Last weekend I hosted Alyson Greenfield at my home. She is a singer/songwriter and composer. Alyson was gracious enough to co-teach a group songwriting lesson with some of my young students. We sat outside on a bench by the lake and had everyone observe their surroundings and write down anything that came to mind. We combined some of their phrases to write a little lyric story. Jack made us laugh when he observed the “army of geese” on the other side of the lake. Once everyone shared their observations it was clear that everything around us was simply existing without rules. The flowers allowed the wind to cause them to dance. The little patch of grass was its own universe. The sun and clouds created paintings and patterns. Life here, life here Don’t wait to be inspired or motivated. The stress of life replays in your head over and over while the world around you is alive and wants you to play. A little spark of imagination is all you need to give you a starting point for your lyrics.
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This spring I had the opportunity of being the student director of my high school’s drama club play. It was such a rewarding experience and a lot of stress and hard work. I am so thankful for being able to see the other side of a production. So, I have some advice to actors about how to stay on the director’s good side: 1. Be At All Rehearsals and Be FocusedLittle can get done without you. Every single rehearsal counts in making the production the best it can be. Most directors will try to let you know what days you are needed at rehearsals, but even if you aren’t being used be patient: run lines, choreography, songs. Always use rehearsal time to rehearse. It is okay to have fun, but don’t be distracted from the reason you’re there. 2. Write Down Your BlockingIt is just as important to memorize blocking, as it is lines. Directors spend a lot of time creating the movements of the production, so it is extremely important that the actors remember those movements. The blocking is the essence of a director’s vision. It is such a disappointment when important movement is lost in a scene. 3. Know Your Character and Make DecisionsIn casting, directors want the person that conveys their version of the character the best. Even if you do not have any lines or your lines do not convey much about your character, you must still know your character inside and out which might entail being creative with the backstory. The reason you need to know your character is that directors want to see your character come through in the choices you make as an actor. Subtle movement, voice dynamics, and the use of pauses are just a few examples of the choices an actor should be making throughout the production. If the director doesn’t like your choice he or she will tell you. 4. Be Off-Book ASAPEverything runs smoother when the actors know their lines. It is so much easier to get the sense of a scene when the actors aren’t looking down at their script every other line. It is a distraction and hinders the actor as well. 5. Make Their Job EasierDirectors will remember who listened to them and improved throughout the progress of the production. If you might want to be cast again or cast in a better role bring your A-game to every rehearsal. Be considerate of the director’s time and effort he or she puts into a production. Respect them. By Mallorie Hoeland
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