AMAZING!

You guys rocked the house last night! I can't wait to do it again tonight. I love you all and it was such an honor working with you!! :D

Austin, you better post the vids and stuff on facebook!!! <3

BLUNT

Opening Night

Congrats to the Friday Cast! You guys did a GREAT job! Right now I just want to say that I loved working with all of you and that I am honored to be a member of such a talented ensemble. I can't wait till tomorrow!- Liv :)

Day Fifteen

I genuinely hate to write this post, because it sort of confirms that STC is, in fact, over.

I have to admit, the first time I looked over that script, my soul died a little. I was totally sure it was impossible, until I actually met all of you. You all amazed me on day one, you did tonight, and I'm sure you'll continue to do so tomorrow.

Today was just wonderful, start to finish. The caveman game was very fun, and not nearly as horrifying as past STC-ers led me to believe. I loved our oh-so-classy Krispy Kreme visit.

Today's run-through scared me a bit, but clearly I didn't really need to worry.

Mellow Mushroom was fantastic. I got to argue about Lady Gaga, Doctor Who, and Faulkner all at the same conversation. This is why I love you all.

I liked our backstage Glee moments.

Tonight's run was like, the greatest performance in the history of mankind. Yes, really. Well done, guys.

Day Fourteen

The show already! It's hard to believe. I thought today's run-throughs were rather wonderful. I look forward to us all being able to show off for the next two nights.

I'll keep this post short, and save my clichés and sappiness for tomorrow. Good luck to everyone tomorrow, though you hardly need it.

I eagerly anticipate learning the now-legendary Caveman Game. Also, I am having an incredibly difficult time deciding what to wear to Krispy Kreme. This must be what it feels like to be people who aren't me.

Whether The Weather Is Cold, Or Whether The Weather Is Hot

We'll be together, whatever the weather, whether you like it or not!

Quote of the Day:
"FAIL! Again."

I'm going to get into my closing remarks Saturday evening, as right now my mind is running eight hundred miles per hour, thinking about lines, about needing to clean my car for tomorrow, finding clean good clothes and Caveman game clothes, about guitars and packing and cleaning, and about OCD. (I'm watching a show, shush.)

I just... I gotta say though, this show. Is magnificent. It's brilliant. It's bloody wicked.

I'm going to sap more later. :D

<3 You All

Bowties Are Cool,

Austin of Northumberland

... FAIL!!! Again.

So today was definately a lot of work, but I'm very much looking forward to the first show. I think it will look fantastic. We've all worked so hard to get to this point, and I'm very glad to have worked with all of you. You are all wonderful actors and have many opprotunities opening up for your futures. A little cheesy, I know, but posts from the last few days are simply cliche and cheesy. There's no changing that. But again, wonderful day, the show will be amazing *knock on wood*, and I cannot wait to play the caveman game tomorrow. It's gonna be awesome.

Love you all,
Leah (Lee)

Thank You.

Wellll, i've only been on here once and that was for my Uta Hagen questions, so I figured I would stop being lame and I would put some closing remarks. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work on the show. We have many talented actors that could have made a good show by themselves, but the fact that we all can come together and become a fluid group can make the show great. I would also like to thank all of you for any compliments you've given me about my acting or anything else. I'm not the most self confident person especially when it comes to this, even if i'm pretty good at hiding it. So all of those things are very dear to me, and i'll remember your kindess if I ever meet any of you later on down the road. Thank you for the laughs and the good times.

Last Day

I'm not going to get sappy and remember all the good times. We have work to do.

All I'll say is that I'm looking forward to the best day of camp tomorrow, and I can't wait to see the Friday cast tear the roof off.

"This may be the last time you do this production, and it'll certainly be the last time you do it with this cast. If you don't give it all you've got, you'll regret it."--Andy Wertz

Defying Gravity

Just thought I'd title my post this because of me and Daniel's amazing breakout during lunch. <3

I'm not even going to bother with the lame three things posting thing that I normally do, and just pour my heart out. How's that sound?

Friday Cast:

We perform TOMORROW! And to be honest, today's dress rehearsal was by far the best dress rehearsal I have ever been in. I've been in a lot of shows, but never have I been in such an amazing, talented cast! That goes for EVERYONE at Burning Coal. Never in my life have I worked with such amazing people.

-Savannah, you did amazing. I never saw you break character once the entire time. You got a little frustrated at you messing up a line, but I don't think anyone in the audience would notice that if you mess up a word or two. You've got this girl! You are amazing and talented and you can do this. I believe in you. You are a very strong Hotspur!

-Rachel, OMG you sang! :D and you sounded amazing.

-Cameron, your Hal is a very funny drunk. I love how you never break character when things happen like the demonic jacket eating your arm. :) I love your transition from drunk hal to royal prince Harry. It is so believable.

-Olivia, Wow, I am very scared of you as Worcester...fantastic job!

-Beau, unbelievably amazing Falstaff!! You are great.

-Lee, Oh, Lee, You will never cease to amaze me. Going from a very small Rosaline last year to the huge role of the King...you have really improved your already amazing talents and I can't wait to see what you pull out of your hat next year! I'm so super glad that we stayed in touch and got to hang out. Let's keep it that way.

-Austin, thank you for being you. You are just amazing. All around amazing! Northumberland took a whole new turn with you. :)

-Caroline, You are such a sweetie pie! :) I loved the apron..haha. Great job today! You are fantastic.

-Scott, Great work today. I love your work with the swords and our little talk durring lunch. "This side means sheild. This side means I'm going to kill you." :D

-Daniel, I love you! Defy Gravity tomorrow. <3

-Kaelah, Great job on remembering where you were supposed to be and your lines and everything today. I'm proud. :D

-Victoria, You make such an amazing Lancaster! I love you're dramatic change during the battle scene of almost screaming at Westmoreland. Keep that! :)

-Jasmine, you are such a cute little jumpy, springy Poins. :D You have so much energy and I love what you bring to the stage.

-Bellamy, I love yah girl. You make Peto almost seem like a blonde drunk..that's worse.. haha! I love Peto.

-Taylor, Great scene with Chamberlain. Bardolph is really amazing.

-Arya, You are such a sweetheart, and I love your enthusiasm as Vernon.

-Katie, Thank you so much for helping me this year on the song and stuff. You look amazing as both Lady Percy and Quickly. Can't wait to actually try to do your makeup..haha! Keep it up.

Saturday Cast (People not already mentioned):

-Colton, you are really hilarious! Glendower is now a crazy man and it's fantastic! :D

-Jake, you are so sweet and amazing and you really take this acting stuff seriously. I love your Hotspur, and you too have come such a long way from just last year. I hope you find a really amazing job in the theatre if that's what you want to do and I'm really gonna miss you next year, but I know you are onto bigger and better things. :) Maybe we can both be interns one year?

