Sparring

On a whim, I decided to audition with my friend Allyson for The Three Musketeers. As luck would have it, we were both asked to learn a little fencing choreography!

Neither of us had fenced before, but our friend Justin was the choreographer, and was patient with us. I'm proud to say I learned my stuff right-handed, and even got to be the aggressor in the routine -- haha! Probably the only time in my life I'll get to be Milady de Winter.

I should mention that Justin and Allyson were both in my cast for The Importance of Being Earnest -- Allyson was my Cecily, and Justin was our Algernon. Being our first fencing experience, Allyson and I started off really stiff and nervous. We flailed about with enthusiasm and terror, worried we were actually going to hurt one another. Justin gave us the choreography in chunks and was very encouraging -- I think everyone should learn to fence while surrounded by friends!

After a little bit, Justin needed to go inside for some reason... and that's when Allyson suggested it might be funny if we did some of the lines from the "Tea Scene" in Earnest while fighting. We felt silly at first, but gave it a shot anyway.

"Mr. Ernest Worthing and I are engaged to be married!"

"My darling Cecily," Swing and miss. "I think there must be some slight error." Jab. "Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me." Swing over the head and go at her right. "The announcement will appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at the latest."

"...Since Ernest proposed to you, he has CLEARLY changed his mind!" Comes at me from above, I block, and we grapple.

"If the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish promise, I shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once," kick her off; she falls to the ground, I point my sword at her throat. "And with a firm hand."

Justin came back and asked incredulously, "Are you quoting the Tea Scene?!"

We laughed and said Yes, and he shook his head and replied, "Well, it seems to be working, 'cause you're a LOT less stiff than you were when I left!"

I wasn't cast in the play, but Allyson was. I can't wait to see her fight for real, and I take pride in the fact that we helped each other do and look our best. All callbacks should be that fun!

Now I'm considering fencing lessons... I have swordplay in the blood! Anyone want to do it with me? Ha ha!

Earnest closes tomorrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The good end happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means."

I made these "cards" for the little trailer video I made for my show. It was originally going to be a bit longer and include more story, but then I decided I didn't want to post any spoilers... and since my film-making skills are a little limited, the resulting original cut was too long and a little dull (which is unfortunate when I'm trying to entice people to see my latest comedy) :-P I'm a little sad I didn't get to use all of these cards, but the finished trailer is better without them.

We close tomorrow, and my feelings are bittersweet. On the one hand, I am exhausted and ready for a short break from performing before I jump into whatever project I do next. On the other, this has been a dream show, a dream cast, and just plain fun. I'm going to miss it.

I'm glad, though, that I know I'll be seeing some of these people again -- not about to let those friendships dwindle away!

Thank you to everyone who has come to support me. It means more to me than I can say, and I will be forever grateful. I hope you were entertained!

An Earnest video

Last night, my big performance fear came true: we had an audience populated by quiet people. They giggled here and there, but I think we only got two really big laughs the entire time.

And you know what? It was great! It took the pressure off trying too hard. They responded just enough that I KNEW they were having a good time, and I did too! I didn't have to worry about when to pause for laughter and I didn't feel like I had to kill myself or bend over backwards.  Our cast was relaxed and focused and grateful for the 30-40 people who came. It was awesome. So, now I hope never to be afraid of that again. My choices really ARE funny enough :^)

Meanwhile, I put together a little video from the recording I have of our final dress rehearsal (I had permission to take the video). I purposely only used lines that are funny out of context, and I didn't want to spoil the plot or big reveals -- just a silly little thing that includes some of my favorite lines. I love my cast so much -- they are SO GOOD in this play!


I am so excited to perform again tomorrow! My parents and a bunch of my friends are coming. Wheeee! I hope they like it!

"I'm here for the audience. Not the other way around."

So... yesterday I was needy and nervous and whiny and self-conscious and totally spewed all of that on everyone who read the last post.

I am so embarrassed and SO SORRY.

Everything will be okay. People will come (right?) and they'll enjoy the play. Why wouldn't they? We're terrific! Even if we weren't, the script is funny enough that people would like it even if we just stood around and read it (which, of course, we aren't doing).

Our preview last night was a little bumpy, and though the audience was very appreciative and really seemed to like it, my cast was mortified and could only focus on the mistakes. Then our stage manager said something  I had forgotten:

Most audiences come wanting to be entertained. They will forgive our mistakes a lot more quickly and readily than we will. 

