Hello again, Gina here. We have been getting down to work here at the studio the past week and a half but here’s a quick update for all of you! Last week we continued work on the show with lots of blocking and scene/text work. We have also been making great progress on our dances with the first two group numbers done, as well as a few duets as well.
We also got an amazing opportunity to have a movement workshop with Will Pinchin and Dorie Kinnear from Grafted Cede. The workshop really focused on the physical life of a story and how to specify, define and maintain the space you create. We learned that we need to use our space to our advantage; space is potential so we need to set it up to work for us, and that our audience matters and we need to let them in to see us. Another important tid-bit we learned was to breathe through our work. (It’s free, so why not?!) We also got to spend some time in the recording studio at Capital Community College learning about the studio and recording some original songs for the show. Bob Davis has returned a few times in the past week and a half to help us with vocal work and work on our scenes.
As a cast, we took a tour of the theatre which was led by Andy Palmer, Associate Production Manager, and Aaron Hochheiser, Master Electrician. They filled us in on the ins and outs of the production department at Hartford Stage. We learned about the lighting, sound, costuming, props, and scenic departments and even got to see how they configure the traps under the stage floor! In addition to learning about the production department, we also met with Taylor G. Benedum, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager, and Chuck MacNaughton, Digital Media Manager, from the marketing department. We learned how Taylor designs the posters for the show and how Chuck maintains the website. Definitely some cool stuff going on here in the offices while we are in rehearsal!
Overall, that’s what we have been up to! I’ll try to keep in touch as we head into the final stages of our production! And remember, tickets have gone on sale, so scoop some up today!
Breakdancing Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing will perform at Hartford Stage on Monday August 6 at 6:00p and 8:30p. Tickets are $5 and will be available through the Box Office (860) 527-5151 and online.