-Price, you are a quiet guy, and I like the fact that when you're on stage, noone would know that side of you. You put alot of energy into Northumberland, and I really enjoy that. :)

-Fronia, you are an amazing and intimidating Worcester. I'd be scared to be alone with you in a dark alley. *hides my money* haha. I love your passion for the theatre. You are a really great person.

-Hayley, your Falstaff is so energetic for a fat old drunk man and I think that's what makes him so amazing. Your Falstaff is so hysterical! I love your enthusiasm! and I could never be able to memorize all those lines..ever.

-Morgan, Your Hal's transformation from drunk to royal is almost magical. I love it! I love how this is your first play ever and you are already so into it. You are such a sweet girl, too. God, everyone's so nice! :D

Goodness, did I get everyone?! I hope I did!!!

Now, Ian...:D

Ian, you are the most talented, smart, enthusiastic and passionate director I have ever worked with. You always know what you're talking about even if we don't. :P I love this conservatory, and I love you as a director. I'd love to see you as an actor someday. Tell me when you're doing a play in the future! I'd love to come see it! You are so amazing, and if it weren't for your amazing talent and skill and passion for theatre, I would never be the actor I am today. You have taught me so much these past two years that I never would have known had it not been for Burning Coal. Because of you, I am now onto bigger, huger things, even! I'm applying for a Broadway Musical Theatre Conservatory in the fall, and I'm auditioning for several plays in the next upcoming months. (If you ever need young actors, would you please give me a call so I can audition, btw?) I thank you for everything I have ever learned. I never took acting seriously until I came here. You have taught me so much. This is my passion. And when I am in Broadway up on stage with lights surrounding me for the closing song of opening night for my first play, I will be thanking you for pushing me to be up there in the first place. I love you, Ian! <3

Everything and everyone is so amazing here, and I am absolutely looking forward to next year. I hopefully will be seeing some of you next year as well, as it may be my last year, (I really would only be coming next year for the play because the classes go on repeat pretty much after your second time here..), But I'd do anything for another lecture on Auditioning and Uda Hagen anyday. I learn such valuable stuff on stage and off here, and this is by far the best cast I have ever been in. I love you guys so much! God, now I'm crying..haha. I really love you guys, and I hope that one day I will see each and every one of you on Broadway or in the movies, because I know that you are ALL capable of being there, and doing whatever you want to do, being whoever you want to be.. but most importantly, being you.

Peace, Love, Happiness, and Luck for the show tomorrow.

Taylor Danielle Raya Shumate,

BLUNT

Day Thirteen

Gorramit, I missed yesterday's post.

So starting yesterday, I felt like things were coming together. The knife-throwing exercise seemed to help quite a bit, and helped the show a lot.

The run-throughs so far have been quite good, in my opinion.

The Helen Keller game today was very funny.

The tech rehearsal went way better than expected. I continue to be amazed how well the whole show is coming together.

And This Is How Tech Week Should Feel

Not like tech week at all. Everyone else is just doing it wrong.

Quote of the Day:
"What is it with Jesus and zombies?!"

UM. Can I say that's the first time I've ever played the Helen Keller Game? Last year I watched in awe and terror. This year my arm went up without me. And then I became the brain. Braiiinnnssss. It was... surprisingly, really fun. It was easier than I imagined. (I can't see half the time anyway). But... I really felt almost scared for my Hands. Like, I was sitting there, half worried that Ian would repeat the stunt he pulled last year and run around the room, and half worried that I was going to hurt my Hands. It also, surprisingly, got me incredibly connected with the space. It was like... I was trying to visualize everything as a 3D game. I was incredibly aware of everything, including sounds (which is why I freaked when I heard footsteps and hadn't said anything to my hands, because I automatically thought Ian was on the run :D) and just... a weird hyper-awareness of how close everything was to everything else (it doesn't help I am the worst at trying to judge distance with my mind).

I'm getting more less scared of situations I cannot control. Which is good.

So, opening in two days, kinda makes me nervous as all crap. Mostly because I really don't like trying to hear everything from the VOM doors when I can't open them more than a hair. :D

Okat, everyone. Now's the time to crack some whips (or broadswords?) and pull out the stops. SHOWTIME!

Stopping Ian's Shenanigans,
Austin of Northumberland

Third to last day.

Well, today was OK. Not going to lie, it was somewhat dull to watch the play; however, it was AMAZING to see it finally take form. Also, the broadswords kind of help!
Some amazing things today: Hellen Keller game, Cameron without a sword, and Beau.

SHOUTOUTS!

I really feel the need to do this. Savannah and I had a misunderstanding today, so I just want to say what an AMAZING job she's doing. If you watch me while she's onstage, you'll see a look on my face that reveals an inferiority complex. She's doing an AMAZING job as Hotspur, one that I can only hope to rival.

Secondly, Cameron. I never noticed it until today, but you never break character. This is a hard thing to do when jackets are biting you and you're supposed to kill Hotspur with a riding crop.

And Beau... you know what, screw it. I've complimented you enough. Haha



Everyone else, great work today. I'm looking forward to our last two days together.

Ominous Red Light...

Let me just say that the battle scene was incrdibly intense and epic today. The music, the killings, the fighting, the red light... My heart was racing and I felt like I was in the midst of battle!!! Awesomeness!

Anywho... everyone was amazing. The show seemed to go smoothly. Everyone did amazing remembering their lines. Kudos to Falstaff, Hal, and Hotspur for just... well... remembering?... being awesome?... that just kinda sums it up. Cam's killer jacket that would not release him was hilarious. It was soooo hard keeping a straight face... which I failed at...

Can't wait til tomorrow. No more calling line!!! D:
Just kidding... (Sort of...)

Leah (Lee)

TIM the Sword

Before I start my post, I'd like to be a little meany and say that the tan handled sword is mine and i call it!!!! :) His name is Tim, and he is my buddy. :D

Ok, So three things that made me smile:

I really REALLY love the music choises!! Blitzkrieg bop is on of my favorite songs EVER! and The war music..holy God! INTENSE!

Eyes, Brain, and Hands exercise

We have one more day till opening night.... AAAHHHH!!! :)

Three things that made me laugh:

Hellen Keller Game.

"What's that sound? Oh, the tangent train."

"Algebra. Origin, Alhebra!" "Hey, you're an uncle. The Origin? My wife."

Three things that made me almost pee myself:

Peto's "dead" sneeze

Hal and the riding crop. GIVE THE POOR GUY A SWORD!

Falstaff's honor speech

Love you guys! The show is really coming together!

<3,

BLUNT

All right, so i haven't been on in a while. But, I HAD to share this Hellen Keller joke... :)

Friends, loved ones, and... dinners.

FRIENDS

You guys are the best thing i have had in my life. You are actually...HUMANS! We are like... a family. Together we get through everyday issues and not only are we a cast but we are a therapy session. HAHA. Some of you will know what i mean by this. I have enjoyed every moment with each and every one of you. Study those lines, be commited, dont give up, and just... believe.

LOVED ONES

without your parents, you wouldn't probably be at Burning Coal so take this moment in time and go give them a huge HUG and tell them that you love them. I know i needed too! My parents do a lot for me and i dont always thank them so remember to do that.

