Helllloooo, everyone! Here is a video about what’s up behind the scenes, a few little secrets, and some fun fact. It’s mostly David, a little bit Mo our Stage Manager, and a little bit Trista (me). Enjoy!
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/CbOhuO0P__Y[/embedyt]
Wanted to get a quick video in before you see the show Wednesday, if we can! We will have more for you after the performance – about a week’s worth of content with backstage stuff that we didn’t want to spoil for the show, and some things from our stage manager in the booth, so we are excited to share that.
For now, here are a few looks at our set, and a couple more things from David. See ya soon!
PS – if you think of more questions after you see the show – like how things worked, if a particular moment was tough tot rehearse, etc., let us know!
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/qRxeRFK06OA[/embedyt]
Friday was Opening, whooo! BUT! We still have some pre-opening stuff to share. We also have some answers to TBHS’ questions coming in this week, so keep an eye out for those. (To TBHS Tech – the Tech Director/Set Designer is on another project now that we are open, so I may have to hunt him down, but I will see what I can get for you this week!)
Here are some videos of moments in tech rehearsal, including just a few hours before our first audience, and then a great chain of videos from David chronicling opening night (no spoilers!).
We are working on more answers to more questions, but of course, if there are no shows Monday-Thursday, I won’t see the actors! But we have plenty of content for you this week, and we are happy to take any more questions, thoughts, or requests!
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/dSj-5Xi4VK4[/embedyt]
Several of the actors took some time this past weekend to answer your questions on how they handle those opening (and every) night jitters before heading onstage!
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/GEIXN589hpM[/embedyt]
We had a great final dress rehearsal, also known as a Preview in professional theatre. That means we invite an audience of volunteers, friends, and family to see the show and give the actors an idea of how and when the audience is most likely to react to things. That helps them with timing and expectation. Every audience is different; sometimes wildly so. But this gives us a baseline.
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/EqoKa1OwBq8[/embedyt]
Today we have TWO videos! One detailing one of the many jobs helping get this show up, and another where a few of the actors stopped by the lobby to tell me some of their favorite mystery tropes, (in response to Mr. Leder’s class sharing theirs)!
As always, leave any questions for David or anyone else you see in the video, and we will get you some answers!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DVmIxwGZ9M[/embedyt]
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/n36ChHRoMCU[/embedyt]
except he doesn’t know I’m introducing him. I haven’t had the chance to get a video of him saying hi, because he’s…always directing. So here is a bit about him, and a look at him interacting with the actors. Every director has a slightly different style of how they direct and communicate, and also different types of show they can really shine with. Despite being a murder mystery, this show is a comedy, and it requires someone with strong skills in physical comedy and pacing (keeping things moving constantly, choosing very specific spots for pauses, making sure there are no moments where the audience has time to wonder what they’re having for dinner, etc.). Vince is great at these things. I knew he would be a great fit for directing this show, and he was excited to direct his first mystery in a while.
In this video, you hear a little about him, but mostly you see him working for a bit. In the final short sequence, you see him working out a specific moment with two actors, and they quickly and subtly tweak things like when one actor reaches for the other, how many times they look around the room, (for comedic effect), how the actors pitch their voices for the lines, and when they sit down. All this seems incredibly specific and perhaps limiting, but it is made for the correct comedic balance, and it actually gives the actors more permission to play around with their lines and motions, because now they have a set of boundaries to work within. So instead of thinking, “which of 5,294 ways should I say this line?” They know, “okay, so in this moment I am reaching for her hand, and looking this way, and making sure no one hears me. But I also know I am very excited about this secret I have, and that this is my wife and I want to impress her.” Now, the actor has a better shot at nailing a really great moment. The director is guiding them to greater success.
Next time I post, you will get to meet the actor who will be taking your questions and showing you around a bit more!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWwqpIuihYg[/embedyt]
My Stage Manager was only able to get video of a handful of the actors tonight, so I am going to fill n the blanks with photos so you can begin to match faces and names to characters. I think the SM just grabbed them and asked them to say their names, which is probably why they didn’t say much more! But they will, promise.
Forgive my hack editing; this isn’t really my field. Also, the music…was all I had that was free and easy. If anyone out there wants to compose better music for our videos, hit me up. But at least it gives you something to start with until we are back from our brief New Year’s break. Rehearsals begin again in 2 days! That’s when you will get to interact with the actors more.
Leave any questions you have for the actors, Stage Manger, Director, or designers!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8nTQ5m-s4Q[/embedyt]
