Rehearsals/Feedback

I think the rehearsals have gone really well, not just for me but for the company as a whole. Due to have our first show in just a matter of days, I think we have a strong cast, best director and a very good play on our hands.

In terms of myself as an actor, I think I have gone on my only little journey as an actor despite my part not being as prominent as the characters. I've had to think about my own voice a lot, having spent quite a bit of time helping the other 'officers,' I forgot I should be taking my own advice. As a natural 'cockney' myself, I found it easier to talk like one of the convicts and not a high class officer, which was funny because certain convicts like Harrison and Catherine felt it more natural to talk like one of the officers, than their part as a convict.

This was one of the main points I received in my feedback - my accent. When saying the line "Second Lieutenant  Clark change society!" I naturally dropped the t's in my speech and my rhythm was more of a.... "commoner" than a high class serving officer. Our director informed me of this so I practised and altered my speech for the next rehearsal. 

I also had to change my physical stance as well. In my scene, many of the officers are sitting and I am one of the ones that stands. I struggled at first to make myself seem like a man and keep my physicality going throughout the entire long scene, so I wasn't just stuck in the same position like a statue the whole time. I shuffled on the spot a lot with my feet shoulder width apart in a bored and frustrated manner, which I think suited my character.

I think I have remained fully engaged in each rehearsal. Not always saying much, but popping outside to work with the different actors or updating my blog on my phone. I didn't think it was possible for me NOT to switch off, so I am pleased I have remained focused and a helping hand throughout, taking over warm ups and working with different characters.