My Kate saw the preview, too, and said a few things this morning that helped to calm me down and gain a much, much more healthy perspective:

• If I could offer a mantra for you: "What I've chosen is funny enough." And then, when you don't hear the audience laugh - you can borrow my mantra: "I'm here for the audience. Not the other way around." 
• All the great comedians have felt what you're feeling. Tina Fey wrote volumes on not hearing the audience reactions...
• There are also some things that I think will improve when you all stop aiming for laughs. I think you've been given the message that the audience has to laugh aloud to show you they find it amusing. In comedy, most audience members won't laugh aloud. 

*Deep breath, slow exhale*

I promise not to freak out on you about this particular insecurity again. That was really unfair. I want you to react honestly and appropriately for YOU. I will be happy regardless of whether you laugh; I am just glad that you are all so supportive. I have the best friends out there!

As a thank you, a last apology, and a "Happy Friday" wish, here is a video that I shouldn't have tried to watch at work, because it is so laugh-out-loud funny! Sara Ramirez* is such a star. I hope I look like I have as much fun onstage as she obviously does here!! 

I am so excited to open tomorrow! Time to show the world what I've been doing the last two months!

*Sara Ramirez plays Doctor Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy, and is Rose the cashier ("Happy Thanksgiving back") on You've Got Mail. That girl has talent and range coming out her ears!! And, yes, she is singing with Tim Curry.

The Importance of Being Earnest opens this weekend!

Well, it's finally here! More than three months after auditions, and two months of rehearsals, my cast of The Importance of Being Earnest opens Saturday night! Tonight is our last dress rehearsal. We are VERY ready for an audience. The costumes are gorgeous and the sets delightful. We have worked so hard to memorize our lines, connect with each other as an ensemble, and develop our characters and comic timing. It's going to be great...

...As long as people come to support us!

When doing a comedy, there are few things more frightening than a very small or non-responsive audience. People who don't perform live have no idea that an audience can make or break a show. The performers feed off the energy that the audience provides, and when the audience is laughing and clapping and engaged, the actors just want to please them more -- we'll do anything for those who love us! We are thrilled when you  have as much fun watching as we do performing!

Hello? Is anybody out there?

Last night, our director confessed that there are several nights where not one ticket has yet been sold (particularly on Tuesday and Thursday nights). This might not be a huge problem -- I think most of my friends are used to buying tickets when they arrive at the theater -- but unless tickets are pre-sold the box office has no way of knowing ahead of time if anyone is going to show up, and they're worried. They said last night if it looks like no one is going to come that they might start cancelling shows. I can't tell you how sick that makes me. I'd hate for one of you to come one night, only to find the performance was cancelled.

So, my cast is doing all we can think of to get the word out -- Facebook, e-mail, text messaging, posters, cards, a huge banner near to the freeway. A couple of reporters came to a rehearsal and posted articles about our play here and here (including photos of me -- woot!!). The box office has even given us free tickets for the first couple of performances. We're especially counting on the people who come that first week to spread the word that it's worth the price of a ticket. Speaking of the price, I have $2 off coupons if you're interested!

Do I sound a little desperate? I'm sorry -- I can't help it! This is honestly one of the best productions I've ever been involved in, and I am terrified that no one is going to see it. It's the first in the new black box theater at the Davis Center for the Performing Arts, and even people who've been in shows on the main stage don't know that the black box exists. Consequently, we're practically a start-up. There's always a risk to trying something new. I am infinitely grateful to all of you who have already promised that you will come!

And now I'm begging: PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE come, and bring a friend or two or six! And if you love it, tell everyone you know (and if you don't, don't say anything to anyone...). Contact the box office here to reserve your tickets now. I am in the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday cast, and will also perform Friday, April 13.

Hooray! Our friends and fans are the BEST!

Please forgive my shameless begging. I sure do love this play. I'm aware that not every show I do is gold, but this one is. I am so proud of our cast and crew, and would be honored if you spent a little of your time and money with me this month!

Exactly what I needed

Just thought I'd finish the story from my previous post, and tell you that I DID take Friday off work, and it was exactly what I needed! I got to do everything I wanted to (except the nap, which I was too energized to take).

• Slept in
• Cooked breakfast
• Cleaned my kitchen and bathroom, and tidied up my bedroom
• Did aerobics
• Took a shower
• Ate lunch
• Caught up on my Hulu queue

At that point, it was only 3pm and I have finished my list. What did I do next?

