keep on movin'

Well, here we are, toward the end of the 44th season at Red Barn Theater.  After opening 'Perfect Wedding' We jumped right into rehearsals for 'Putnam Spelling Bee'.  What a joy it was to be done with those rehearsals for that CRAZY show.  Its fun now with an audience and we've had some great audiences this first weekend.  Adding about 15 minutes to the show holding for laughs was quite a surprise for me.  But the laughter is so invigorating and boosting.  The audiences have been right with us every night, ooooing and gasping and shouting out 'its her! its her!' or 'I love that girl'.  I should keep a list of asides we've heard the audience say from our vantage point on the stage.  So I'll admit it, its quite confidence boosting to have a crowd of people laugh at you and your work every night.  Reaction is what I love about theater.

And I'm loving rehearsals for the musical!  The director is very different from the last one I've had this summer, as he is much more hands on and vocal about what he wants.  I'm thinking this is largely in part to his job: the local high school theater director. Yes, the stress level is uber high and the voice has given out a few nights now, but I am invigorated by a great story and a great comrade to ride this last show through: my character, Leaf Coneybear.

Its a part I didn't know I wanted until he said the words 'Jay as Leaf' and then I think I'm falling in love.  Favorite character in a show thus far? Maybe so.

I have to admit though, it is still quite difficult.  One of the latest remarks the director gave me about character is that I (Jay) have a lot of confidence.  Leaf should have none.  So I need to back off a bit. So this weekend I've been mulling over how best to have no confidence but still have presence on stage without being campy and overacting.  Tips?

Life is good.  I'm working hard and enjoying most moments here in Frankfort.  I especially love it when people I know and love come out to visit/see a show (Doug and Mary, parents, Grandparents, Emily; it was good seeing all of you this weekend!).  Now I'm off to memorize and review!