We had a very mixed rehearsal on Saturday. The more experienced earlier group were much less focused and this is something that we are going to have to address. Unfortunately, that means we are a little behind on their scenes. The afternoon group, on the other hand, were superb and we got a huge amount of good work done to the point where we are even thinking of adding an extra scene in this week.
But why was there such a difference between groups? I think that size has an influence and also perhaps a little misplaced confidence. As I said, we'll be addressing this but in the meantime I thought I'd outline 5 key tips to creating a great and productive rehearsal.
1) Come prepared
Now that we have scripts finalised I will be expecting all WYA to come having practiced their lines and with a sound knowledge of the story. The time spent in rehearsals is actually the bare minimum to prepare for a performance. As a professional actor I would expect to be doing a good hour a day outside of scheduled rehearsal time. During this time I would not only be learning the lines off by heart but also looking at my character. Where do they come from? Who are they? What is the world that they live in? If I come to rehearsal with a good idea of all this then I can throw myself into it with confidence, ideas and creativity and in so doing bring the script to life.
2) Focus on stage
It almost goes without saying but when you are in the performance space you need to be keyed into the fact that at any moment you'll be asked to repeat a section of script or try something new. It's not the time to chat about anything other than what is being put together on the stage. This is often very draining as you can be asked to concentrate for long periods of time. However, this time is vital. Be thinking about your role, your place on stage, what the audience might or might not be seeing. You can help the director and be ready for that next run through. It's often in these moments that something about the character or scene will 'click'.
3) Focus off stage
This is absolutely vital. When everyone is in one room it is of paramount importance that you do not distract from what is going on on stage. So how do you keep yourself occupied as this can be very boring? Well, it's easy - watch, listen and practice. Firstly, watch what is going on. It may be that your scene is next or perhaps you're understudying for one of the actors on the stage. Either way, you'll need to be absolutely focused on what's going on. I am currently understudying the role of Jesus in Brighton's Passion play and so far, for the last 10 weeks, I have had to watch the actor playing Jesus closely and precisely. Every move, every line, every relationship that he creates needs to be in my mind for when I step up to play the role. Secondly, listen to what is going on. Your cue to enter might be coming up and you'll be expected to be ready. You can also learn from other actors and listen to how they say their lines. The other thing to keep in mind is that if you were performing a scene, the last thing that you'd want is for a couple of people off stage to be distracting you or making a noise. Therefore, it's pretty simple really - if you're waiting to go on stage, respect those on stage in the same way that you'd want to be respected. Thirdly, you can be practicing your lines in your head or going over a particular scene. You might even be able to find another room off the main rehearsal room to run lines with a scene partner.
4) Keep an eye on the director/s
You may have had an amazing idea or be worrying about a line or action that you have in the performance. This is absolutely fine. However, rather than going and speaking to the director immediately, take a moment to see what they are doing. They may be watching someone else perform or they may be discussing a certain aspect of a scene. This is NOT the time to go to them. It is absolutely right to go to them with a question or idea but wait for the right moment - maybe it's in a break or during a moment when they aren't focusing on something else. You'll soon get a reputation with the director of being easy to work with and professional if you are one step ahead of him or her and ready with questions and ideas at the right time. I always find times like this wonderful for learning. Those WYA who want to have a go at directing can watch Tanushka and I to see how we work, you'll then (hopefully!) have a better idea of how you'd like to direct. Having said that, as an actor, I've probably learnt most about directing from the directors that I didn't like!
5) Repetition should be embraced not rejected
Famous film director, Stanley Kubrick, who directed films like Eyes Wide Shut, A Clockwork Orange and The Shining (all 18s) was famous for his painstaking care and scene staging. He would repeat the same action with his actors over and over again because he felt that it was only in repetition that you would 'find' those moments of acting magic or that wonderful nuance of a character relationship. Put simply, repetition is part of acting. Whether you're acting in a film, a commercial or on stage, you will need to repeat the same lines over and over again. I once toured Alice in Wonderland for 6 months performing between 10 and 14 shows a week. Yes, it did get boring! But during rehearsal repetition is absolutely key to getting the lines embedded in your brain and on your lips. It's also for discovering new things about your character or the world of the play. Repetition should be embraced rather than moaned about. It will help put you in front of an audience as a confident and proud performer.
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