DINNERS

So! why is this one a cool pretty awesome color? its the most important. WHERE ARE WE EATING? thank you~


Welsh welsh welsh,

Lil. Gingy

Ok, pretty good day overall. The show looked great from the audience and the pre-show looked awesome. I was excited that we finally got to use the swords! The Helen Keller game was very........ interesting. I've developed scrapes on my knees from crawling around on the floor trying to find the clamps! I can't wait for tech rehearsal with the Saturday cast tomorrow!-Liv

Whoops! Haven't posted in a while!

Sorry about forgetting to blog! It seems all I have time to do when I get home is memorize lines and work on the welsh song.

But!

I am glad the play is coming together! I think today we get to use costumes so it should be interesting.

Things I've learned in the past couple of days...

Auditioning shouldn't be scary... it's not actually a test of your acting ability.
People who cry on spot are aliens.
Never talk to an invisible person in a chair... this also makes you an alien.
Always ALWAYS carry energy through to the end of the line.
Improv can always be connected to stage acting in one way or another.
Rachel and the improv dude have a connection via biting :P
People aren't as bad as you think they are (personality wise) (:
and to just have fun on stage.

<3,
Katie

Getting Close

And everything is getting so much more entertaining.

Quote of the Day:
"Bring me things I can hug. /beat/ NOT JAKE."

You know we love you, Jake, we really really do. And I'm always your daddy.

So, the one thing my slightly frazzled mind can distinctly remember right now, besides a not quite as poop run, is that I get a bowtie. Bow ties are cool.

<3 You All

Broadswords, FINALLY,
Austin of Northumberland

Blog

I'm so hyped. I'm so hyped. Please, I actually legit do not like the fat suit. I... please don't make me wear it.

Kirk out.

YAY

Full runthrough with both casts with less poop! :) I really have nothing to say except today was awesome. It was great work!

Swords?!?! Where are thou?!?!?!

Wow... so close to the end. Ok, not going to look at it that way. Awesome work these past three days. (Seeing how I didn't post yesterday or Friday...) Anywho, this is gonna be a tad bit of a short post cause I found out something highly irritating and depressing... But that's not important.

I love working with all of you! It's gonna actually kinda suck going back home... Anyways, everyone is doing amazing work and I can't wait to see the final project. Love you all!!!!

Leah (Lee)

Pink Tights and Plenty of Props

Today was pretty good. as usual a lot of hilarious stuff happened that would get you killed in many dictatorships, but it does not need to be discussed here. i have learned a lot of stuff and had a lot of fun; etc... Skipping that, i always find it amazing how nonlinearly preparing for a show really is. it always seems that the bulk comes to be in the last few days or weeks, but always in a proportion where you barely think there is a chance of being ready in time, but you always do. This play certainly is no exception. Also, i personally think Rowan Atkinson is one of the greatest people of all time hence this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsBi6kmUS98

Day Eleven

Today was good. I learned a ton from the audition stuff in the morning. I think that'll help me a lot in the future.

I thought this afternoon's run was O.K.. If this is what you guys call abysmal, I am amazed.

Things started to look even better as soon as we started polishing. I am very optimistic.

In other news, I tried very hard to time "I can call spirits from the vasty deep" to sync up with thunder, to no avail. Alas.

Let me give you some advice...

Lookie there! My third blog post ever! haha sorry about that, I have been unimaginably busy.

SO. I definitely learned BUNCHES this morning. I was like a happy little kindergarten-er that just learned all of her colors haha MEANING that I like exploded with all of the information I learned at my parents (: I really cannot wait to put all of those new things into practice in future auditions.

Just in case no one knew, I did not actually come in memorized this morning, but as of 10:40 this evening, I am fully memorized (: but that doesn't mean that I am spot-on, solid, and confident on stage (unless pacing around my kitchen counts as a stage..). I am truly excited to be doing my first full run through the show tomorrow (especially since it is my first full run through anything ever..).

I really love all of the chemistry that is developing on stage as a result of the camaraderie amongst all of us (: It really adds that much more to the show. And being off book (speaking to those who were on stage today and Friday), your performances looked FANTASTIC when you were able to use your hands and make more contact with those around you. It's really showing the relationships betwixt characters and helps people watching understand the general idea of what you're saying, even if the words don't.

I have invited so many people to come see the show.. I even invited all of my high school English teachers! But that makes me beyond nervous because I'm kind of terrified that I will not be fully prepared for the show. But whatever, I guess that's just pre-show nerves.

Well, I am actually going to go get a good full night's rest for the first time since this all started! Good night all (:

~Morgan <3

Obsession.

So....I may confess I learned a few things in the audition workshop today. A lot of things. Basically, I realized I was doing the stereotypical actor route. Way to go, Arya. Way to go.

But, lately, I've legitimately looked up every single acting company and a BUNCH of monologues. I mean, I've never really been "that theater girl", but, hey, being that theater girl doesn't sound bad. Especially when acting is ridiculously weird and fun and tests your limits to no end.

Happy almost birthday Fronia!

Blog

No time to blog, I'm working on my lines.

Kirk out

chillin with lee

:)

Three things that made me smile:

full run without stopping

memorizing lines

they are looking to see if you are a human being.

Three things that made me laugh:

Mac and cheese

the nurse crazy girl

ian's dances

Three things that made me almost pee myself:

Jake's random shirtless moment in the dressing room

"So, we have stripper music? Okay, no stripper music..."

Old men outside.

Minirant:

it rained. AND I CANT GET MY DRAWING OF SAVANNAH RIGHT!!! :((((

love yall

BLUNT

Life gets in the way of blogging

Hey all.
Sorry I have slacked on blogging. My life has been so crazy between birthday things and my brothers engagement!
-----------------------

I really enjoyed Thursday and Friday. Improv things are always really great to me, and I thought that all the exercises were incredibly worthwhile.
The costume parade was so fun! It's always interesting to see how everyone will look when all the costume elements come together.
---------------
Today was a good day. I thought all the info given about auditioning made me much more aware of what I need to focus on in all types of auditions. It also made me feel good to know Ian didn't hate me for forgetting my monologue the first audition!
-------------------
TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

We're In The Final Stretch

And yes, while it's time to buckle down and get stuff done, it's also almost time to be sad.

Quote of the Day:
"Let me give you some advice: Don't do that."

So, audition stuff is always helpful. Kinda sad I can't use any of Hamlet's monologues because I do love them (and him) so very much. Oh well, I can turn to Iago and Falstaff for my classicals instead, luckily.

The run today was poop. Beautiful, beautiful poop. Think of it like this: because we had poop today, 1) we have nowhere to go but up, and 2) it's less likely we'll have a poop day Friday or Saturday.

Also, for those that want to know, yes, technically I was LARPing this weekend. Thank you, Jake.

<3 You All

Friends With The Ladder of Death,
Austin of Northumberland

Day Ten

I cannot believe we are almost done. The show opens in less that a week.

