The company blocked through about page 50 of the show. In addition, they rehearsed some original music.
Patrick was happy with the company's progress because he feels they have captured the 'soul' of the play.
The cast will begin memorizing their lines this weekend.
Rehearsals resume Monday June 18 at 1pm.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Scary!?!
Nicole Farmerie is scared to death prior to getting on the bus that took us to the haunted sites of Dublin.
The rest of the group pretended not to know her.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Coach Crean Hired Away???
This poster was outside of the Gaiety School of Acting. It is an ad for a production across the street about an Antartic explorer. Apparently it is a big hit.
The First, Extended Day (A Belated Post)
I thought that I could write a little bit about our day of travelling from the great city of Chicago to Ireland. I haven`t had much of a chance to do more than be dumbfounded at how great this city of Dublin is, and so, my post comes to you a little late.
The day of travel started out fine, with everyone showing up on time. We all luckily fit the weight requirements on luggage and were sent to our terminal...that is after we were to wait in what seemed like a quarter-mile long line to get through security. It wasn`t until all of us got close to the front of this line that we were told there are no more restaurants in the terminal area and that if we wanted to eat, we would have to get out of line. We did. Luckily we were able to pull out some charm and were let in at the front of the line. Turned a lot of angry heads.
We eventually boarded and all had a seat near one another, which was great to pass the time. The flight was long, but went by just fine. We all had our own diversions in order to get through. Some played euchre, some read books, some slept, and some had awkward conversation. All in all it was great, especially the viewings of "Wild Hogs" starring the Old-Timer Gang and "The Astronaut Farmer" starring Billy Bob "Sling Blade" Thornton. I laughed and cried! The food was good for what it was.
The moment finally came when I switched to a seat by Liam (next to the window) and watched as the sun rose over what was now Ireland. I looked down and saw nothing but green land. We flew past Dublin and over the ocean in order to swoop-turn the plane around and come back into Dublin Airport. This was a great sight and I wish I had a camera with me. There was not a cloud in the sky and it made the whole landscape below look beautiful.
We got off the plane and surprisingly did not have to go through Customs. We hopped right on a bus and headed down to our respective hotel/hostel. The city looked great. We dropped off our things in our rooms and went straight out into the city to fight our impending jet-lag. We saw St. Stephen`s Green, the shops on Grafton Street and real, live Irish people. We all had lunch and I had a traditional Irish lunch (sausage, baked beans, and chips) and then the pain of no-sleep set in. We all took long naps in the afternoon.
After that, we met the Gaiety staff and were visited by both the Governor of Wisconsin Jim Doyle, his wife, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. It was an honor that they came. We finished the night with dinner and a show at the Peacock Theatre called "Terminus". It was a fantastic show.
Well, that was that. Since then we`ve had rehearsals, seen more shows, been to some museums, and just had a fun time. I`ll have more posts to come.
The day of travel started out fine, with everyone showing up on time. We all luckily fit the weight requirements on luggage and were sent to our terminal...that is after we were to wait in what seemed like a quarter-mile long line to get through security. It wasn`t until all of us got close to the front of this line that we were told there are no more restaurants in the terminal area and that if we wanted to eat, we would have to get out of line. We did. Luckily we were able to pull out some charm and were let in at the front of the line. Turned a lot of angry heads.
We eventually boarded and all had a seat near one another, which was great to pass the time. The flight was long, but went by just fine. We all had our own diversions in order to get through. Some played euchre, some read books, some slept, and some had awkward conversation. All in all it was great, especially the viewings of "Wild Hogs" starring the Old-Timer Gang and "The Astronaut Farmer" starring Billy Bob "Sling Blade" Thornton. I laughed and cried! The food was good for what it was.
The moment finally came when I switched to a seat by Liam (next to the window) and watched as the sun rose over what was now Ireland. I looked down and saw nothing but green land. We flew past Dublin and over the ocean in order to swoop-turn the plane around and come back into Dublin Airport. This was a great sight and I wish I had a camera with me. There was not a cloud in the sky and it made the whole landscape below look beautiful.
We got off the plane and surprisingly did not have to go through Customs. We hopped right on a bus and headed down to our respective hotel/hostel. The city looked great. We dropped off our things in our rooms and went straight out into the city to fight our impending jet-lag. We saw St. Stephen`s Green, the shops on Grafton Street and real, live Irish people. We all had lunch and I had a traditional Irish lunch (sausage, baked beans, and chips) and then the pain of no-sleep set in. We all took long naps in the afternoon.
After that, we met the Gaiety staff and were visited by both the Governor of Wisconsin Jim Doyle, his wife, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. It was an honor that they came. We finished the night with dinner and a show at the Peacock Theatre called "Terminus". It was a fantastic show.
Well, that was that. Since then we`ve had rehearsals, seen more shows, been to some museums, and just had a fun time. I`ll have more posts to come.
