In this lesson we Looked at Happy New Year B, we disucussed the change in atmosphere from Happy New Year A, and how our characters change. We looked at spacing and the way we want to stage it with the scaffolding.
In terms of singing, we ran it through and realised we needed harmonies, this was difficult at first as we werent sure of the timing so repeating the line was confusing and took some time. The pace of the song is quite tricky, it is very fast and has to be perfectly in time. To help us we used the Broadway recording of the show on youtube, and Kim played with it. This kept us all in time so we could sijng correctly. I found this really helpful, but I didn't want to get used to singing with someone else. As we rehearsed it became easier to do, I was quite familiar with the song before the rehearsal but for those of us who werent it helped them to know it better. Charley, also playing Mimi didn't know it well, so I helped her with explaining the narrative of the song and also the tune and rhythm of the song.
We then did a speed run, this helped me to understand the narrative better. I like the second act because you get to see a different side to Mimi's character, she is seen as confident and also very low and weak in the first act, but she becomes very angry and strong during the second act during conflicts with Benny and Roger.
The second act is also much more compact, it is shorter than the first but this is because the story is coming to an end and there is less dialogue between songs.
This point links with things being established in the first act, and developing in the second, this was clear during our speed run because we have been looking at act 1 a lot, and this run showed us how the story develops.
Although she is at the beginning, Mimi as a character is considerably less positive during the second act, her health goes down hill and her relationship with Roger becomes very complex.
This juxtaposition of characteristics is apparent for all the characters.
The song Seasons Of Love has a big impact on the audience, it shows the cast together as one ensemble and it connects with each characters individually, the main group and highlights each different relationship. The composer opened the second act with Seasons Of Love because it foreshadows what is going to happen, ie angels death for example. It is used as a time device to skip ahead to New Years and sets a solemn yet humble tone for the second act.
Next week we plan to start filming for Marks documentary, it will be played at the end of the production during the song Finale B. This will take up both of our lessons next week and therefore no rehearsals will take place. I will use this time when I am not in scenes being filmed to go over any songs or dialogue I'm not sure of.
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Thursday 12th November (Rent Start of Act 2)
In this lesson we began to work on Act 2 of the show, and began by discussing how we felt about the change in atmosphere, songs and our own character's development.
The tone of the second act is very contrasting to the first, it is much less exciting and high energy, a lot of the main events begin and climax during the first act, and they either end or get worse during the second act. The songs themselves are considerably less optimistic, but they have more meaning and emotion to them, because of the narrative, in that the characters are closer together and have built a bond with each other, and the audience. This impacted the lighting a lot, during the first act we used a lot of warm colours, for example in Light My Candle, we wanted to show that the flat was homely and Mimi was being welcomed in, whereas in Seasons Of Love B, we dimly lit the stage and used cold blues to show a lack in energy and happiness in the group. Personally I feel this added massively to the atmosphere, it helped me to portray my characters development throughout the production. It also allowed me to act in the right way, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. For example during Out Tonight, we had non natural lighting to show it was in the club, meaning I could move freely in a warm environment. Whereas in Goodbye Love at the beginning, it is set outside meaning I hunched my shoulders over and rubbed my arms, suggesting I was cold.
The time shift from the end of Act 1 to the start of Act 2 has a difference in character relationships, This is one of the only parts in the piece where Mimi and Roger are happy together, I found it quite difficult at first to show that physical connection and chemistry on stage. My proxemics were as focused on James and the door as much as possible. I held his hand and he had his arm around me to show our attraction to each other. From feedback, we did really well on this. Whilst singing to him in Happy New Year A, I made lots of eye contact and kept my body facing towards him as much as possible, but singing out to the audience, showing a maturity in our relationship.
I struggled with my physicality whilst singing in this song, I need to walk into the centre more and project myself physically, using a broad dynamic, to show that Mimi is relaxed and confident.
Next lesson We are going to be working on Happy New Year B, I am looking forward to working with the shift in tone and emotion, due to Benny's entrance in the flat.