I saw The Hunger Games, of course! Good movie, though watching those kids kill each other was way worse on film than it was reading it. I even met a cute guy. He didn't ask for my number, but I guess I can't expect when I'm already lucky to be seeing a movie at 3 o'clock on a Friday afternoon.

Cecily and Gwendolen with "Gwendolen" and "Cecily"

I decided my day off was perfect, so I went to rehearsal, and it was awesome, too! I carpooled with my Jack (Jon) and Cecily (Allyson), two seriously terrific people. We went through the drive-thru at McDonald's on the way, and we laughed that Jon sounded like our dad ordering two "girl's" Happy Meals with chocolate milk for Allyson and I (we got My Little Pony toys, and named them "Gwendolen" and "Cecily" -- score!).

When we got to rehearsal, the director asked for volunteers to hang up the banner to advertise The Importance of Being Earnest. Since we weren't running the show that night, Jon, Allyson, Justin (Algernon) and I volunteered. Turns out, I'm terrible at tying knots, but the boys were great... and then we walked across the street to In-n-Out 'cause apparently McDonald's wasn't enough for some in our group -- ha!

We got back just in time for the set change, and then the costumer showed up, so I spent most of the rest of rehearsal in the costume shop having my dresses hemmed and watching the other ladies delight in their own costumes (this play is going to be gorgeous!)

After rehearsal, about ten of us went to Applebees to hang out. I was pretty tired at that point, but it'll be our last weekend before we all split up for performances. I had a blast. I sure do love these folks!

I went to bed waaaay too late, of course, but I'd had a magnificent day and no regrets.

I feel much happier now! Thank goodness. Ready to face opening week and all that comes with it. Eeek! And Hooraaaaaaay!

Earnest tybbling

• My vocabulary has certainly been affected by the dialogue in this play -- I use many more big words during my daily conversations (something I've never been shy about doing regularly anyway), and my friends have noticed enough to comment. Haha!

My stage beau and mom

• I've taken quite a few photos of rehearsals, just 'cause I like to, but of course, as the photographer I am never actually in the photos. Sigh... this is hard on someone who is as fond of being photographed as I am (even if I always get caught in awkward positions and faces onstage).  I'll have to give my camera to someone on Thursday to shoot me during my run through. I'm part of the cast, too!
• We're pretty close to memorized, so last week the director had us shake things up. We ran each of the three Acts in a different genre to help us develop some different aspects of our characters. Act I was the "mystery/thriller" Act, and it was hilarious to see all of the men acting like James Bond or Dr. No. It was pretty easy for each of us to turn our character into a villain, and so fun to incorporate what we'd learned into our next couple of run throughs. I went for the femme fatale -- something I've never done before, BTW -- it was a BIG hit and quite liberating! It gave me a confidence that I'm quite keen to hold onto. I love the rehearsal process! It's almost more fun that performing for an audience... almost. 

• Only five more run throughs before I perform in front of an audience! I am inclined to freak out, but it will probably be just about right. Don't want to over-rehearse. It will be sad when our group is split in half, though. That's the downside to being double cast; you don't see half of your friends regularly anymore!

• Still struggling with how to do my hair. I'm not fully satisfied with what I came up with for the publicity photos yesterday. Then again, I may never be satisfied with an updo. (When I get married, my hair will be down.) When I pull my hair back, my head suddenly looks so small compared to the rest of my body!!

• We open in just under three weeks! Do you have your tickets? It would mean a lot to me if you came, and I can't help but believe everyone would enjoy it. Get tickets here (I perform on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)!

Victorian hair

I've been wanting to try out some Victorian hairstyles to see what I might like to do for Earnest. I have pretty great hair for period pieces, but long and naturally curly won't do for this character. Since our show takes place about 1890, I can't fall back on easy early-Victorian or Gibson girl styles, so I need to come up with something else that is not only flattering, but easy to do on myself and teach to my double. This is a moderately tall order for someone who is not known for fancy hairstyles.

My sister-in-law Lindsey graciously volunteered to be a hair model for me while we watched the Oscars on Sunday. Golly, I love her hair! So thick and long and shiny! It was fun to play with, and I'm pretty excited about what I was able to do, considering the only tools I had on hand were two bobby pins, a claw clip, one barrette, and two small elastics! Some of the designs look pretty cool, if I say so myself.

