Tech Week Begins - Actor/Character Notes

Thanks for your patience everyone during this past week while I diverted focus to finishing the set and tech elements for Angel Street. As those of you who saw it at the Thursday night preview know, it's a fantastic show. It's a pleasure to share the CPT stage with Arryck and his cast and crew.

Now, my attention shifts to finishing the technical elements for ATTWN. For those who are counting, here are some rough numbers regarding the technical complexity of this show:

• over 100 props (more, if you count all the "expendables")
• over 20 sound cues, spread across 5 CDs, comprising nearly four hours of audio
• over 40 light cues (double that of Angel Street)
• over 20 costumes
• 11 cast members and 5 crew members

Given that, understand that I will continue to be distracted for the next several rehearsals. Go back over the previous notes posts and make sure that you're not falling back into any bad habits. Below, I have a few actor/character notes that I've put together to help keep you on track:

Linda - As with John, your journey has been fun to watch. We've tuned your portrayal of Vera to be a confident young woman who's been through a lot in her young life. As much as I tell John to back off the facial responses, I recommend that you find a few more: eye rolls, teeth gritting, staring agape at the responses of the other characters. Adding a few minor physical responses (not big) will round out your performance and will give the audience a visual cue to your character.

John - As mentioned before, I'm very happy where you've wound up with Lombard. His confidence and humor are a joy to watch on stage, complete with all of his foibles. Please remember to not fall back into "mugging" with your face to get a response from either the audience or the other characters. When in doubt, play it stone-faced. Use your gift sparingly there and it will be more special when we DO get to see it.

Jack - I like all of the different approaches you've tried, but I think we're solid on the ones you've been using for the past two weeks. Don't worry about cracking up your fellow actors, continue to play Blore to the hilt. It's their responsibility to react according to their character. Enjoy living in the skin of this guy. It's fun to watch Blore come to life. Keep up the good work.

Mark - Your character beats are solid, but don't let yourself (the actor) get bored within those beats. Continue to find a fresh way to tap into them and DON'T back off from what you've already discovered about Armstrong. Either due to the lateness of the rehearsals or some unexplained funk, the crispness of your performance has worn off. Rediscover it and infuse it with your natural intensity.

Howard - Your character work has been fine from day one, and Wargrave is exactly where we need him to be, character-wise. Technically, though, you need to nail down the lines, cues, detailed blocking, and consistency of the smaller bits you have. Vocally, I've noticed a bit of effeminacy creeping into the delivery of some of your lines, possibly due to their proximity to the British accent. Remember that Wargrave is NOT British. He's an educated American. There's a difference. Combine that with the fact that he's a self-made man, and it becomes obvious that you must stay away from drifting (vocally) into "Dandyland".

Helene - I'm very happy with where you've wound up with Emily. Stay the course and find ways to keep it fresh but consistent for yourself and your fellow actors. Not much to say other than "GREAT!"

Aaron - Please work hard to realign yourself with the cast. They have had time to experience some character growth in your absence, and it will take some deliberate focus to get back in line with them. I'll make sure to pay attention to you on Monday night to help you. Continue to focus on Mrs. Rogers when speaking to her, and resist the urge to "turn out" and deliver your lines to the audience rather than her.

Jerry - You had one of the best performances I've seen from you last week, both in terms of lines and character. Remember that and lock it in. Make sure you get with Linda each day before rehearsal to speed through your scene and give you the consistency with lines that is needed within MacKenzie's ramblings.

Tami - Fortunately, the bulk of your interaction is with Rogers, and since both you and he were gone, you're both at the same point, development-wise. But the absence will force you to realign yourself (as an actor) with the pace and energy of the others. Focus on doing that, and remember to keep the GREAT work you did two weeks ago. Don't fall back into the "cartoon" delivery that we had up until several weeks ago. Deliver your lines to the other characters, not the audience.

Leland - Remember the "respect" you have for Wargrave, and allow it to keep you in line up until the end. Give your character permission to get a little (small) sloppier at the end during your final speech, but make sure to toast the other characters, NOT the audience. Make sure to remember to "tune" the intensity of your voice for the main stage when we get there. You're still a little loud during some of your asides, but we'll see once we get on stage.

Jeff - Don't think too much about the role. You're fine, but don't let it work you up. Stay natural in your deliveries (lines and produce, ha ha).

That's it. Thanks in advance for your patience.

- Sean