I simultaneously feel as if the program has just begun, and as though I've known you all for months. It's a very strange feeling.

Back to reflecting:

Everything we did Friday worked pretty well. I was glad to see everyone was pretty much completely off-book, so we'll have a lot more room to play with all the scenes now, and the show already looks good. I'm amazed by what's been produced, especially in so short a time.

Improv stuff was solid. I like that he gave people motives, rather than traits, which tied things back to acting well.

That's about it. Everyone is still doing fantabulously.

you really should

everyone... should.... go .... see.... Hairspray.

EVENT

My short and sweet post.

The goal of this post is to be short and sweet. I'm getting nostalgic and sad, so let me just say (type) this so I can avoid crying at the end of the conservatory.

This will most likely be the last year I do STC, both for financial reasons and simply for the fact that I feel I must move on. I SINCERELY want to work with Burning Coal in the future, either as an actor or as an intern. But, as of this moment, it would be incredibly difficult to pull off another summer of STC. This being said, STC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The first year, it showed me a world that I had never been introduced to before. It opened my eyes to the amazing people and performances that can be found anywhere you go. It taught me the fundementals of acting, and basically prepared me for my freshman year.

This year was different. I came in having some confidence and (a miniscule amount of) skill. I already knew some people, including Ian. I think this is what made the difference. Coming in this year with some sort of platform and a fun role, I was able to learn so much more than I could last year. This summer was by far the best. I made some friends that I will never forget, and I memorized more than I ever thought possible. I learned amazing skills that will help for future auditions and roles, and I learned of new acting oppurtunities that I would have never considered. All in all, I don't know how I'm ever going to leave Raleigh.

And this is a week early. And I'm rambling. And you've probably stopped reading. I just really felt the need to get this off of my chest. These past two weeks have been amazing, heart wrenching, and soul searching. I love you all, and I look forward to our last week together.

Yours always,

Jacob McHugh

We Open In One Week

I forgot what number day it is.

Quote of the Day:
"This is why you don't mess with calls, or this bitch."

Now, I gotta say, I really loved watching you all do the improv. Only half glad I didn't get up there. Improv terrifies me when I have no idea what's going on. ...Which is really counter intuitive.

I did work on the song when I got home, and I'm almost done with the first drawing! The hard part is nearly over. Well, that and finding a lightbox. :D

Besides that, today was fun. Monday is going to be also fun, even if it's poop.

<3 You all,

Today Was Gay Friday (Again),
Austin of Northumberland

FRIDAY!!!

Today was amazing!

Three things that made me smile:

My creations (Poins, Bardolph, Peto, Quickly)

Ian saying that Quickly's outfit looked whoreish.. (That was my first day of school outfit!!!)

Savannah as Hotspur...

Three things that made me laugh:

Peto is friggin adorable!!! :) I'm proud.

Random Lunch convos...

THEATRE KISSES!! :)

Three things that made me almost pee my pants:

IMPROV!

Noone wanting to do an improv with Rachel (love you!)

NOONE MESSES WITH THIS BITCH!!! -Ian Finley

Minirant:

I HATE THIS WELSH SONG!!!!

That is all.

Blunt.

Oh my god.

So I was watching "Entourage" and i realized that Ari Gold has a repeating gesture. I'm 99% certain that it is a technique. I mean....he's won like 5 emmy's. Awesomeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

kirk out

LOVELY.

Okay. So, in the words of a very very dear acting teacher of mine, "And you don't mess with this (insert inappropriate word)"

It just had to be done.

First of all, I loved viewpoints the other day. It really made me feel like the character so so much more. But, meisner isn't really my jam. And improv! Ah. It's so much harder than it looks. I didn't actually get a chance to try it, but it just looks so. Confusing. And, Andy, I loved your cookies. You're the bomb.

Also, I'm proud for all of you line-memorizers! Way to be on top of things. Also, Jake, I'm sorry for calling you a cocky jerk. You're only a slightly cocky jerk (: (I say this with love, of course) AND I promise I'm giving you a hug on Monday. Promise.

Also, should I bring brownies Monday? I feel like I should. I definitely feel like I should.

And, Savannah, can I call you sometime this weekend to work on the song-y thing? Or maybe monday morning or during lunch or something? Cause I would love you. Even more.

ALSO. Shoutout to Beau and Cameron. You two are like. An acting couple. You work SO well together onstage, and your way of responding to each other is lovely. Way to go.

Day Nine

Day Nine seems like way too far to be already.

Good day. I liked the viewpoints work. I feel like one of my favorite things about learning at STC is that time constraints mean we learn the very best of everything, and then can pursue it on our own.

The Status Game was quite enjoyable, despite nearly having my arms torn from my body. Again, we have the perfect group for those sorts of games.

I have noticed that I spend an absurd amount of time on stage and not moving. I am amazed how difficult this is.

I'm still terrified that we're behind schedule, but we're less behind schedule now, so that's a plus.

Overall, another fantastic day.

Past Few Days

SO, I haven't been blogging because I've been really busy and on top of that trying to memorize, but I keep getting stuck in a runt, becuase the two scenes in the middle of the play that I am in are DEADLY. SO, I won't be off book today, and I have a lot to do over the weekend, but thats okay, because I have a lot more free time over the weekend then during the week.

The last few days have been pretty good, I'm kicking myself for not doing Viewpoints earlier. ROAR. I do that before the first rehearsal of all the shows I'm in and I'm just mad that I didn't do that earlier because it really helped.

As of yesterday, and the work we did out into the lobby, I finally started feeling more like Falstaff!!! I think before I just didn't have anything to connect to him with, and I was so focused on more material things, that I wasn't really allowing myself to get to know the character.

Also, I LOVE MEISNER, and i've done it before, and this just confirms the fact that I need to do more of it, because I think that it is the best way for me personally to act.

I LOVE U GUYS!!! yayaya. Everything is coming together.

Loved loved loved today. I literally cannot comprehend how much I'm learning. It is a crying shame, because it's all so awesome. So quick recap of the day (and past days): the vocal excercises on Tuesday were super awesome, and helped me understand how much delving into the language with Shakespeare creates a character for you. Very interesiting, and I was extremely excited about it becuase it really clicked in at least one way. Wenesday:also super awesome because of cursing guy, whose name I don't remember. And I feel so bad about that! because he was a brilliant teacher/director. Loved him! Plus he gets like million brownie points for being in love with Helena Bonham Carter as well. She is my hero. So that day was all about reacting honestly on stage, along with many many other acting techniques and directing tips, we heard from the man himself who trained under Meisner. So much to learn. I must admit rehearsal wore me out Monday through Wenesday, so please excuse me if I was not up to energy these past days. My sincerest apologies. Anyway, today, I felt much much better, and also like it was the best day I have spent at Burning Coal yet. Though of course last week was amazing too. New stuff always gets me energized and polishing those first scenes gave me a huge challenge to work with, utilizing all the tools we have learned about so far. Plus... lunch was ridiculous today. And awesome. Please also excuse my shameful lack of creative adjectives. I am supremely tired.
One more thing I wanted to mention! This is one of the things that came to mind about what we talked about today: Viewpoints. I found this discussion extremely helpful for creating a character, and I will most certainly utilize it in the future. Anyway, the video following is one of my favorite characters... and actors... ever. He has a repeated gesture! that's two things right there that most certainly stood out for me about his character. It is one of the reasons I adore this particular actor's creation so much. Those little details that just add so much reality to the story.
1:28 is when David Tennant plays Barty Crouch Jr., and adds this small gesture with his tongue to make him completely insane. He is also shown breifly in the second video at 2:24 and repeats the same gesture. The differences in his physicality are remarkable. Links below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEWQ3AXrgI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC_jddH_0MI

I Got Into Theatre So I Wouldn't Have to Deal With Numbers... Counting...