Pull-through pony tail with three braids. I found the instructions for this online.

This isn't really Victorian, just playing with a zig-zag part.

Five-braid Juliet cap design

Classic french braid

Pull-through braid on the top, then rolled over on the bottom.
I thought this would be the winner, since it looked so cool on
Lindsey.  Sadly, I don't have thick enough hair to pull it off.

Twisted the sides to meet in a bun at the back.
Difficult to do without a mirror to see how the
back looks, and my arms get tired doing
this on myself.

Didn't come up with any definite hair designs, but I had fun playing. Last night I practiced a bit on myself and quite liked the double sock bun effect (thanks Amy for the idea!). I might try a french twist tonight, and use a curling iron on the hair poking out the top to make it really curly. I definitely want curls framing my face, and maybe even finger-curled bangs (so ugly, but so period).


There are few things that bother me in a play as much as costumes and hair that don't fit the period (or really bad wigs, even if they do). It distracts from the show, and just another distinction between community theater (where they often don't seem to worry as much about the details) and professional productions (where they hire people to design and style those details). That's not going to happen here, if I can help it!

5-minute post

I am giving myself 5 minutes to write this post.

Aaaaaaand GO!

Tuesdays and I don't get along in general, and already today is no exception. That's par for the course when coming back from a wonderfully relaxing, do-very-little vacation.

It doesn't help that my legs are mad at me for wearing heels today because I'm still sore from a workout from LAST THURSDAY! My bad for not really working out since then... well, a little Friday morning, but I've been pretty chill on purpose since. Guess some major walking and stretching is in the cards for the rest of the week!

I look great today, though. Royal blue button-down blouse, pants I haven't been able to fit in for about a year (but DO fit now), and those wonderful booties. Sweeeeeet!

I have rehearsal tonight. It kills me that they rehearsed without me this weekend, but I hope to catch up quickly. We do have 5 weeks before we open, after all. Plus, I spent a fair chunk of time memorizing lines; I don't feel quite up to par, but I'm much closer than I was this time last week. Yay! If only Gwendolen didn't use 29 words when 11 would probably work just as well:

The Importance of Being Earnest, Act I

Sooo intimidating to say, let alone commit to memory. That's Oscar Wilde for you. I'm so happy to have rehearsal tonight. I sure do love it!

Huh, only four minutes and I've run out of things to say.

Oh, there's five. Phew!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

What I learned after wearing a corset for the first time

Yesterday, our costumer for The Importance of Being Earnest finally brought up some corsets for us to try. All the girls were so excited -- it's something most of us (including me) have been looking forward to*. We all want to look our best, and what's the point of doing a period show if you don't get to wear period costumes?

 

I have never worn an actual, lace up, cinching corset before, so it was quite the experience! Here is a list of stuff I learned after wearing one -- for the first time -- for two hours:

• It is not comfortable, but it's not terrible either. I can see why older women weren't thrilled when they went out of style, and why younger girls were!
• My waist is much smaller than I thought it would be. I really DO have an hourglass figure! The corset in the photo is actually the second I tried on, and it's still a little too big. If I lose any weight at all, I'll need a smaller one >:)
• Corsets force you to use your core muscles a LOT more to sit up and stand straight. I don't know if my back hurts because I didn't stand straight enough, or simply because I'm not used to standing that straight for that long. Probably both. Ooh! I hope I get a flatter tummy through this experience!
•  I feel taller in the corset :D
• There is no "lounging around" in a corset.
• You can't sway your hips in a corset -- that is brand new information!



My waist is NOT 18 and 1/2 inches
and I'm okay with that!

• That scene in Gone with the Wind where Scarlet holds onto the bedpost while Mammy laces her up? I'm going to be copying that manuver. It's impossible to steal myself well enough to keep my balance while someone is jerking on the strings!
• I can't even begin to imagine dancing or singing in one of these things -- thank goodness that's not a requirement for this show!
• I can get a decent amount of air even if I don't use my diaphram. Since I'm used to breathing with the diaphram, this will take concentration and practice.
• I need help with the hooks in the front, AND the laces in the back. Embarassing!
• To get the hooks off, it helps to unlace the back (I had to teach my Cecily that one).
• I am not unexcited to wear the thing for the next 2 1/2 months. Hooray for looking amazing!