The tone of the second act is very contrasting to the first, it is much less exciting and high energy, a lot of the main events begin and climax during the first act, and they either end or get worse during the second act. The songs themselves are considerably less optimistic, but they have more meaning and emotion to them, because of the narrative, in that the characters are closer together and have built a bond with each other, and the audience. This impacted the lighting a lot, during the first act we used a lot of warm colours, for example in Light My Candle, we wanted to show that the flat was homely and Mimi was being welcomed in, whereas in Seasons Of Love B, we dimly lit the stage and used cold blues to show a lack in energy and happiness in the group. Personally I feel this added massively to the atmosphere, it helped me to portray my characters development throughout the production. It also allowed me to act in the right way, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. For example during Out Tonight, we had non natural lighting to show it was in the club, meaning I could move freely in a warm environment. Whereas in Goodbye Love at the beginning, it is set outside meaning I hunched my shoulders over and rubbed my arms, suggesting I was cold.
The time shift from the end of Act 1 to the start of Act 2 has a difference in character relationships, This is one of the only parts in the piece where Mimi and Roger are happy together, I found it quite difficult at first to show that physical connection and chemistry on stage. My proxemics were as focused on James and the door as much as possible. I held his hand and he had his arm around me to show our attraction to each other. From feedback, we did really well on this. Whilst singing to him in Happy New Year A, I made lots of eye contact and kept my body facing towards him as much as possible, but singing out to the audience, showing a maturity in our relationship.
I struggled with my physicality whilst singing in this song, I need to walk into the centre more and project myself physically, using a broad dynamic, to show that Mimi is relaxed and confident.
Next lesson We are going to be working on Happy New Year B, I am looking forward to working with the shift in tone and emotion, due to Benny's entrance in the flat.
Monday, 29 February 2016
Thursday 5th November (My Songs)
Light My Candle- Confident with lyrics, need to practise timing of spoken parts, would like to work on blocking/movement.
Out Tonight- Need to work on movement, happy with lyrics but would like to rehearse as much as possible.
Another Day- Confident with movement, lyrics and notes.
I Should Tell You- Needs movement, but happy with the song itself.
Overall I am confident with the movement and the vocals in the group songs, I am confident in Rent, La Vie Boheme needs practise but what we have is good, and smaller group songs such as Happy New Year and Goodbye Love are going well but need some small developments.
Out Tonight- Need to work on movement, happy with lyrics but would like to rehearse as much as possible.
Another Day- Confident with movement, lyrics and notes.
I Should Tell You- Needs movement, but happy with the song itself.
Overall I am confident with the movement and the vocals in the group songs, I am confident in Rent, La Vie Boheme needs practise but what we have is good, and smaller group songs such as Happy New Year and Goodbye Love are going well but need some small developments.
Friday 23rd October (Rent Singing Developments)
My targets for this lesson were to develop and work on the songs 'I Should Tell You', 'Another Day' and consider some harmonies in any duets I have with James. We haven't run any of our songs with Kim properly yet as we have been using a backing track, which would be different to our final performances.
After warming up we sang through Another Day with Kim and the piano, this gave me a better idea of the timing and allowed me to sing in a way that was comfortable for my voice instead of a recording. Both Charley and I received similar feedback from Kim- we both need to look at the dynamics of the song and make sure we push out notes out from our chest voices. I decided to mark on my script where I want to sing quieter and louder, and where I change from my head voice to chest voice. This was really useful as I was just coming off using my script, I used these notes to create a more interesting performance of the song and use and push the ability of my voice. This also allowed me to explore the narrative of the song and use my emotions as an actor through my voice. I also need to take strategic breaths, This helped me massively to use my chest voice. It allowed me to remember to belt some notes out and my voice to remain steady.
I found that I sometimes sing some notes flat when changing from my head voice to chest voice, and that i need to push above the notes not up to them. This really gave me a better idea of how my voice works and how I can independently improve in the future.
After this James and I performed Another Day to Rachel and my feedback was very positive. She and Sophie both said that I have gained a lot of confidence and stage presence, and that if I continue to work this way making this much improvement, then I will be very successful.