Web Album
Site of the old Smock Alley Theatre.
As the archivist, I have been busy taking multitudes of photographs. It has been hard to find time to sit down and go through all of the images with our busy schedule; but, I will put a small fraction of these photos in a web-album in a low-res format. These uploads are quick and dirty, but should give a good visual walkthrough of our journey. There will also be hi-res copies of the images archived. The link to the album is below, and in the links section as well.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/559448385nIJUko?vhost=travel&start=0
Enjoy!
Rehearsal June 13
At rehearsal, Patrick had Gwen (violin) and Jack (mandolin) play a song. Then the company rehearsed the lyrics with Gwen and Jack.
Martin (the playwright) went through some modest script additions. Then the company worked through the play reading the text while making up the blocking as they go.
Today, Patrick will begin the blocking with the intention of finishing the blocking tomorrow afternoon.
Martin (the playwright) went through some modest script additions. Then the company worked through the play reading the text while making up the blocking as they go.
Today, Patrick will begin the blocking with the intention of finishing the blocking tomorrow afternoon.
The Production Meeting
We had our first production meeting for Poor Tom yesterday afternoon.
Costumes - The stuff Deb (the costume designer) pulled and had the kids pack before we left seemed to be OK with Patrick (the director). She said she has a few items to figure out, but we are off to a good start.
Set - We will be re-using a rather large exisiting step unit that David (the set designer) will design of modifications to. The biggest challenge will be getting the materials and equipment required for the construction of the modifications.We will have some time where David, Liam, Scott and I can get this stuff built.
Props - I will ask David to comment on this. There are a lot of props. There are barrells....
Sound - Patrick has a specific style of music in mind to use. Liam (the sound designer) will meet with two local experts for help, through connections Patrick has.
Lighting (that's me, along with Bonnie and Gen) - We have a tight tech schedule. (more on that later) Patrick has already in rehearsal looked over to me and asked 'can we do this?' I have a pretty good handle on their lighting system now where I can answer coherently.....
The Gaiety production staff - Excellent and very helpful. They have already solved some our difficult prop challenges. We also have a modest budget from the Gaiety to help with expenses.
Costumes - The stuff Deb (the costume designer) pulled and had the kids pack before we left seemed to be OK with Patrick (the director). She said she has a few items to figure out, but we are off to a good start.
Set - We will be re-using a rather large exisiting step unit that David (the set designer) will design of modifications to. The biggest challenge will be getting the materials and equipment required for the construction of the modifications.We will have some time where David, Liam, Scott and I can get this stuff built.
Props - I will ask David to comment on this. There are a lot of props. There are barrells....
Sound - Patrick has a specific style of music in mind to use. Liam (the sound designer) will meet with two local experts for help, through connections Patrick has.
Lighting (that's me, along with Bonnie and Gen) - We have a tight tech schedule. (more on that later) Patrick has already in rehearsal looked over to me and asked 'can we do this?' I have a pretty good handle on their lighting system now where I can answer coherently.....
The Gaiety production staff - Excellent and very helpful. They have already solved some our difficult prop challenges. We also have a modest budget from the Gaiety to help with expenses.
Connections, Photos and Frustrations
This post is going up via email. Why? For some reason I cannot login to the the blog to upload a post when I am in the hotel in the morning. When I am in the theatre, I can log in, but can't upload photos, of which we have lots of already.
Hopefully, sometime today, our photographer Scott and I, will sit down in the production office and get these photos uploaded. I also need to figure out a way to get student photos up effeciently.
Hopefully, sometime today, our photographer Scott and I, will sit down in the production office and get these photos uploaded. I also need to figure out a way to get student photos up effeciently.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Rehearsals begin
Yesterday we read thru the play. Then director Patrick Sutton and playwright Martin Maguire led a discussion about the play. They then did some movement work.
Gov. Doyle
It was great to have Gov. Doyle and his wife greet us on Monday. He spoke with all the students and asked some challenging questions of the kids. The US Ambassador to Ireland, was just as gracious.
I was waiting for the Gov outside the Gaiety School, which is off a tiny street in Temple Bar. He and his wife were strolling alone down the street. It was quite an image. No entourage, just the two of them as couple. In the setting up the Gov's visit, I was told it was the 1st vacation they have had in several years. We are fortunate that they took the time to meet us. A great kick off to our stay here.
I was waiting for the Gov outside the Gaiety School, which is off a tiny street in Temple Bar. He and his wife were strolling alone down the street. It was quite an image. No entourage, just the two of them as couple. In the setting up the Gov's visit, I was told it was the 1st vacation they have had in several years. We are fortunate that they took the time to meet us. A great kick off to our stay here.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
We're here!!!
We made it!! A LONG day traveling, but we made it!
