Duet in Rehearsals...

“Music, Dr. Feldmann, is the purest expression of humanity that there is. Because, you see, it’s magic; but real magic, true mystery, not trickery.” –Stephanie Abrahams, p. 24.

Today, I sat in on the afternoon portion of rehearsal reviewing act one and witnessing a variety of discussions and collaboration. Some of these discussions include both very simple choices and more long-term on-going work.

For those who are not familiar with the rehearsal process in theater, the main objectives at this point in rehearsal is working the basic movement of the actors on stage as well as making sure this movement is not only appropriate for what is happening in the play, but also allows for all audience members on all sides of the stage to see the action. Along with keeping blocking in mind, alternate questions arise. Some of these include how the transitions between the sessions work. This turned out to be a greater inquiry, because in reality a number of things are happening in this moment. One would be how both actors exit the office to make a costume change for the next visit. The next would be having enough room in the back hallway to allow for Jacque to turn around the wheelchair to re-enter. Another discussion is who would be able to close and/or open the office door for the actors to return or exit. Among this entire transition, a sound cue of a solo violin Bach sonata is being played to cover the transition.

Rehearsals seem to be shaping up well as I left seeing a run of Act One. It sounds that Act Two will be worked on this evening and will continue to deepen and fine tune as needed. That's all for now...

Brandon

DUET FOR ONE Begins!

Good Afternoon-

Let me begin by introducing myself for all of our MCT blog followers. I am Brandon Campbell and I will be assisting Brandy Kline, the production manager/company manager at MCT, throughout the run of DUET FOR ONE. My history with Milwaukee Chamber began in July, when I was away working at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and I sent Brandy my resume with interest in working on Around the World in 8o Days! Before long I was apart of the production staff as the stage management intern taking care of the basic needs of the production as would an assistant stage manager. But I had the joy of being in costume and ‘performing’ on stage with the other actors and stagehands working the elephant, moving the trains, ships, and the infamous cap guns Western scene! After the show closed I decided to come back over my winter break from UW-Milwaukee, where I will be graduating in May with a theatre studies and business administration degree. I wanted to find what my future career goals could be and where my skills fit into the theatre management world. While working out these plans I found that production/company management followed by the goal of moving onto higher management is what I desire. So, we thought joining Brandy on DUET would be a wonderful way to observe and experience another professional opportunity.

I will continue to blog about my experiences throughout the rehearsal period of the production with my thoughts and observations for an ‘inside peak’ into the world of theatre most patrons do not get the opportunity to see!

Brandon