After warming up we sang through Another Day with Kim and the piano, this gave me a better idea of the timing and allowed me to sing in a way that was comfortable for my voice instead of a recording. Both Charley and I received similar feedback from Kim- we both need to look at the dynamics of the song and make sure we push out notes out from our chest voices. I decided to mark on my script where I want to sing quieter and louder, and where I change from my head voice to chest voice. This was really useful as I was just coming off using my script, I used these notes to create a more interesting performance of the song and use and push the ability of my voice. This also allowed me to explore the narrative of the song and use my emotions as an actor through my voice. I also need to take strategic breaths, This helped me massively to use my chest voice. It allowed me to remember to belt some notes out and my voice to remain steady.
I found that I sometimes sing some notes flat when changing from my head voice to chest voice, and that i need to push above the notes not up to them. This really gave me a better idea of how my voice works and how I can independently improve in the future.
After this James and I performed Another Day to Rachel and my feedback was very positive. She and Sophie both said that I have gained a lot of confidence and stage presence, and that if I continue to work this way making this much improvement, then I will be very successful.
Friday, 12 February 2016
Performing Arts Companies
Performing Arts Companies
Spotlight is a casting service company that links casting agents with actors, and with theatre companies or casting directors. It is based in the United Kingdom and has been since it was established in 1927. 60,000 actors appear in Spotlight for casting members to contact them about productions they would be interested in taking part in. Their services allow casting director's to browse actors' appearances and skills sets to find the perfect people they need. They cast for TV, film, radio and theatre. Including production companies such as The BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
This company is nationally known to be successful in that they connect people formally but in a relxaed fashion. I would use this service when looking for small acting gigs between professional shows, to be able to keep some money coming and actively branching out into the industry to get new contacts or discover new projects I can be a part of.
Actors report that Spotlight is an expensive annual subscription, however, you can potentially be viewed by a vast range of casting agents, it allows your specific characteristics to be advertised in a positive light. However when not being actively hired it can feel like a waste of money, but if out and being contacted in person, you can give your 'Spotlight Number' and be looked up and hired through that easily.
Link to Spotlight's 'About Us' page- https://www.spotlight.com/aboutus/whatwedo.html
Equity is a company that connects various roles in the theatre together, for example, a producer looking for a technician would be able to get into contact with them through Equity and organise any services they can provide for each other. Established by a group or artists in 1930, they have remained one of the leading performing arts companies ever since.
Much like Spotlight, I would use this to get out into the industry, by having my contact details on something like this I can reach out to casting directors etc much easier.
Actors have said that they have come across multiple opportunities for work and freelance work through this sight.
Link to Equity's 'About Us' page- https://www.equity.org.uk/about-us/
The Arts Council (England), formed in 1994 supports all types of art form in England. It was divided into three sectors, Scotland, England and Wales. They fund various sporting media and performance art projects, applicants will receive guidance on their loan and will be regularly checked up on to see what the money is being put towards and if they are being efficient, and also if they look like they will be able to support themselves in a reasonable time.
This is the type of funding I would look for for my theatre company to start itself off and create a reliable source of income myself over time.
Link To The Arts Council England's home page- http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/
Kave Lighting Services is a lighting and theatre technician company based in Sussex. The equipment available for rental goes as follows:
This company is nationally known to be successful in that they connect people formally but in a relxaed fashion. I would use this service when looking for small acting gigs between professional shows, to be able to keep some money coming and actively branching out into the industry to get new contacts or discover new projects I can be a part of.
Actors report that Spotlight is an expensive annual subscription, however, you can potentially be viewed by a vast range of casting agents, it allows your specific characteristics to be advertised in a positive light. However when not being actively hired it can feel like a waste of money, but if out and being contacted in person, you can give your 'Spotlight Number' and be looked up and hired through that easily.
Link to Spotlight's 'About Us' page- https://www.spotlight.com/aboutus/whatwedo.html
Equity is a company that connects various roles in the theatre together, for example, a producer looking for a technician would be able to get into contact with them through Equity and organise any services they can provide for each other. Established by a group or artists in 1930, they have remained one of the leading performing arts companies ever since.
Much like Spotlight, I would use this to get out into the industry, by having my contact details on something like this I can reach out to casting directors etc much easier.
Actors have said that they have come across multiple opportunities for work and freelance work through this sight.
