Crunch

According to the clock on the left, there’s only 31 more days until opening night. I’m a bit nervous already about learning all my lines. I have no doubt I’ll have them down by opening night, but I just want to get them really perfect.

Julian & I blocked the first stave last night. I think we both came to the realization that scheduling 4-hour rehearsals is a pretty intensive way to work when there’s only one actor. During the course of a rehearsal with a full cast, at least you often get breaks while other actors are working, but not with us. We went beat-by-beat and mapped out everything in one rehearsal, which means would could have 4 more rehearsals and block the entire show. That’s an insane pace!

Since I’m also the producer, I have to divide my time between learning lines and promoting the show. It’d be great to pass that all on to someone else who I could trust, but this is the first time and I need to be involved at every step in other to make sure everything runs well. It’s also a learning process for me. I’ve never done a solo show or produced one and there are aspects which are native to this process. With the advent of the internet, there’s a lot more online promotion and trying to spread the word, hopefully creating some kind of viral buzz about the show. I also spent time designing all the print materials for the show along with this snazzy website.

I’ve had a few other distractions in this period. I just got back from London, where I visited the Dickens house & museum for inspiration. I also went there to complete my Shakespeare Certificate at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Unfortunately, they don’t tell you in person whether or not you passed, so you wait on pins & needles for weeks until you get “the letter” (no email… I asked…damn…). I finally got the notice in the mail the other day…drumroll please…and I passed! Not only did I pass, but I passed “With Distinction” which is the highest level of acknowledgment. Coming from RADA, that’s high praise. I’m happy that the amount of work I put into it showed and was recognized.

Now, off to learn more lines!