Moths and Cockroaches
Wed, 20 Sept 2006, 12:47 pmRapunzel28 posts in thread
Moths and Cockroaches
Wed, 20 Sept 2006, 12:47 pmTony's Theory re; Actors and Lights (Moths and Cockroaches)
Some actors are natural moths, they will always be exactly where they are
asked to be by the Director and therefore make the Lighting Designers
job much easier, particulary when using pin spots, etc.
Others are cockroaches. You (the LD) may flood the stage with every light in
the place and somehow, they will STILL HAVE A SHADOW ON THEIR FACE!!!!
Then there are sub-species: super moths will always find light (no matter what
the Director said during blocking) grrr moths will find everybody else's light
(when they have no right to it, you know, the leading lady's spot gets hogged)
Thoughts? Any further sub-species to add to the collection?
Cockroaches
Sat, 23 Sept 2006, 02:15 pmI was LDing a production of "The Winters Tale" in the UK and the director had decreed that she wanted a series of pools of light during a sequence in the play. One of the earliest entrances was by a notorious cockroach. I attended a number of rehearsals and watched him like a hawk. At the geographic rehearsal (no tech on set) I virtually measured out his spot and made the cast rehearse that bit three times. He hit his mark unfailingly evry time. Next night tech rehearsal, he walked on stage and stopped dead 3 feet short in total darkness. I stopped the rehearsal and said " Ray, Find your light'" he said' Where is my light?". He and one other actor were alone on stage with one pool of light that was at his feet. The actor on stage with him said "It's there" and he said "Where?" I went to the bar.
The same actor had an amazing ability to walk on stage and talk in a blackout. He never understood that you have to wait for the light sometimes because someone else who should be off is still on.
Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au