Link to Equity's 'About Us' page- https://www.equity.org.uk/about-us/
The Arts Council (England), formed in 1994 supports all types of art form in England. It was divided into three sectors, Scotland, England and Wales. They fund various sporting media and performance art projects, applicants will receive guidance on their loan and will be regularly checked up on to see what the money is being put towards and if they are being efficient, and also if they look like they will be able to support themselves in a reasonable time.
This is the type of funding I would look for for my theatre company to start itself off and create a reliable source of income myself over time.
Link To The Arts Council England's home page- http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/
Kave Lighting Services is a lighting and theatre technician company based in Sussex. The equipment available for rental goes as follows:
- Control desks
- Stage lighting software
- Portable stage lighting
- Profile lanterns
- Fresnel lanterns
- Flood lanterns
- LED lighting
- PAR lanterns
- Moving Head Fixtures
- Follow spots
- Lighting truss
- Outdoor lighting
- DJ lighting
I would use this service in cases of being in a venue with none or not the right technical equipment because it has a simple and easy website, and I feel the prices are reasonable for the services they provide.
The Stage is media based information board with a blog, news report and newspaper. It allows subscribers to review productions, location or services, advice and regular news updates. I feel this is a really useful organisation, it gives advice for actors, directors and casting agents on their profession. I use this website because I feel like it has the information that a aspiring actor and director. It is simple and easy to use, it is informal in a pleasant way that flows well and is easy to read. I discussed this point with others in this position.
Earthfall Company (Established Company) Presentation & Green Ivy (My Theatre Company) Presentation With Evaluations
Theatre Company Presentation - Earthfall
This is my presentation on the theatre company 'Earthfall'.
The following is my presentation slides as they were not too clear on the presentation-
Green Ivy Theatre Company
Green Ivy is my own company that I created, as shown in the presentation I am touring my own devised piece 'Psychosis' round Brighton and Worthing. I chose this piece because it is current and devised theatre is an upcoming trend in Brighton that is beginning to become popular. I also know a lot about the piece as I devised it myself.
I think my presentation was very successful, I addressed all the issues and strong points that I needed to and my presenting skills showed good knowledge of my proposal. I was clear and concise and remained professional throughout. My presentation itself was specific but not too much, I had basic points to read off of and I expanded on them as I spoke, to make sure I didn't bore the audience and made sure they were listening throughout. I could have gone into more detail with my budget form as I didn't specifically talk about much, and how it would help my company.I would improve by preparing a certain one or two points to go into detail in and talk about how I found it, what I did to get it, why I need it and how it might change upon receiving the investment. Overall I am happy with how it went and am very satisfied with my proposal.
The research for my company came from mostly experience but I also looked at some reviews of current devised pieces around Brighton. I did this to judge whether or not touring a devised piece would be a good idea, whether people would be interested and buy tickets. I used my experience of devising the piece and seeing some modern/contemporary devised pieces recently to decide if it was the right type of theatre. I concluded from this that it was, I knew this because of all the positive reviews and reactions that there are about upcoming and new devised theatre.
Researching Drama Schools/Studio Funding
Performing Arts Training Courses
I have been researching performing arts training courses for my higher education, I am looking at Universities and Drama Schools. I have attended open days and done my own research including looking at their websites and prospectuses. I want to audition for Musical Theatre, Acting and different types of theatre courses in performing.
There are many different variations of Performing Arts Courses available in further education, the following are four profiles of possible courses that I am interested in -
This course would be suited to me because of my interest in the contrast between theatre in different parts of the world, this course covers general study of a different type of theatre whilst incorporating politics and a chance to study in the US. I personally enjoy studying specific writers, directors, practitioners and eras of work and compare them, which is something this course offers, I would like to one day design my own style of theatre and I feel this course also gives me the appropriate research guidance to do so. This course appeals to me because it is creative and allows me to travel, I am interested in branching out into different types of theatre and therefore American theatre is perfect for me.
This course has been highly recommended for me by a number of people, they say that I have a good and clear understanding of the correlation between movement and the portrayal of feelings, narrative and character. However as East 15 does not offer an Open Day, I feel quite anxious and apprehensive about choosing it for one of my 5 choices, as I don't know if I will like it upon auditions. This course appeals to me because I want to explore physical movement more, I enjoy using my body to portray different emotions and narratives and want to explore this as much as I can.
