Week Two: Broad Strokes and Big Commitment

Week Two is a crucial one in the Summer Shakespeare program. It is necessary to sketch out the entire play in broad strokes so that the directors and actors can fill in details in the subsequent weeks. This stage of work may be compared to a painter preparing a canvas: the artist may have a general idea of color and space. They begin by painting sweeping lines across the canvas. Later they will fill in the details: the location of a tree, or piece of fruit. And later yet they will fill in even more details that will make the painting lifelike: a piece of bark peeling from the tree or a fly sitting on the fruit. Like the painter, the actor and director begin by giving the work a rough shape.

This week Tom directed the group through scene blocking. They worked on entrance and exit locations, physical interaction with scene partners, and touched on physical motivation. Steve White, fight choreographer, also gave a short Master Class on slaps, punches and kicks covering not only physical action but also psychological responses. Carlos introduced work on pursuing an objective or desire on stage. He emphasized the need for students to approach the work with maturity and as artists.

While the vast majority of the group showed great progress, understanding and growth, one student artist was dismissed from the program for attendance problems. All young artists are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. A swift moving project like this one requires the commitment of everyone involved: everyone’s attention, attendance, enthusiasm and creativity is needed to make the project a success.

As always, student actors are invited to post their own comments to this blog so that we can hear their voice, perspective and know more about their experience.