Tech Rehearsal

This week we had our technical rehearsal for Spring Awakening. We had been in the theatre a couple of times before but only to block the play and get used to the space, so it was really nice to spend more time in the theatre with the props, costume, sound and lighting. One of the main points which was highlighted during this tech was the usage of the space, both vocally and physically. 

This part of the process is always exciting because it's when everything comes together. The use of props, set, lighting, sound and costume all make the world of the play seem real and our performance seems to breathe new life. We started to do a run through of our play, stopping when the technical team needed to go over a que or something or when a tricky moment came up, for example to rape scene in the hayloft platform. It was extremely useful to have a real tree in our set because it will make our piece look naturalistic and effective but also enchanting. I loved having the tree there because I could now actually climb up it during the woodland scenes and play off it. Lizzie, Humera and I used it to our full advantage during our scene and even though I struggled slightly with working out how to climb up and down it, after a few practices it because effortless and the scene flowed at it's new found pace. Having the mirror there was brilliant for Devan and I, as we could start practicing working behind it and using it in each scene. We had to play around with the lighting slightly so as to ensure that either Devan or I could be seen the whole time. From early on Tim had included chalk in our set design, and it was great seeing the chalk marking on the floor guiding us as to which section of the stage was each room. Tim added in another set up which was to write in chalk which room we were in ,So for example while I was in preset (Wendla reading in her room) I would then write on the floor WENDLA'S BEDROOM, and then again write WENDLA'S SITTING ROOM before the reproduction scene with Maya. I think this goes incredibly well with our set, which looks amazing. The TTA have created a beautiful set which fits in with our play's atmosphere perfectly. 

My character isn't too prop heavy, besides the headphones and backpack, but it was incredibly useful and exciting to work with these as it brought a level of realism to my character. I added in a book for Wendla to read during preset which I think lifted up my performance. Devan, Josh and I rehearsed the beating and the rape scene a few times which made me feel more comfortable and gave the scene some freedom. Another factor which we had to bear in mind was the thrush stage setting and the large stage. We had to be conscience of this and adjust our physicality and vocals to this. The dimensions of the set were different to what we had been rehearsing, for example to size of the mirror and doorways and of having a raised platform. I was slightly conscience of not always being heard or seen, so I experimented during a few scenes, for example giving some space between Maya and I so I wasn't stuck behind the chair and so the audience could see Maya. As I said before the set looks incredible but we still need some practice with how to use it. Tim reminded us all not to be afraid of it and to use the whole space during the forest scenes, as it's like the rooms have merged into the woodland. 

As well as using the set we all wore our costumes for the first time during this rehearsal. This was very beneficial to the run through, especially for those who had quick changes or for Devan and I as we had to change on stage. By wearing our costumes it helped me especially to get into my character and feel her characteristics come through. We could all move more freely in them and understand the restrictive quality our characters live under. I noticed that costumes seem to give the play a fresh breathe and it seems to lift up all our performances. The costume and set seem to blend in together which made the piece look inclusive and seamless. 

During the technical run through there were many positives which came out of it. For example the technical elements which had been introduced were a great new level to our play. Having said this, I did think that it affected our performances slightly, I especially was losing a few lines and I know my projection was weak due to moving around the stage a lot more. This is something I need to work on in the next week before opening night. I think quite a lot of people struggled slightly with their projection as the New Theatre is such a vast space it is easy to loose your voice. However, I still think this was a very successful technical run and I now feel ready for our first performance next week.