First impressions of life at the Shakey
August 24, 2012
(To keep joy at my selection in check in front of friends, family, and co-workers, I coined this affectionate but modest sobriquet: 'The Shakey').
The three boot camp experiences prior to rehearsals were invaluable: movement, voice, and the dark art of stage fighting. Those who attended bonded with each other. I also learned some fascinating yet disturbing things about myself; I really enjoyed attempting to strangle and eye gauge other cast members!
All that exhausted me in brain and body but left me raring to get started. The experience is rather like footballers' pre-season training getting match fit.
Michael's voice sessions, enjoyable and educational, opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of the voice as a tool, demonstrating techniques to assist our voices being heard in the cavernous space of the Courtyard Theatre without strain or fatigue. Vocal exercises at home, hums and ha's in the shower, blowing bubbles through a straw into a McDonald's paper cup resulted in some perplexed looks from my husband.
Overriding impression: fun, laughter, challenge, but no patronising, just gentle leading.
Creative mind and brain have been opened. Body is now primed for action. Like a starving being, I want more and more sustenance.
My world is changing, almost imperceptibly, into the world of Pericles.
by Jane Durant
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