Thank you all for an amazing birthday. This is my second year celebrating at Burning Coal. Last year I didn't say anything the day of, but a certain someone *cough cough* Taylor *cough cough* posted a happy bday message on the blog. This lead to me being sung to and tackled by thirty people. At the same time...

This year, I was hoping to say it and be done with it. Oh, well. Maybe next year...

Anywho... Awesome day. Great polishing. Hopefully I won't fail so miserably in my fall during the battle scene. ((I kinda tripped when I fell one of the times we were running it and it knocked the air out of me... So yeah...)) You guys were awesome, as always. Loved today, as always. I keep thinking that it's gonna feel so wierd to go home after the thirtieth and not wake up and spend six hours at Burning Coal...

Ok, don't think about that. Take each day at a time.

Be off-book tomorrow!!! *crosses fingers*

Love you all, thanks for an awesome sweet 17!!
Leah (Lee)

WE WON!!!

Sorry, I had to title that because we won our swim meet....

Well, I'm not going to do my usual three things thing just because I'm soooooo tired.. I had 9 events tonight. So, goodnight everyone! I LOVE YOU ALL!! :)

And Rachel, I forgive you, and I hope you like your graphic, Savannah, you too. :)

-BLUNT

Vamping up (;

SO yes... i love to be a vampire... im sorry for the bite Taylor... and the smack Savannah... okay okay so i admit i'm violent... big surprise. haha

ANYWAYS.

I just want to get the chance to thank all of you.

I view you guys as a family, a family where i can tell anything and everything too. YES BE AFRIAD!

Which in other casts ive been in, we haven't been as close... so i highly thank you all for putting up with me~ (:

Its been a great fantastic time with you all.


Love always & forever,

Vampire Rachel Lauren.

Tempted To Title This

Baby Touching. But look, I didn't. :D

Quote of the Day:
"Ian, how do you feel about dead babies?"

First off, viewpoints. I love doing viewpoint work. It makes up my three favorite things to play with in a scene: viewpoints, proximity and levels. :D /nerd

AND THEN LUNCH HAPPENED. Man, I love it when those kinds of lunches happen, because it really presents how close we've become in a week and a half. I didn't know you nine days ago. NINE. Do you see that number? NINE DAYS and we're already on the Dead Baby jokes, and there was NO OFFENSE TO BE HAD!

Also, gotta say, I loved rehearsal today. Working sans script the first time is my favorite because, well, I always tend to have this issue of "what am I doing with my hands" because if I don't plan it, they sort of... gesture vomit. All the time. So it's interesting for me to see what my hands come up with that first time they're free and then role with it.

And improv games tomorrow! Hopefully I'll hop up there more than I did last year. Improv games give me a very mild sensation of terror. Very mild.

OPEN IN A WEEK YOU GUYS.

I Didn't Mean To Touch the Throne
Austin of Northumberland

Touching babies.... dead babies....

Sorry, Ian, I HAD TO DO IT! At least, if you get fired from Burning Coal, you'll get a job writing for some TV show. In fact, I think there's a show on MTV coming out called "Touching Babies." It airs right after Skins.

Haha, in case the title didn't piss Ian off enough, I won't be memorized by tomorrow. Sorry everyone. I'm really trying, but I'm just not there yet.

Well, today was awesome. I thorougly enjoyed the notes and exercises in the morning. I feel like I'm really starting to resemble Hotspur.

As for polishing, today was interesting. I feel good about my performance on stage; however, the lobby was a different story. Andy and I just don't mesh while rehearsing. So, once again, sorry for getting a little flustered at points.

I'm really excited to see what becomes of this. I'm enjoying working with all of you! And since Peace College just turned co-ed, there's a chance I can keep visiting Burning Coal! lol


- The Second Hottest Hotspur,
Jake McHugh

day8

success.

way to go guys, we rock.
so I'm going to be perfectly honest, I loved the stuff we did with Ian today; it actually proved itself to be very helpful.

what sucks is that my dislexia gets in my way a lot during the afternoon rehearsals and memorizing is just SO freaking hard for me to do, I'm doing pretty well but unfortunately I won't be off book by tomorrow like I wanted to. I know I have till monday.. but still. oh well.

hope everyone is well.
I guess thats all I have to say.
love love love,
savannah leigh thorne.

Day Eight

Today went quite well. John Gulley was fantabulous, and I really liked his approach to character, which I think I've been told quite a few times before, but it just now clicked, and that was wonderful. I expected more cursing, but it was made up for by the sheer number of hilariously awkward moments.

The Subway Game was one of those wonderful exercises I've been anticipating since I met the people in this program. Upon meeting them, I was positive improv would be incredibly magical, and I was not disappointed.

I am oh-so-very happy we have finished blocking. My once-perpetual terror at the lack of time in which to produce this show is beginning to fade.

I Now Can't Wait For College

Because seriously, John Gulley is going to be in my circle of directors for the next four years (or plus some). :D

Quote of the Day:
"You're a jerk!"

So, as I exuberantly told John before he left, YOU MADE MEISNER FUN. I am always, always, ALWAYS surprised that he can take that exercise and take the mild sense of torture out of it. Having had... rather interestingly mind numbing experiences with Meisner (not bad, acting exercises are never bad, just... painful :D) I have this inability to like Meisner. And then John Gulley pokes my brain and says NOPE SORRY, YOU'LL LOVE IT NOW OKAY. And I obey. Because he has half of my soul already and as soon as I pay tuition, he's got the rest of it.

But yes. It's even more interesting and strangely helpful to WATCH other people repeat. To see what are the marks of being in one's head so as to avoid it.

AND THEN THE SUBWAY GAME HAPPENED. And personal space was forgotten in the name of PETMEPETMEPETME! I love that game, so so so much. I think that is my favorite improv game ever.

OH YEAH and there's the fact that we finished blocking? Yes. Rather spectacular. Beautiful.

Oh, and the Welsh song. Wherein I realized practicing is rather hard when you can't read treble cleft. Ahahahaaa....eugh. /learned to read bass cleft instead OTL.

