12th May Lesson Evaluation

1) What important discoveries were made during the rehearsal? 


Within today's rehearsal, our aims were to complete the final scene and transitions. These scenes evolve around the character of Claudio (who was away) therefore we had to work around this, making sure that we used our time beneficially and productively.

We considered the scenes that needed most work or improvement- in this case we ran over the bingo scene a couple of times, focusing on lines (making sure they were learnt), perfecting harmonies, practising with the new props (fans) and linking this to the transition. Alongside the bingo scene, we ran through the bedroom scene twice, ensuring that we were aware of the timing and that the group section was perfecting (all movements in the same direction).

As it was difficult to rehearse these scenes without Claudio (as he is the main character!), we discussed possible lighting techniques which we could use e.g. Amy suggested that we have a single spotlight on Nicole (during the bingo scene) which would project her shadow/outline onto the floor in front of Claudio- this would create a ghostly effect!

There weren’t many other acting scenes that we could rehearse physically without Claudio so we used the second half of the hour to list all the music cues needed- tonight I will research train/ train station sound effects! We also considered how we would use the TV news report- Jess has done lots of research and found a news report on TV which would suit our piece and could also apply to Hero. We were discussing whether to use the TV’s already provided in the foyer or the white board. We agreed that the white board would be easier to access – and we would have freedom to place it wherever we want! Considering our assessment is on Wednesday, it would be simpler and easier to use the white board (as this is one of the minor issues we are currently trying to solve and either way, won’t have a great impact on the rest of the performance).

2) What led to those discoveries?

Towards the beginning of the rehearsal we accepted our situation and planned out what would be the best use of our time- in this case we agreed to run over and perfect any scenes that needed improvement, and secondly, to discuss technical issues including music, lighting, sound effects, costume, and props (catching up Jessy with our costume and props map made last rehearsal).

Certain discoveries were made during the bingo scene e.g. we realised that there were complications with the fans and Hero cards- it was hard to find the time to pick up our fans whilst displaying the cards at the same time. To resolve this we changed some of the movement and worked around the timing- changing our acting/performance to fit with the music.

3) Towards where do those discoveries lead? 


Now that we generally feel confident with the technical aspects of the performance, our next goal will be to complete the final scene and transitions! Without the transitions, our piece will fall apart and won’t make sense. There are still four transitions to devise (the tour- with the manager, the bedroom to bingo scene, the bingo to bedroom 2 – continued tour with blue coat and salsa dancer,  bedroom 2 to final scene- leading Claudio to his death). Even if we split these transitions between us – so that they get devised quicker, it would be better than leaving them altogether (we need something to hold the piece together otherwise it won’t be ready to be shown!).

4 ) Consider questions No. 1-3 except focus on important roadblocks/dead ends.


We were worried today that we might have to step in for certain characters on Wednesday if there are still issues with attendance. We are at the point now where we know the play well and could cover each other parts of work our way around problems if needed. It’s unlikely that this will be the case however we need to be prepared in advance and aware of the things that could go wrong (generally) e.g. at this stage costumes and props! And be ready to work around or improvise through issues that may occur.

7 ) Reflect on the journey of one or both of the actors with whom you are working.  How’s it going?  What needs to happen next?


I admire Amy’s constant commitment to the characterisation and diversity of characters. She uses her voice and body in a creative way that is different/unique to all the roles she has to play. I would like to be able to perform my own characters in this way – at the moment all my characters are too similar (and I struggle to change/use my voice in a different way).

8 ) What is the most important thing that happened (or didn’t happen) in your recent rehearsal?  Unpack its importance.
Also -What is the most important thing that could happen in your next rehearsal?  How will you shape the rehearsal in order to increase the odds of that “thing” happening?


As mentioned above, the most important thing that should have happened was to at least start and devise the final scene + transitions! In the circumstances this was difficult however we could have practised individual transitions e.g. Nicole’s tour (as manager) and my tour (as blue coat).

We haven’t yet completed a full run including the transitions (or attempting). It would be useful to use extra rehearsal time tomorrow to complete the final scene and try linking the ending ad beginning of scenes to transitions- these need the most work!