The costumer let us all take our corsets home so we could practice wearing them. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone at home to help me get mine on, so I might not get as much practice as I'd like. Sad.

*I should probably say that none of the boys envied us. Silly boys. They don't know what they're missing!

Oh! Tickets are on sale now on the CenterPoint Legacy website (Click the Earnest info on the right side of the home page). We run March 30 through April 28, and I am in the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday cast. I ALSO get to perform on Friday, April 13. Please come! I know it sounds like a long time away, but it will be April before we know it!

How interested are you in Earnest rehearsals?

Sometimes I think it would be cool to have a blog where I talk about the creation of whatever play I'm doing.

Jan Davis teaches the
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
cast the blocking for to Act I

I'd chronicle everything, from auditions, to callbacks, to rehearsals, to performances, etc. I'd write about our goings-on, progress, and my personal musings about the whole thing. (Now that I write this idea down, I realize it sounds like the new t.v. show, Smash, except I'm nowhere near Broadway, and I had this idea before NBC started to advertise their show.)

The pro is that I'd have a really cool record of the whole thing. The con is that sometimes stuff goes on that other people don't need to know about (difficult directors, cast members who don't get along, etc) and my cast and production mates probably wouldn't appreciate me sharing with everyone.

But what if I were just to write two or three things about each rehearsal? Or even just each week (in which case, I wouldn't have to create a whole new blog that I'm stressed to keep up regularly)?

Would anyone be interested in something like that? For Earnest or for some other show I do in the future? Anything in particular you'd want to know about? Would you want to read about stuff that happens or learn more about backstage/theater stuff in general?

The Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday cast
waits for our turn to work the scene

Or would you get bored with the subject really quickly? I try not to dwell on the same thing too much on my blog. Theater doesn't encompass my WHOLE life, but it does take up a great deal of time, especially when actively rehearsing (and Earnest has been filling my mind an awful lot the last seven weeks). Also, some stories just aren't funny unless you were there or you understand the theater world...

Then again, when has potential incomprehensible-ness ever stopped me from posting anything before?

What do you think? Yay or nay?

It's about time!!!!!!!!

Remember how six weeks ago I was cast in The Importance of Being Earnest? Then a week after that the rehearsals and performances were postponed? And ever since I've been jumping out of my skin excited and frustrated that we haven't started rehearsals yet?

Well, WE FINALLY GET TO GET STARTED!!!!!!!

We have our first read-through tomorrow, and I'll get to find out who the entire cast is, including maybe new people since our last meeting because the schedule change forced at least one person (that I know of) to drop out. I hope no one else did! We had such a terrific cast -- the show is double-cast and everyone was just so fabulous!!

Next week we start blocking. I can hardly wait!

Guess I'll have a lot less free time in the next three months. That's okay with me :^D It'll be worth it for the opportunity to do a play I've wanted to do for 15 years!

To celebrate, here's a number from the 2002 film. Sadly, this song probably won't be in our play, but it makes me giggle every time!

(The servants carrying the piano around is the BEST part!)

Here is a scene which WILL be in the play, and also makes me giggle every time:

"A haaaaand baaaaag?!"

Happy Friday, everyone!

An Earnest change of plans

All plays have their share of craziness and struggles, and Earnest is already no exception. The director called me late last week to inform me that due to scheduling problems and politics, the CPT powers that be decided to postpone the play until March 30 to April 28. This way we won't overlap too much with the mainstage shows going on, so we'll have the backstage and technical support we'll need.

The extended schedule isn't really a huge problem for me. This means instead of a two-month commitment, it's four months. I won't get to audition for two other plays I was kind of excited about, but I am MUCH more excited about Earnest anyway. Sadly, I know of at least one cast member who has already had to drop out, and a few others who are on the fence. Noooo! How I hope no one else has to drop! We've only had one rehearsal so far, but I'm already so fond of everyone and so hopeful that this could be a tremendous production! It will be a tremendous production.

Since we don't perform until end of March, the cast read-through isn't until the end of January. I struggle with patience and was initially a bit depressed that we weren't starting rehearsals right away (I'm excited!! Let's do this!!).  Then again, much as I want to get started, I'm relieved to have a bit more time off. Time to play before I throw myself whole-heartedly into this fun show and role for three months!

I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this is the first of the black box season and they're still working out the logistical kinks, but it's still frustrating. My fingers are crossed this is the biggest problem we face.

Put the play on your schedule, and tell your friends!!