We got checked into our accommodations Early yesterday - luckily the apartments for Chester, Dave & I were ready when we got here, so we could CRASH in a major way. The adults are a VERY healthy walk away form the Gaiety - about a 20-30 minute walk - we may have to investigate buses!
The students can tell you all they did while us old folks were napping.
Last niigth - a lovely reception and warm welcome for the folks at the Gaiety! Wine and good nosh - we finally got to meet allthe staff we've been writing to - Patrick looked quite stunning in a Gangster pinstriped suit.
AND THEN GUESS WHAT! The Governor of Wisconsin came to meet up - Gov. Doyle & his really lovely wife Jessica came to meet Patrick and all of us - it was "grand", as the Irish say...and just when we thought it couldn't get any better - the US Ambassador to Ireland showed up!! What a night. Scott got photos and Dave got video - you should see some posted soon.
Amy Dawson (who is just as nice as I knew she'd be!!) walked us over the the Smock Alley theatre, where we'll be rehearsing and performing - just a few blocks away from the School. And we went to seen an amazing show at the Peacock Theatre last night - TERMINUS. Fabulous...talk about acting!
Got to run! We're doing a walking tour of Dublin this AM, then a read thru of newest version of script this afternoon.
All are well!
Deb
We got checked into our accommodations Early yesterday - luckily the apartments for Chester, Dave & I were ready when we got here, so we could CRASH in a major way. The adults are a VERY healthy walk away form the Gaiety - about a 20-30 minute walk - we may have to investigate buses!
The students can tell you all they did while us old folks were napping.
Last niigth - a lovely reception and warm welcome for the folks at the Gaiety! Wine and good nosh - we finally got to meet allthe staff we've been writing to - Patrick looked quite stunning in a Gangster pinstriped suit.
AND THEN GUESS WHAT! The Governor of Wisconsin came to meet up - Gov. Doyle & his really lovely wife Jessica came to meet Patrick and all of us - it was "grand", as the Irish say...and just when we thought it couldn't get any better - the US Ambassador to Ireland showed up!! What a night. Scott got photos and Dave got video - you should see some posted soon.
Amy Dawson (who is just as nice as I knew she'd be!!) walked us over the the Smock Alley theatre, where we'll be rehearsing and performing - just a few blocks away from the School. And we went to seen an amazing show at the Peacock Theatre last night - TERMINUS. Fabulous...talk about acting!
Got to run! We're doing a walking tour of Dublin this AM, then a read thru of newest version of script this afternoon.
All are well!
Deb
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Art of Last Minute Packing
Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin...
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The thrill of last minute packing: How do I fit all this into that, and why didn't I do this earlier? I can't speak for everyone on the trip, but I have a feeling that many of us are doing a lot of packing as I type this. The way I see it: it's an 8 hour flight tomorrow. There will be plenty of time to sleep. We were encouraged to pack light, but that's always easier said than done. Many of us are packing costume items, props, and other essentials for the show. Personally, I need to find room for the camera equipment and hard-drives. If its a choice between lenses and clothes...let's just say I'm goin' commando. A few of the essentials:
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The thrill of last minute packing: How do I fit all this into that, and why didn't I do this earlier? I can't speak for everyone on the trip, but I have a feeling that many of us are doing a lot of packing as I type this. The way I see it: it's an 8 hour flight tomorrow. There will be plenty of time to sleep. We were encouraged to pack light, but that's always easier said than done. Many of us are packing costume items, props, and other essentials for the show. Personally, I need to find room for the camera equipment and hard-drives. If its a choice between lenses and clothes...let's just say I'm goin' commando. A few of the essentials:
- Raincoat/umbrella
- Camera
- Credit card
- In-flight entertainment
- Passport
- Paper plane ticket
This will be my first time to Ireland, and I'm really getting excited. No more procrastinating; these bags won’t pack themselves…but…what if they could...?
P.S. Check out my new apartment.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
We Have Started Thinking About the Lighting Design
As some of you may know, I (Chester) will be designing the lighting for Poor Tom (the working title). Gen and Bonnie asked if they could help with the design. So I appointed them Associate Lighting Designers.
Here are their thoughts so far-
From Gen:
While working on the grid, I have a lot of down light as well as hi-side light.
The only colors that I really seem to want to use at this point are red and maybe some blue. I also really, really like that gobo that Bonnie used in her one-act (I think Jenny may have used it in the Shakespeare presentations as well). Also, there are a few playful scenes between Angela and Tom, or even the women when I think maybe blue would be appropriate...I am also thinking a tree gobo for those scenes (so maybe I should switch that blue to a green to go with the organic feel...), as well as maybe during some of the songs.
Although the play varies in mood once in awhile, the show as a whole is soooo depressing! My rough plan includes a lot of dim light, even sectioned off at times to convey rooms or workstations and even jail cells. Like you said about getting a sense of their lives, Chester, I agree--I think that the work is really just drudgery that they have to push through day in and day out. There is obviously very little fun, so they have to make do with what they have. The only times I have really intense lighting (at this point at least) is when someone stands up to Hannah or the priest, and then the very end with the execution.