Also, new interpretation: Henry IV is Lord of the Rings.

Austin of Northumberland

BUSY = No Blog Time

This week has been insanely busy for me! Monday night I babysat two adorable kiddos until 10:30, yesterday I had a birthday dinner, and then tonight I went to Chapel Hill and Durham! 

But I know that if I didn't just suck it up and type I never would!

__________________________________

MONDAY:

I was really disappointed with Mrs. Drakes altogether. 

On Monday, we warmed up for half of the morning. I'm all for warming up- I'm an OCD vocal warm-upper. On my 30 min ride  to the theatre, I am doing vocal warm ups the entire time. My body is something that I don't warm up quite as rigorously. Since I run a lot, my body is generally pretty ready to go with about a 5 minute stretch (it's been proven if you run about 10 miles a week it isn't terribly beneficial to stretch a great deal). So to warm up and "get acquainted to the space" for an hour seemed WAY redundant. 

And what does "get used to the space" REALLY mean? We've been working there for a week and a half, I'm pretty sure our minds and bodies are well aware of where we are. If it isn't, then I don't think there's much you can do for that except seek medical attention ASAP.

Then we did MORE breathing. My goodness, the breathing! I understand the importance, believe me, as an asthmatic and a singer, I definitely get it. But I think we got the basics of breathing. 

Then we did the word by word thing. My GOD how that dragged. I get doing motions for the important parts, but every SINGLE word? And yes, I get that "you have to know every little part of what you're doing," but at the same time after a million times, I think one ought to focus more on the big picture. I'm sure the audience won't mind if you aren't intimately connected with very OF, THAT, A, AN, and AND. 

AFTERNOON:

IAN!!!!!! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! The afternoons are always so wonderful to me. Yes, blocking is tedious as ever, but I love watching a show come to life. It's like a huge puzzle that never seems to fit, but once you get the sides done a a few little patches, you can almost see the picture it will be come. and it's so thrilling to watch and be a part of. This cast is absolutely amazing... it blows my noggin every day!

________________________________

TUESDAY:

Ok,listen up. If you're gonna ask for honest opinions, for the love of Pete, PLEASE be ready and don't get offended. 

At no point was anyone rude about anything. I've seen sassy and mean. Heck, I've BEEN the sassy and mean one. At no point during feed back did I see that. But everyone was in general agreement about the redundancy of the previous morning. 

But when you get this uncalled for attitude about "and just cause you think you can breathe and sing doesn't mean you can breathe and act" and "You need every single word if you're going to be an actor" and "Well since you all KNOWWW how to warm up, do it yourselves"..... Well obviously I'm going to shut off and shut down. 

Maybe it's a flaw in my not having thick skin, but I hate it when people start getting rude when there isn't  a warrant for it. I immediately close down, emotionally and physically. I don't respond well to that type of behavior. 

And as far as singers not knowing all about breathing? I'd love to compare an opera singer's breathing apparatus compared to hers. I'm sure there would be no competition. 

And I LIKED warming up by myself. I know my body better than anyone, so I know what I need to get limbered up for the day.

And what was with the snarky "I didn't see any of y'all getting acquainted to the space"...

I just spend 10 minutes on the floor stretching and BREATHING , I think I'm very much acquainted, thank you very much. 

And what was with the whole laughing at us when we raised our hand and saying we wanted to be actors? Seriously? who are you to judge whether or not we can be actors? I'm sorry- where is your Oscar, Emmy, or Tony award? hmm?

Who's surprised at how caustic I can be? (and believe me, this was edited and watered down). 

I did like going over the monologue by myself, but at the same time, I would have much rather performed it at least with one other person. I get the repetition of a word, but at the same time, I don't want to mutter to myself over and over for an hour. I do that enough in the privacy of my bedroom. I think it would have been much more beneficial to have someone else listen and give constructive feedback, at least for a FEW minutes.

MONDAY AND TUESDAY: not happy mornings for Fronia. 

AFTERNOON: Again, I just love watching the blocking, especially when Olivia is Worcester. I love the way she delivers her lines and carries herself. It is amazing to watch someone else play the same character and the conscious and unconscious differences. There are some lines that she delivers and I'm like "oh, WOW I never thought of it that way!" and "That was spot on..."

It's like watching WICKED with different Elphabas! 

 I don't know exactly how she is playing her Worcester, but for my it is a bit out of my normal range. 

I have played sassy, slightly disturbed, and "spritely", but I have never played a scheming, cunning, and sensual person before. As a person who generally chills out in shorts and hoodies, playing this character who is obviously always in control and always seen and heard is a very new experience. 

Truth be told, It's very challenging. It's helping my self-esteem though, saying those things to the King. :) 

________________________________________

TODAY!:

FINALLY! An instructor I REALLY enjoyed! I loved everything John said! 

I loved the idea of repeating and seeing things spontaneously... That is such a wonderful and valuable tool for acting! I know I have been in show situations when people have just dropped lines and flubbed and I've just had to keep on trucking in character! and bless those people who have helped me recover when i've messed up!

I loved John's humor, too. It's exactly like my "Daddy Darius" so it was nice to have a lil bit of home in the lesson. 

I liked the idea of a read through being a first impression- no acting with preconceived notions, just raw responses from what you're given.

And the staging this afternoon. WOW that was intense! it was amazing to be a part of that fight scene... the fast pace and physicality of it all was outstanding!

I am amazed at how Ian's mind works... the battle is genius!

____________________________

Well that is all for my ranting. Sorry if any part of this seems rude, but hey, it is the truth, and I'm not going to sugar coat it! ;) 

Rwy'n meddwl y byddwn yn hytrach yn y cartref

Fro

No! That's the problem!!!

Loved the subway exercise today. We finished blocking!!! YAAAAAYYY!!!!! Can't wait to do improv tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll get to do the full run-through with real swords. *hint hint to Ian*

Sorry, this post is so short. It's, like, 10:30 as I'm posting this and I'm almost brain-dead from everything today. Anyway, love you all, can't wait til tomorrow.

That is all. Beam me up, Scottie.
Leah (Lee)

Reflection begins: now.

Enjoyed: John Gulley telling me not to use my brain after I took my new ADD meds this morning. Great.

Actually enjoyed: John Gulley.

Also: Hotspur is a sexy animal. Also: no, I'm not referring to Savannah... If you catch my drift...

Kirk out

Fed up

I typed a nice, long blog today, and the Blogger website ate it. I give up. I'm going to go memorize.

Blunt's finally dead!!!

FINALLY I GOT TO DIE!! :)

Three things that made me smile today:

Death (that sounds REALLY deep and dark, does it not?)

Lunch

The fact that I am intimidated by Savannah and her awesome singing skills that I was paralized to silence when we were singing the welsh song...

Three things that made me laugh today:

John Gulley

The fact that the tape on the ceiling is my new friend.

Savannah's fail of a dying scream....haha

Three things that made me almost pee my pants:

Lee and me randomly singing Had enough at lunch, and the look on Daniel's face when I directed "greedy little bastard" to him. haha love you!!!!

