Moths and Cockroaches

Wed, 20 Sept 2006, 12:47 pm

Rapunzel28 posts in thread

Tony'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?

Thread (28 posts)

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RapunzelWed, 20 Sept 2006, 12:47 pm

NaWed, 20 Sept 2006, 12:53 pm

Perhaps you should see this

Perhaps you should see this site: http://www.nic.com/~porkchop/onstage/index.html for a list of ideas, including the good old 'Superman' list of roles (Stage Manager can leap over tall buildings, etc.) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

LabrugWed, 20 Sept 2006, 01:55 pm

Sub Species?

Puppet-on-a-string: 1. Director's dream actor, takes direction without question and completely understands direction given first-time. 2. Actor who develops a walking impediment upon stepping on stage; appears as though arms and legs are being controlled from else-where.

Grand-Staging: 1. Any action taken by any member of cast or crew that takes the focus away from the main action to focus on a completely unrelated event, whether intentional or not. 2. Gregarious actor how is able to make all other performers appear as insignificant as ants.

The Isolationist: Does their best work when no-one is watching.

Jester: Actor how takes their role and embellishes it with one-liners, bad visual gags and generally ruins the part. Can also be temperamental and disruptive back-stage.

Clueless: Audiences may leave a production wondering how such a person got cast in the first place.

Intense: 1. Actor who in the process of developing their character under-take a kind of split-personality that causes confusion and disruption both to themselves and fellow cast members. 2. Actor whom has perfected the "Killer-Stare."

The Fearless: Performer prepared to tackle any and all challenges including latrine duties, Supernumerary appearances and Shakespeare.

Solid Performer: 1. Able to consistantly produce the same character in every production they appear in. 2. Monotone Performance.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Let's talk about Acting - UPstageWA
http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/what_is_this_things_called_acting

NaWed, 20 Sept 2006, 03:08 pm

Sponge

We had one at university (haha, I mean, we had the expression at uni... although...) The sponge is someone who absorbs all the information, all the actions, all the ideas of someone else, and then 'sponges' off everyone else's work. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

LabrugWed, 20 Sept 2006, 03:12 pm

Foamy thoughts

There's one in every bath-tub isn't there.

Sponge: 1. Person who sits quietly and unassumingly in corner before launching into a performance which is disturbingly familiar. 2. One of those annoying people that never seems to study but always gets top marks.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

RapunzelThu, 21 Sept 2006, 07:25 am

Are sponges lifeforms?

Are sponges actually lifeforms? I suspect they are related to the Grrr Moths in that they somehow get all the credit for someone else's ideas (as said above). Not content with nicking the light they magically nick your performance...and get away with it! Spotted this, well, will call it a lifeform, in a silly farce I'm Stage Managing last night. Very exasperating for the ingenue (victim). Hmm, should I tip the wink to the director or not??? Hmmmmm Ordinary Moth and definitely-NOT-a-sponge (I hope!) Rapunzel "Papa, where is Mama? They tell me she has gone away, where is she?"

crgwllmsThu, 21 Sept 2006, 03:58 pm

Moths and Cockroaches

Occasionally you see someone who's a firefly...no matter what else is happening onstage, they shine with their own inner light and you can't help but watch them. What would you call someone who manages to get a favourable review in the papers, even if the rest of the show is panned....a silverfish? Cheers, Craig <8>-/====\---------

LabrugThu, 21 Sept 2006, 04:06 pm

Poetry

Craig, that first one, the firefly, it was almost poetic. I love it.

Silver fish? hmmm... When they get flattened they leave a ugly grey mark. Urgh. How about the butterfly amoung the moths?