I'm still working on stuff and thinking about it, but thanks for the grid and the emails. I'll talk to you guys soon!
From Bonnie:
I have a lot a repeated ideas, but also some new ones. I tired right now, so I'm not going to spend time repeated what has been said in great detail. I agree with you Chester in terms of the angular patterns. Gen I'm not sure which gobo you liked in my one-act. I used a jagged angular pattern laid over a floral pattern to get kind of a gypsy feel, but maybe the mixed gobo thing is something you want to pursue in this show. I agree with both of you in terms of side light all around and also down light, especially at the particularly spooky moments.
Here are a few new ideas: As I was reading through I noticed also that there seemed to be a contrast between the moments with Angela and Tom and then the spookier moments. This I thought could maybe be done with color or maybe even a slight shift to more frontlight... not sure. I also thought that a blue would be nice for the moment when they are getting ready for bed (Angela and Hannah, I think). I thought that the jail scenes should be particularly angular. I'm not sure if we're using jail gobos or if there are set pieces, but i thought another good way to indicate that there are multiple cells would be to hang single light bulbs from the electrics. (like the one that Patrick was obsessed with during the intensive in august). This would maybe give a feel that the jail is a bit run down and also light the faces of each inmate in a creepy way ( I think there are at least 3 inmates at one point, when everyone's like, "Hannah, I'm your husband") I also thought that the jailer might carry a light of some sort, even if it's a flash light, to provide some movement of light in these scenes. Also, we could tap the bulbs a bit, to get a bit of a swing. That might be kind of cool. The last thought I had was to not only have booms for ome low side light, but also maybe mount some lights to bases like we did in the intensive as well. That upward angle might be cool to play with, especially during the scenes where the women are mixing/grinding the powder.
Here are their thoughts so far-
From Gen:
While working on the grid, I have a lot of down light as well as hi-side light.
The only colors that I really seem to want to use at this point are red and maybe some blue. I also really, really like that gobo that Bonnie used in her one-act (I think Jenny may have used it in the Shakespeare presentations as well). Also, there are a few playful scenes between Angela and Tom, or even the women when I think maybe blue would be appropriate...I am also thinking a tree gobo for those scenes (so maybe I should switch that blue to a green to go with the organic feel...), as well as maybe during some of the songs.
Although the play varies in mood once in awhile, the show as a whole is soooo depressing! My rough plan includes a lot of dim light, even sectioned off at times to convey rooms or workstations and even jail cells. Like you said about getting a sense of their lives, Chester, I agree--I think that the work is really just drudgery that they have to push through day in and day out. There is obviously very little fun, so they have to make do with what they have. The only times I have really intense lighting (at this point at least) is when someone stands up to Hannah or the priest, and then the very end with the execution.
I'm still working on stuff and thinking about it, but thanks for the grid and the emails. I'll talk to you guys soon!
From Bonnie:
I have a lot a repeated ideas, but also some new ones. I tired right now, so I'm not going to spend time repeated what has been said in great detail. I agree with you Chester in terms of the angular patterns. Gen I'm not sure which gobo you liked in my one-act. I used a jagged angular pattern laid over a floral pattern to get kind of a gypsy feel, but maybe the mixed gobo thing is something you want to pursue in this show. I agree with both of you in terms of side light all around and also down light, especially at the particularly spooky moments.
Here are a few new ideas: As I was reading through I noticed also that there seemed to be a contrast between the moments with Angela and Tom and then the spookier moments. This I thought could maybe be done with color or maybe even a slight shift to more frontlight... not sure. I also thought that a blue would be nice for the moment when they are getting ready for bed (Angela and Hannah, I think). I thought that the jail scenes should be particularly angular. I'm not sure if we're using jail gobos or if there are set pieces, but i thought another good way to indicate that there are multiple cells would be to hang single light bulbs from the electrics. (like the one that Patrick was obsessed with during the intensive in august). This would maybe give a feel that the jail is a bit run down and also light the faces of each inmate in a creepy way ( I think there are at least 3 inmates at one point, when everyone's like, "Hannah, I'm your husband") I also thought that the jailer might carry a light of some sort, even if it's a flash light, to provide some movement of light in these scenes. Also, we could tap the bulbs a bit, to get a bit of a swing. That might be kind of cool. The last thought I had was to not only have booms for ome low side light, but also maybe mount some lights to bases like we did in the intensive as well. That upward angle might be cool to play with, especially during the scenes where the women are mixing/grinding the powder.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Meeting change for departure to Ohare
We will meet at the Al Mcguire Center at 930 am on Sunday June 10 instead of 1030am. This is a change from what was previously reported.
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