I’ve volunteered to fill my prop diary with “sensational entries”…so tonight will be just a blip of a blog.
…Takes me back to filling a giant spiral notebook and text book with lecture notes, highlights, margin comments and pull-quotes for “Oleanna,” several years ago. The stage was extremely intimate, so there was no question that the notes had to be there, and a lot of them. It also sincerely helps as an actor for every piece of legitimacy that you can be given to use to tell the story. Tiny details, that only maybe the actors can even see, in costume, props and set pieces are a giant help in helping one to further the facade of make believe.
…And when it is such a personal prop, sometimes it helps for you yourself to invest in it.
Of COURSE I want to play and build Gwendolen’s diary. Why the hell WOULDN’T I?
…Even though it is merely her small “travel” variety. I think of it as her “Greatest Hits” record: a transcription of all the really juicy bits from her larger, more in-depth one at home. She’s been around a bit, and per Algy, is frequently flirted with and proposed to, so there is certainly a legit amount of steam in those pages.
I don’t doubt.
…Not a bit.
…Meanwhile , at rehearsal tonight: Run of nearly all first act, with notes and some set-change choreography. Small bits of delectable “yum” worked out in the lobby with dear Earnest, ‘tween scenes. At least we thought they were. Given a couple more passes at the timing, we’ll be launching them at the room in general on our first main full run in the theater on Wednesday.
…See how it goes.
Whether they are “keepers” or not, the ideas and the work and the finessing is excellent exercise for the characters, so totally worth it no matter what.
…But based on our own giggles, I’m betting we found some “keepers.”
Right!
Off now to create new faux worlds of delight.
…Of course, I could just fill the book with random sentences or lines…but what would be the fun it that?
I shall consider it more backstory-delight, and dive in with creativity and a mug of tea and see where it takes me.
~D
