Saturday 19th Of Casting and Blocking

Jane was standing in for Tanushka whose show in London approached production week.

With the script in decent shape it was time to start casting the actors and their understudies before moving on to block out the performance.

Casting is always a tricky process when working with young actors. However, Tanushka and I have championed professionalism at every stage and we make it clear to the students the reasons why we make choices in the ways that we do.

In general, we look at how students have responded to work during the term and whether or not they are both ready and able to take on a principle role in performance. We try not to cast the same people but will look to encourage new actors with a role suitable to their commitment to the work. Having said this, our priority is always to tell the story in the best possible way with the best possible actors. It has been particularly hard for new members this term who have started in the last couple of weeks. They have had to be fully immersed in the often stressful and hard working environment of rehearsing for a show. It is my hope that this will be a taster of what can be achieved when we work together as an ensemble supporting each other wholeheartedly with respect and loyalty.

Blocking 30 students in a piece involving large ensemble moments coupled with individual pieces of text and character is always difficult. Similarly, those playing ensemble roles often feel like they are missing out. Having said that, we say time and time again that ensemble is key to great work. Without it, the principles would not be able to do their job. It is also a vital thing to learn that in this profession you will often have to play small roles before being trusted with larger ones.

With actors and understudies set we began to create.

Two teams of slaves rowed violently under duress,
The drummer beat time,
Captain Falcon, charged with power, tore into those unworthy,
But so often in war, there is little time.
And as the cries rang out, the enemy crept closer.
With a shout, Lewes and Portslade, fighters akin,
Swept them away from port and star,
Fists flew, death, broken bones aplenty.
And the drummer drummed his knell.

Or put simply, we blocked the first two scenes!