amazing play.
I’ll write again soon!
* Grace
Despite the shudders Brussels sprouts now give me, “After the Quake” is not about terror. As we’ve been working through the production process there have been many discussions about the element of ‘fear’ in the play. The play hinges on nightmares surrounding the 1995 Kobe earthquake. But, as the title states, it is a play about what happens ‘after the quake.’ It is a play about how people deal with fear – from widespread death and destruction to personal insecurities. The play depicts universal problems and showcases the best of people. There is hope for every character, from the lonely honey bear Masakichi to the central character Junpei. There is hope that everyone can face their fears.
We have a little under a month left and we’ve already started doing runs of the show. Last week we incorporated the musicians into some scenes. Music is a HUGE element to “After the Quake.” The musicians will constantly be on stage and act almost like another character, helping to drive the show. Music is also vital to help the audience understand the progression of the play, as it switches between time, place, and character rapidly. Although I knew all this from reading the play (and seeing all the music cues), it was a shock to hear the musicians actually there working with us in rehearsals. I had grown accustomed to all those awkward moments. But now, music really brings the show together; it fills in pauses and creates charming moments.
Working on the show so far has been a truly rewarding experience. I am able to talk with Shawn (the director) and Liana (the dramaturg) during each rehearsal and then watch my comments effect the scene. I’ve also been working individually with some of the actors before each rehearsal, helping them with character work and their objectives for long monologues. I feel like I’m really a part of the rehearsal process.
I’m off now to start “Norwegian Wood,” one of Murakami’s novels. You should watch the video trailer and get your tickets for this amazing play.
I’ll write again soon!
* Grace
Monday, June 22, 2009
Russ is busy!
Hello Again!
The last couple of weeks have really gotten the ball rolling. E-mails and phone calls have gone out to more businesses and clubs than I can count. Each message is spreading the word about After the Quake. I have gotten feedback from many of the companies that I have called and they sound genuinely interested in our upcoming show.
Giving out postcards continues as always, and posters will be going up around town this week. The posters look fantastic!
I am going in on Tuesday to map out an effective postering strategy, and to make more calls.
Short but sweet, as things get underway.
Also remember… the best way to spread the word about After the Quake is by word of mouth. So if you can think of anyone or any groups that would be interested, let them (and me) know! We want all of Boston talking about the show!
-Russ
The last couple of weeks have really gotten the ball rolling. E-mails and phone calls have gone out to more businesses and clubs than I can count. Each message is spreading the word about After the Quake. I have gotten feedback from many of the companies that I have called and they sound genuinely interested in our upcoming show.
Giving out postcards continues as always, and posters will be going up around town this week. The posters look fantastic!
I am going in on Tuesday to map out an effective postering strategy, and to make more calls.
Short but sweet, as things get underway.
Also remember… the best way to spread the word about After the Quake is by word of mouth. So if you can think of anyone or any groups that would be interested, let them (and me) know! We want all of Boston talking about the show!
-Russ
Friday, June 19, 2009
Alycia Marucci, ASM, Round 2...Fight!
Hello again everyone!
This week has been quite productive in rehearsal. We managed to work on a lot of the dynamic between characters during scenes as well as add in music to some of the transitions. It is definitely a challenge working with live original music, but I think that the end result will be phenomenal, it already sounds really good when the chaos of adding the new element to the play subsides. We are doing our first run through on sunday, which should be super helpful for stage management to really understand the flow of the piece, as well as the specific timing for a lot of stuff that we haven't been able to work as a whole yet.
I have taken to spending my down time in rehearsal doodling on post-its and giving them to various people. Emily's and Eliza's production books are already littered with my periwinkle 2-dimensional masterpieces. So far I have successfully animated the following:
- the character of Katagiri as a cheerleader, jumping in support of Frog in the middle of his battle with worm.
- Sayoko hiding behind her japanese fan.
- the stage management team (with a caption stating that "Stage Managers are Coo.")
- the weather outside the rehearsal room on Sunday (mother nature thought it would be quite spectacular to allow the sun to show its face only during the hours of our rehearsal, and deemed the rest of the day rainy)
- a spy. (unrelated to the text of the play, it was however a secret-spy note regarding very important prop information...)
more next week once we start doing run-throughs!
Alycia
This week has been quite productive in rehearsal. We managed to work on a lot of the dynamic between characters during scenes as well as add in music to some of the transitions. It is definitely a challenge working with live original music, but I think that the end result will be phenomenal, it already sounds really good when the chaos of adding the new element to the play subsides. We are doing our first run through on sunday, which should be super helpful for stage management to really understand the flow of the piece, as well as the specific timing for a lot of stuff that we haven't been able to work as a whole yet.
I have taken to spending my down time in rehearsal doodling on post-its and giving them to various people. Emily's and Eliza's production books are already littered with my periwinkle 2-dimensional masterpieces. So far I have successfully animated the following:
- the character of Katagiri as a cheerleader, jumping in support of Frog in the middle of his battle with worm.
- Sayoko hiding behind her japanese fan.
- the stage management team (with a caption stating that "Stage Managers are Coo.")
- the weather outside the rehearsal room on Sunday (mother nature thought it would be quite spectacular to allow the sun to show its face only during the hours of our rehearsal, and deemed the rest of the day rainy)
- a spy. (unrelated to the text of the play, it was however a secret-spy note regarding very important prop information...)
more next week once we start doing run-throughs!
Alycia
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
After The Quake: Paige Warren
I was beside myself nervous when I first met the Costume Designer, Miranda Giurleo, for whom I would be interning, and again when I met the rest of the cast and crew for After the Quake. I had no idea what to expect since this would be my first costuming position outside of an academic setting and it was the first time I would be working in Boston. Although I kept reminding myself that the three years I spent in high school working on costumes and the two I've spent so far in college at UVM had prepared me for the majority of my responsibilities as Assistant Costume Designer, I was nervous that I would fall short and let the designer, and myself, down.
When the time came I was relieved to find out that many of my responsibilities were just what I was eagerly anticipating and that the cast and crew have been very welcoming, supportive, and helpful. Since the company and the production are a smaller scale than I expected at first, I've found that I've been able to really focus on the business side of costuming (less of what goes on stage and more of how it got there to begin with). I can't begin to describe how amazingly helpful this process has been, especially at a professional company, and how much I've learned in just the first few weeks of working. Speaking of which, I actually need to update the Costume Bible for After the Quake now. I can already tell that this production is going to be enriching in many ways.
Paige
When the time came I was relieved to find out that many of my responsibilities were just what I was eagerly anticipating and that the cast and crew have been very welcoming, supportive, and helpful. Since the company and the production are a smaller scale than I expected at first, I've found that I've been able to really focus on the business side of costuming (less of what goes on stage and more of how it got there to begin with). I can't begin to describe how amazingly helpful this process has been, especially at a professional company, and how much I've learned in just the first few weeks of working. Speaking of which, I actually need to update the Costume Bible for After the Quake now. I can already tell that this production is going to be enriching in many ways.
Paige
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