Falstaff's girly scream and die.

Subway game.

ONE THING THAT SCARED THE DEATH OUT OF ME!

Rachel biting me. I did NOT expect that... *girly whine* all i wanted was to know what comes after V!!!! *cries and runs away* haha. but really, My mom did ask me what happened to my neck and i told her I got bit by a Ginger and that tomorrow I will have red hair. We then proceeded to quote the line "Gingers have no souls" Which worked for this moment...haha. But Rachel, I know you didnt mean to really bite me, and I forgive you and I was laughing the whole time. Lol I love you!! :P

Over all today was excellent. John Gulley was amazing.

Love all,

Taylor.

day8

so I forgot to post on day 7 ((yesterday)) because I'm a failure at life. I'M SO SORRY.

so, how goes it for today? well it goes pretty well.
I loved our guest today, he was pretty much amazing. I think what REALLY got me was how much he stressed getting OUT of yourself and just reacting with impulse.
I really enjoyed the statement: "God created life so that actors would have some material to work off of."that is brilliant.

UHM HEY WORLD WERE DONE BLOCKING <3 yay team and the fans go wild!!
I really enjoyed working today, it was fun and even though I hate that I'm still ON book I feel hopeful that I MAY just MIGHT be able to pull off being off book by Friday ((fingers crossed))

so yeah. I guess that about wraps it up for me today.
PEACE AND HAPPINESS,
savannah leigh thorne.

7 Is For The Harry Potter Movies Ian Hasn't Seen

Unless it was that he saw two movies and read no books, but you get the gist.

Quote of the Day:
"You've been moving like lobotomized sloths."

I really enjoyed today. (But you know I sort of enjoy every day?) Even when I was like, the only person who liked doing the word by word movement exercise from the day before. (I liked it because it was part group bonding, part speed thinking, part ensemble, part cohesion, and part linguistics. And a lot of flowing. :D) The mini warmup was nice just because I got to revisit my old volleyball warmup and it was like oh HEY muscles I forget I had how are youuuuu?

What really hit me was the other thing we did with the towels and the monologues. I didn't ever realize how... bitter Northumberland is toward the king. It's like... he's seen a lot of kings go by, and he's got this ideal of what a king is and what a friend is and it's like his speech is basically saying so HELP me god if you hurt my son for this NONSENSE you're breaking both of those and it's bitter and angry and protective and I gotta say I felt like Scar from the Lion King when I said it. Smiling through my hate.

....Mufasa.

Also, the introduction of DERBY means we're well on our way. :D

Yes I Did Dance Like Mark Cohen At Lunch,

Austin of Northumberland

Blog post.

I enjoyed our 30 second individual warmup sessions...that was cool. Really cool. Sans sarcasm, though, I enjoyed the centralizing exercise! That was great.

Short and sweet.

Kirk out

Henry IV in Hogwarts

*Welsh welsh welsh-welsh welsh welsh* (HP Song)

Today was an odd day. I learned something about my character and myself I never expected.

I wasn't prepared to open my self up THAT much to emotions and when I did a lot of insecurities and anxieties all of a sudden just poured out of me. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Anyways.

Great day

<3, Katie

P.S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y57sYHIDP_Y

Puberty hit you HARD!

I can't tell whether to be insulted or not.


Well, today was awesome. The text exercises in the morning truly made me question the very essence of Hotspur. Is he truly this cocky, jaded jerk? Or is it all a facade? Does Harry Percy need a hug?

But seriously, this was amazing. I plan on using this exercise on most scripts I perform from now on. It just allows you to go so much more in depth!

Blocking went well today. It seems like the longer the play goes on, the more angry and epic Hotspur gets. That works for me, and Ian doesn't mind me yelling, so STRAP IN!!!!
Also, I've devised a schedule that will have me fully memorized by Sunday. SO........ yeah.


And on one, final, sappy note, I'd like to thank all (most) of you for making this a pleasant experience. You've been so wonderful, welcoming, fun and talented! I'm looking forward to our final product, but I will miss all of you. I've already learned so much, and this experience has been invaluable. I really hope that I can somehow return to Burning Coal in some fashion after this. (student, actor, unpaid intern....director (that's right Ian, I'M AFTER YOUR JOB!!!))

Well, I'll see you all tomorrow. Adeui. O, let the hours be short, till the fields and groans and blows applaud our sport!!!

Day Seven

Today went well. I think today's exercises in the morning went really well. I feel like yesterday's stuff built towards today's, and without seeing the end result, the stuff we did yesterday didn't seem super useful. The text work we did today seemed to show new aspects of a lot of people's characters, mine included.

I'm really starting to feel the incredible terror that comes with doing a show in such a short time span. Luckily, it's offset by my trench coat, eye patch, broadsword, staff, and Magic Eight Ball.

You are all still thoroughly wonderful. I am more amazed every day at what people manage to do.

New Interpretation... Mortimer is Voldermort....

AMAZING!!!! That is virtually the only word I can think of to sum up today. Renaming all the characters to Harry Potter people. Work this morning was awesome. I saw a new side to myself that I can definately use for Henry. Also, working on my lines a few minutes ago, I saw a new side to King Henry that surprised me. Can't wait to work tomorrow. Fight time!! It's going to be pretty rockin' tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll get all of the staging done and can start marching through full run-throughs. Can't wait!!!

Battle sequence.......GO!!!!!!!!
Leah (Lee)

Taylor Loves You All.

I want to take this moment to answer everyone's question of what the heck was wrong with me today...

Two major things happened.

1) I had a major flashback/panic attack. I'm not sure what triggered it, but immediately I was somewhere else having something terrible done to me over and over..It kept repeating, and no matter what Lee did to try to snap me out of it I was half in this world half not. That would by why I was walking around and feeling everything and Lee was asking me to name the people around me..It helps. So, Savannah, Sorry for like freaking out on you...

2) I'm partially schizophrenic, and when I get into those flashbacks...this voice comes and speaks to me and screams at me and yells at me telling me to hurt myself and do other stupid things repeating over and over that I'm nothing and nothing more than a brat who doesn't deserve but to relive that night over and over.

So yeah...that's what happened today. I'm sorry for that happening... I love you all and I hope you guys still love me..

Thanks for the hugs, Lee Austin Daniel and Savannah..

<3

Taylor

Jake, puberty hit you hard.

So. Today was pretty snazzy.

Starting off, I wasn't expecting anything amazing cause of the non-affect the other excersize had on me the other day, but today was ridiculous. So, I did Hamlet's soliliquiy. And, I wasn't really expecting to go up and do anything, but I figured, hey, why not. So I did, and I was super nervous, if you couldn't tell by me making her repeat herself like 50 bagillion times. Just being in front of all of you is really really intimidating. So many of you are so good!

