Yesterday, I began my prep week for History Boys which will start of the 2009/2010 season at The Arden. It was great to be back in the building even with all the changes that had taken place over the summer; 5 people had left to pursue other career options.This is also the week that I panic a bit:
- Did I line up sitters? Probably
- Will the kids have enough to eat? It's not like I'll be in Siberia
- Did I contact everyone about the first rehearsal? So far, so good
- Will I be able to handle rehearsals, kids, and continue to run? Doubtful
- Did I tape the stage correctly? This one is a 3/4 thrust so it's pretty easy (no stairs or weird angles)
- Will I like the cast?
That last one can make or break a show. I don't have to be best friends with the actors. In fact, it's rather difficult since they all take breaks together while I have to work and I'm pretty removed them, especially during tech when they spend more time with the Assistant Stage Manager. But, it makes the 2 1/2 months go by so much smoother if we all get along.
I have worked with actors that I did not like and it's just dreadful. One time, not at the Arden, I worked on a touring show (it toured locally to schools) with just 3 other people. No one liked this one actor and the days just seemed to never end. I bet we all have stories about working with people we just couldn't get along with. My problem is when I find out that this person (that I don't like) has friends because I don't believe it. Really, someone likes him/her? I know, not very nice of me.
This is a cast of mostly young men (early 20's for the most part) and only one other woman. I don't know what it is but it's the second show I've done with mostly guys. I just hope it's a cast I can have a beer with, you know? It's also another show that's going to run about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I swear the Arden picks a show, realizes it's going to be a long one and then calls me to see if I want to Stage Manage it.
But I am excited for History Boys. I read the script a couple of times and I don't think I really get it so rehearsal will be as much as a learning experience for me as it is a time to figure out where the props go. I keep you updated.
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the way a team comes together says a lot about the final product...so have a beer, enjoy and get the show on the road. lol. hope all goes smoothly for you.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I realized I truly didn't like a person. It was someone I worked with. I was shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you. After a while, I got over myself and realized that she was a bitch, there were people in this world I would never like (how provincial of me not to realize this until I was 30!) and the world wouldn't fall apart. I was ecstatic the day she quit. She was useless at work.
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds very exciting and glamorous. I so miss the theatre. It's really expensive here unless you fork out for a season ticket with one of the reparatory type theatres. I worked with someone I didn't like for 9 years. Buggered if I know how I did it. My only solace, nobody else liked him either. I also work with mostly men. Boring as batshit most of them. Then town planners and engineers can be a bit that way.
ReplyDeleteThis post mimics my lunchtime conversation with a colleague where we just complained and complained about "certain people." We came up with the idea that if we could only have a list that we could add people to and say, "Yeah...these people I don't have to work with." it would be so much easier. But then I think we also realized we'd be working alone an awful lot.
ReplyDeleteLOL..Boy , I know how you feel...I went to Lee Strasberg in my youth and was part of many a show, was also a prop and a Lighting Tech on the soap opera Guiding Light..Hope it all goes well for ya, and don't let the bad stuff get in your way !! Enjoy !!
ReplyDeleteI feel you. I've worked with actors I despise (and will never work with again, if I can help it).
ReplyDeleteLuckily, it's a bit easier to avoid them in the film world, but still... their stench is usually enough to make me wretch.
These comments were great. I thought at first I was a little mean about working with people I don't like but then I find out, everyone's been there. I'm glad I'm not alone.
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