Virgin Director - Blocking, Already?

Finally, the cast have all met each other and had a chance to work their characters together. For all the warnings I have been given about working with an all-girl cast, if this second rehearsal is anything to go by, then I think I have been pretty damn lucky to find the group I have. Probably one of the easiest rehearsals I have ever been a part of.

Quick question: How many times have you been in a production where blocking began almost straight away? I can't think of too many myself but there were a couple at least. I'm not one to muck about too much and like to get to the nuts and bolts as quickly as possible. In scouting out for a workable script, I was also trying to imagine the visual dynamics of the play. "Quake" has some wonderful character dynamics that can make great use of stage presence and visual choreography. The movement of the cast was always going to be a key element to creating the tension and atmosphere of the play.

Now in getting ready for this show, I have tirelessly read and re-read the script blocking conceptually how I see things happening, and working on getting the group dynamics reflected in the general movements and stage positioning. Not being a closed book to this, I expected to make alterations as we went along. So while I was able to create pretty much the bulk of what I have perceived, having the girls all there highlighted certain spots I had either mis-read or overlooked completely. With their own little additions to the characters, it also can slightly adjust the dynamics of the characters and therefore their movements or expressionism. Coping with all the big words yet?

In two and a half hours, we had read through and blocked the first two scenes (about the first 12 to 15 minutes of the play itself), had a few coffees and chatted about other shows and taking care of children. The five were so easy to work with. They took direction easily and we were able to communicate ideas with wonderful ease. These are the types of rehearsals I like and hopefully holds good omens for the actual production dates. ;-)

One particular sequence in the first scene (which I will not discuss in length, you will just have to come and see the show!) will require synchronised timing. They picked up the basics very quickly and apart from a few carpet burnt knees (Sorry Pearl) everything again went smoothly. I am looking forward to seeing this sequence on-stage.

All in all, I have a great cast who have been a delight to work with even though it is early days. The fact that we are working as a team on this project and (hopefully) will continue to do so, without any elitism or segregation, is fantastic. I look forward with a far more positive attitude to seeing this work out as my first attempt at direction.

Jeff.