This course appeals to me because of the opportunities it opens up for me, at an open day and during research I have found that this type of training (mostly focused on the acting in musical theatre rather than dance) creates a much more versatile performer, and this type of actor i often available for more jobs in the industry, as they are considered more of a 'tripple threat'. I also favour this drama school because of my personal love of the location, the course style and its reputation. This is definitely my top choice.
I like this course because I feel that I will be well suited to the type of course, it is simple yet quite intensive, and I feel I am currently taking courses that coincide well with this. The course requirements shouldn't be a problem for me and feedback from others' auditions there gives me confidence in my own. This course appeals to me because I am expanding my skills in musical theatre and want to become better, I and improving on getting all three skill levels up to the same standard ad this higher education process will help that.
This course would be suited to me because of my interest in the contrast between theatre in different parts of the world, this course covers general study of a different type of theatre whilst incorporating politics and a chance to study in the US. I personally enjoy studying specific writers, directors, practitioners and eras of work and compare them, which is something this course offers, I would like to one day design my own style of theatre and I feel this course also gives me the appropriate research guidance to do so. This course appeals to me because it is creative and allows me to travel, I am interested in branching out into different types of theatre and therefore American theatre is perfect for me.
This course has been highly recommended for me by a number of people, they say that I have a good and clear understanding of the correlation between movement and the portrayal of feelings, narrative and character. However as East 15 does not offer an Open Day, I feel quite anxious and apprehensive about choosing it for one of my 5 choices, as I don't know if I will like it upon auditions. This course appeals to me because I want to explore physical movement more, I enjoy using my body to portray different emotions and narratives and want to explore this as much as I can.
This course appeals to me because of the opportunities it opens up for me, at an open day and during research I have found that this type of training (mostly focused on the acting in musical theatre rather than dance) creates a much more versatile performer, and this type of actor i often available for more jobs in the industry, as they are considered more of a 'tripple threat'. I also favour this drama school because of my personal love of the location, the course style and its reputation. This is definitely my top choice.
I like this course because I feel that I will be well suited to the type of course, it is simple yet quite intensive, and I feel I am currently taking courses that coincide well with this. The course requirements shouldn't be a problem for me and feedback from others' auditions there gives me confidence in my own. This course appeals to me because I am expanding my skills in musical theatre and want to become better, I and improving on getting all three skill levels up to the same standard ad this higher education process will help that.
Funding
The funding process for perfoming arts courses
Student Loans Co. is a government company in the United Kingdom that financially helps and supports companies and students going through their higher and further education. They work with Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, the Education and Library boards in Northern Ireland, Higher Education Institutions and HM Revenue and Customs to do the following-
- pay loans and grants to students
- pay tuition fees to colleges and universities
- work with HMRC to collect loan repayments
- pay maintenance fees to school pupils aged 16+ in Northern Ireland and Wales
- pay bursaries and scholarships on behalf of universities and colleges
- run the administrative processes
They mainly assist students by loaning them money to accommodate for living costs and tuition fees, through a simple process of application, and because the government are involved, the company check how the money is being used, hen it is used and how the student in coping on a financial level. This feedback helps for future loans and to keep students from becoming in debt and getting into money troubles.
Lawrence Atwell's Charity are an organisation that aims to help students through financial barriers in their education process. They have some specifications for applying for a loan however these are very simple-
- ages 16-26
- British Citizen
- parents income has been less than £26,000 per year, for many years
- currently taking a BTEC, A Level, Art Foundation Course, Access Course, qualifications for specific skills that will work as a 'first step' in their career
They work online, with a simple, informative website which is clearly aimed at younger students who are feeling lost and need help with finding that isn't busy and loud. Their main motive is to get those who struggle to get training without additional financial support to where they need to be academically.
It is very difficult to get student funding for performing arts courses as most of them are not accredited and therefore don't allow the student to get a student loan. I have chosen to research Lawrence Atwell's Charity and Student Loans Co. because these both offer performing arts course students the money they need.
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