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

LogosThu, 21 Sept 2006, 04:07 pm

How does "incredibly lucky"

How does "incredibly lucky" sound. The problem of course is that they may have concentrated solely on their own performance to the detriment of the show. It could also be that they did turn in an absolutely fabulous performance in an otherwise ordinary show. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Alex MilneThu, 21 Sept 2006, 09:22 pm

I like the fireflies they

I like the fireflies they stand out and they are such a pleasure to watch. I think there is a firefly in almost every cast, some are better than others of course but relative to the standard of the show, there is always someone who really draws my eye. But... then there are those shows, mainly small cast shows, where there are three or four in the cast, all equally strong and equally 'shining' from the inside. Its that true natural stage presence, some have to work for it. Some have it naturally. Some as they get older and less 'pure' have to work to keep it. Whatever it is... Its a beautiful thing. ** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

LogosThu, 21 Sept 2006, 10:06 pm

I think you only lose the

I think you only lose the firefly in you when you allow it to die by focusing on the wrong reason we do this. I'm back to why are'nt I and I still say we should do it because we love it. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LogosThu, 21 Sept 2006, 10:09 pm

An example

I am reminded of the difference between Di Caprio's performance in Gilbert Grape in which he shone enough to outshine Johnny Depp and the for me sadly ordinary performance he produced in Titanic. He had decided to become a star and stop being an actor. I will now go and hide behind something solid. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Bass GuyThu, 21 Sept 2006, 11:28 pm

Slaters?

Slaters; those folks who didn't get cast in a production, but proceed to inform everyone in earshot just how much better their performance would have been if only they were cast instead... And I think, if we're all honest, we've all been slaters in the past, n'est pas? El "It ain't braggin' if you can back it up."- Jaco Pastorius

LabrugFri, 22 Sept 2006, 08:29 am

Poor Loser

I can proudly state that I have never done that, ever. I have kept my thoughts to my self, if I have had any. Only because I was in the reverse of such a position myself very early in my theatrical life.

I was rather lucky in the early years. I rarely auditioned for a part without getting it or being called in after the fact. Such was the availability of men at the time that even poor muggins, with some talent (not a lot back then), managed to appear in four to five shows a year. I never had time to think about another's role. I was in more plays then I could have gone to see.

In one production, I heard of a particular person (who shall remain nameless) that had a rather poor reputation. As I heard more and more of this person, I eventually learned that they had auditioned for the part that I had got. Such is life in theatre I thought. I was in the right place at the right time.

I think it was the second or third performance when I was informed at the end of the show that this particular someone was out front and wanted to see me. Why was my immediate thought to which I was told that they wanted to congratulate me on my performance and then give a few pointers. What a contradiction! Suffice it to say, I didn't give them a chance. After all, I had the director's approval for what I was doing and I personally felt good in the role. I didn't a potential jaded individual telling me what they would have done. I vowed that day to never do the same thing, and I am glad to say it is a promise that I have upheld.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Get your Actor's Hands Dirty - UPstageWA
http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/what_is_this_things_called_acting

Grant MalcolmFri, 22 Sept 2006, 10:40 pm

Cockroach characteristics

Cockroaches have other annoying characteristics. They always turn up in the wrong place.

I remember a tech rehearsal where one particular 'roach waited in the vicinity of their mark for a tight spot to come up.

When the light comes up it splashes across Roach's shoulder. It is apparent that the Roach is a fair way from its mark.

"Let's back up a cue and try that again please. Roach are you clear on where your mark is?"

"Oh, yes. I was on my mark. I know where my mark is. Someone must have moved the lamp."

Take two.

Roach on or near the mark in the dark.

Spot light splashes across Roach's opposite shoulder.

"I'm on my mark. Are you sure that's the right light?"

"Yes, it's the right light. I think you may have missed your mark"

"Excuse me? I'm on my mark. I know my mark. Don't tell me I missed my mark. [Magnanimously] Change the cue. Bring the light up and I'll step into it."

Take three.

Roach standing by.

Spot light comes up.

Smiling Roach steps forward into light.

Light goes down plunging Roach into darkness and comes up elsewhere on stage.

:-)

You had to be there.

Cheers
Grant

--
Director, actor and administrator of this website

LabrugSat, 23 Sept 2006, 01:03 pm

Vividly

I have a vivid imagination and I can see perfectly this little comedy of errors. Was the lighting guy having a little fun I wonder? :LOL: Thanks Grant. Good chuckle for the day.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

LogosSat, 23 Sept 2006, 02:15 pm

Cockroaches

I 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

Grant MalcolmSun, 24 Sept 2006, 09:19 am

Crickets

Logos wrote:
> The same actor had an amazing ability
> to walk on stage and talk in a blackout.