But, I honestly didn't expect what happened to happen. It just came out, and it was weird, but it felt oddly right. Like I was supposed to be contemplating suicide. And, holy crap. It was one of the most terrifying experiences; like afterwards I was so shaky and teary-eyed and I was trembling. I guess I kind of see what Ian says that the actors need the bow to disconnect them from being someone else.

And, overall, I'm super happy to able to get all up in Douglas' grill. AH i'm so excited. I LOVE being mean. It's fantastic.

Toodloo

You know you're in STC when: -memories so far this year.

You know you're at Burning Coal if:

1) Babies are no longer people

2) You are frequently asked "do you wear feet?" and other random questions that make you feel uncomfortable.

3) "Choking Poins" is what they're calling it now.

4) Hotspur is either a Chihuahua, Helen Keller, Miss America, a drag queen, or a character in Harry Potter.

5) Falstaff has become Fartstaff.

6) The very word "Shakespeare" excites you to the point of dancing.

7) Cuddling on the stairs is normal

8) A what is a which and a which is a what. (what?)

9) Dr. Seuss is no longer a literary genus.

10) God has had mercy on your "Dumbass head".

11) Krispy Kreme has become a regular part of your diet.

12) Spit takes at lunch are just a normal part of the routine.

13) Your mancard gets taken almost every time you speak.

14) Bursting into song is expected and often encouraged.

15) Riding crops are a usual prop..it doesn't matter what play you're doing.

16) You climb the ladder of death and survive.

17) Randomly speaking in French is a way to get someone out.

18) You moan and scream at ceilings and moo at walls.

19) Macpants is the new name of the scottish play.

20) Jake hits on you at least once.

21) Molesting someone's face is a way to get to know them.

22) Whispering at the floor is a normal part of every day life.

23) Acting out every single word in a piece of text is a way to memorize something.

24) You apparently have enough lung power to blow a feather all the way home.

25) Something in a cup is no longer breakfast.

26) You realize that at least one time in your STC life, you're going to die.

27) You are put in Taylor's bad news corner.

28) The Diva Dressing Room is a scary place to be.

29) Drunk people are the star of the play.

30) You wonder if one day the police will be called on you.

31) You get a cookie for memorizing all your lines.

32) Your posts on the blog are often titled with the inside joke of the day.

33) You have inside jokes of the day.

34) You created the inside joke of the day.

35) The eye of Sauron is watching your every move..

36) There is nothing wrong with asking someone if they own a dildo.

37) Your sanity is on the brink of extinction.

38) You know for a fact that every single one of your cast members should or have already been in an insane asylum.

39) Your director's "imaginary twin" is actually a real person..

40) Scaring old people next door is fun.

41) You walk down the street reciting your lines because you want a cookie today.

42) You constantly are laughing to the point of almost peeing your pants.

43) You are accepted no matter what you are or who you love.

44) All of your friends are annoyed with you because they are jealous of your awesome inside jokes.

45) "Putting your paws up" is a regular thing.

46) You wake up at 6 AM eagerly to get there early to watch people awkwardly walk in the door.

47) You come every day ready for something new.

48) You love everyone and everyone loves you back.

49) You automatically had 24 new best friends when you walked in the door.

50) Whether the weather is cold, or whether the weather is hot, we'll be together, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not."

Day 6

Today was superb.

This morning wasn't too great because we just did a massive warmup for about half of the time and then we worked on memorizing. I guess the memorizing was alright, but I think I would have rather just spent time with actual acting, and getting more feedback on that, rather than memorizing stratagies and breathing/ relaxation.

The afternoon was good for me. It was really cool to see everything roughly tie together both in the set and in the scenes. I knew all the blocking when the other falstaff was on, and I have most of Falstaff's mini monologues memorized but I don't know when to say them. hahah. I need to work on the order. When I was Falstaff towards the end, I felt really connected to the character, which is hard for me in this part. Anywho, pumped for today!

9 Apathetic Diabetic Sympathetic Old Men on Roller Skates

Wow...today was...interesting. I learned a lot about how each word in Shakespeare has it's own meaning (even the littlest words that we never think about saying like "the"). Also the tongue twister with the hens and chickens and all sorts of crazy stuff has been stuck in my head.

I am so excited that the entire play is coming together (albeit it needs a touch of editing here and there)! I'm ready to get into costume so I can just be confident about these costume changes. Everyone is doing great with memorization but I'd like to give a special shout out to Beau and Cameron who were doing AMAZING at memorizing!

<3,

Katie

Day Six

Good day today. I think the stealth memorization exercises we did this morning were helpful. I liked seeing the exercise work before even really realizing what it was we were doing.

Also, I might get a staff and a broadsword and a trench coat. Today is a good day to be me.

I am under the impression that we are now a bit behind schedule. This terrifies me to no end.

1 Hen, 2 Ducks... No, wait, it's 6?

I'm totally posting this Monday night, promise! (I have an hour until Tuesday, shush.)

Quote of the Day:
"It's a donut! It's a very attractive donut, actually..."

So, the work this morning was fun. I've always known I rock when I'm trying to be still and not focusing on my feet, but it surprised me how... well, how far I rocked. I nearly tipped over several times. (And it's not from lack of balance, it's just... my body simply hates to stop moving. If I'm not moving it invents ways to make me move, and I have no idea why...)

I'm still waiting for baited breath for the actual sword fighting (tomorrow?). Woooo. Also, Henry IV is totally Hogwarts. And if Hotspur is Draco, does that make me Lucius Malfoy?

<3 You all.

Lucius Malfoy of Northumberland

day 6

today was not my day.
I really wasn't at top performance at all, I'm not sure if it was a monday or if it just sucked but now I'm really ready to just put it behind me and have an awesome day seven.
peace and happiness,
savannah.

Regally Climbing Ladders

I just find that statement an oximoron. I've fallen off my fair share of ladders, so I'm trying to figure out how to climb it regally. That should be interesting... Anywho, today was awesome. Working with Danielle this morning. Going through staging this afternoon. All the feet question in the question game. Snuggling with my buddy on the stairs. Loved today. That's all I really have to say for today. Love you all. Can't wait til tomorrow. Learn my lines time!!!
Leah (Lee)

Weekend/monday

Soooo today was nice!

I liked:

being Falstaff again

I disliked:

The word-by-word exercise

Who am I

I am a friend of the prince, and a drunken person to myself.

What time is it?

It is too early to function, then it is time to knock some sense into Hal.

Where am I?

I am in my friend’s house

What surrounds me?

Partly cloudy with a chance of euphoria

What are the given circumstances?

I’ve been drinking since 11am the last day and I’ve been sleeping since 11pm last night. Hal has RUDELY awaked me. Now he won’t go thieving with me because he is a horrible person.

What is my relationship?

I am Hal’s friend and mentor

What do I want?

I want for Hal to steal with me.

What is the obstacle?

Hal is taking the moral high ground

How am I gonna get it?

I am going to convince hal that stealing is okay

How will I know when I get it?

Hal will agree to take purse with me

GOOD.

Sir Ian, Sir Ian, Sir Ian, GANDALF...