Journal Part II

Stimulus:
An AIS Classroom

Rehearsal Plan

1^st Rehearsal

Play Game(s)

Lay down expectations

Go over concept of show, of devising

Brainstorm the stimulus

Agree on day of week for rehearsals

2^nd Rehearsal

Go to the space

Improv

Brainstorm more themes/ideas

3^rd Rehearsal

Begin outlining the show

Assign Roles

Character Development

4^th Rehearsal

Read thru script (or what we have so far)

Begin Blocking

5^th Rehearsal

Blocking

6^th Rehearsal

Rough Run w/ Blocking and Scripts

Make Changes to Script

7^th Rehearsal

Run/Improve as Necessary

8^th Rehearsal

Tech

9^th Rehearsal

Tech

10^th Rehearsal

Dress Rehearsal

This rehearsal schedule differs slightly from the Action Plan that I just wrote. I’ve chosen to include both in my journal, to show to process of devising, and how my plans change with more development. I’ve decided that I would like to take on the true devising process, where I create the play upon working with the actors to brainstorm and develop the stimulus. This is described in the packet that Mr. Warren gave us, and I think it is the best way to get the whole cast involved.

This is the same approach that Brian took last year when I acted in his show. Now that I’ve read Peter Brook’s The Open Door for my extended essay, I understand this process a little better. I had an ‘Aha’ moment when I read the last section of the book, which talks about the “Formless Hunch” a director has in devising. In our first rehearsal with Brian last year we read this excerpt of the book, but not until now did I realize how relevant it truly is.

So far I’ve made some progress in nailing down the piece. I chose my stimulus, and began communicating with potential actors. In terms of working with actors, I’m focusing more on finding people who are willing to show up to rehearsals. That’s the most important thing. I don’t care if they are polished performers or not, because I want this to be an organic process anyway. Sometimes people who are used to acting do so with a certain fakeness, and it’s almost easier to work with someone who hasn’t been groomed.