Crickets!

:-)

Cheers
Grant

--
Director, actor and administrator of this website

LogosSun, 24 Sept 2006, 10:03 am

Bravo

Bravo indeed. A very good name for the breed. I would like to stress to all those actors out there who are feeling a little aggreived at the moment, that the majority of you and your brethren and sistren (made it up) are all one could hope for but there are just the odd one or two who make some of our lives a little, shall we say ... difficult. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LabrugSun, 24 Sept 2006, 01:02 pm

Crickets Defined

Crickets: 1. (Noun) Performer who would apparently prefer acting in the dark, perhaps in fear of exposing their face. 2. (Noun) The mysterious source of backstage chatter that when the SM goes to find the source, can not be found. 3. (Adj) Any form of performance done purely from the wings.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

RapunzelSun, 24 Sept 2006, 09:57 pm

How exciting

How exciting! NEW lifeforms!! I particularly like "Crickets" and "Sponges" (Well, I don't, but you understand) Rapunzel "Papa, where is Mama? They tell me she has gone away, where is she?"

Craig K EdwardsThu, 5 Oct 2006, 04:05 pm

great sponges steal

Regarding the sponge comments above - yes, I do kind of agree: I can't express how completely annoyed I was about 2 years after Snatch came out about the sheer number of crappy theatre 'tough guys' who for no apparent reasons adopted cockney accents ala early Guy Ritchie films. I guess their reasoning was something along the lines off: '1. Actors playing tough guys in Guy Ritche films have cockney accents' 2. In a Guy Ritchie film, the tougher the character the more calmly the speak and the more deliberate their cockney accent. 3. I'm trying to play 'a tough guy'. I guess there might be more depth than that to this character, but I'm too lazy to look into it'. 1+2+3 = Conclusion: 'I'll do all my lines like a cockney 'tough guy' in a Guy Ritche film, and that will make ME look like a 'tough guy'. When in reality they just looked like someone doing an imitation. BUT, getting back to being devil's advocate: there is a fine old saying: 'Mediocre artists borrow, Great artists STEAL'. Kind of makes the sponges look good, or is the saying just a load of proverbial euphamisism?

LogosThu, 5 Oct 2006, 04:15 pm

Great Artists Steal

It is true to a point but the fact actually is that great artists file the serial numbers off and make it their own. If a great artist was stealing the Vinnie Jones tough guy thing by the time it hit the screen it would be uniquely that performers. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Bass GuyThu, 5 Oct 2006, 05:56 pm

My plagiarism mottos...

...are as follows; "If you're gonna steal, steal from the best." & "It's not what you stole, it's who you stole it from." I'm always very careful to point out to folks at point-blank range what I stole and who from. Particularly in music (you should hear my library of Brian May rip-offs... Jesus!). And it is this philosophy which I believe makes me a better human being than notorious plagiarists like John Williams!! Star Wars?? Jaws?? They're ALL nicked!! El "It ain't braggin' if you can back it up."- Jaco Pastorius

NaThu, 5 Oct 2006, 06:36 pm

Credit where credit is due...

The difference between plagiarism and "borrowing" material is that you give a credit when you borrow... (Of course, that's no legal concept) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

LogosThu, 5 Oct 2006, 11:06 pm

One source is plagiarism.

One source is plagiarism. Four sources is research. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Walter PlingeSun, 5 Nov 2006, 02:44 pm

How about fish? All the

How about fish? All the chorus members that can't walk off single file, and have to have a partner to walk offstage with. And tend to bump the curtains...

GrommetikWed, 8 Nov 2006, 12:01 am

Singing Sponges

Music Theatre sponges annoy me the most. Too much time listening to a cast recording and not enough time working on their own characterisation will leave the performer sounding like a carbon copy of the original performer. Boy, does that make me mad...usually just means that they're too lazy or stupid to go and do their own work on the song. And when you step on real sponges at the beach- gross.

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