From Chaos to a Job Well Done

Staging scenes in class is difficult due to the time constraints, but it is a fun interruption to normal class activities.  Compared to sitting in a class taking notes, staging a scene involves moving around and creativity.  A good scene is one that grabs the audience’s attention.  This may be because the scene is unique or creative.  Often times, the scenes are based on what we are reading in class.  If the assignment was to adapt a scene to modern day, the scene might grab the audience’s attention by being different from expected or ‘outside of the box.’ This might mean staging the scene in a different situation, or having the characters be a little different from the original play.  The scene would also grab the audience’s attention because of the ways the actors or actresses played their roles.  They way the actor or actress chooses to portray the character may set the scene apart from other interpretations.  

The most difficult part about staging scenes in class is the short amount of time we have to meet with our group, come up with idea, write the script, stage the scene and perform it.  The groups also make it difficult.  Since it is still early in the year, we have not had the chance to work with each person in the class.  This is usually true with most performances.  In the first week or two of rehearsal, the cast and crew is still getting to know each other.  From experience as a stage manager, and from staging scenes and acting in class, both the crew and cast, need to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses.   Learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses helps the group as a whole to succeed.  Overtime, working in class will get easier because everyone will get to know these things about each other.  

Specifically to the Romeo and Juliet scene that we are staging in class tomorrow, it was difficult to learn the Shakespearean language.  It is much easier to stage a scene if you have your lines memorized.  Once you do not need your script, you can use your hands while talking. In some scenes this is necessary, but in most this just adds a little extra.  Speaking in the Shakespearean language is very difficult.  It is extremely easy to get tongue tied.  Wiebke and I, as well as some of the other groups, found ourselves talking very quickly.  This is a problem because of the language.  With any script, the lines need to be said at a relaxed pace, so the audience understands what the actors and actresses are trying to say.  This is especially important when the script is in Shakespearean language because the language is harder for the audience to follow and understand. 

Overall, staging scenes becomes easier with practice.  I feel much more confident about the latest project than I did on the one a few weeks ago. I also knew my group members better this time which helped.  In conclusion, the most difficult part is the amount of time, but it is possible to do with help and cooperation from my group members.

This photo is from rehearsal of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.