For over the last 25 years, I have used the very same scene to work with my sophomore actors. The scene has been the Joe/Maggie scene from Act 2 of The Shadow Box. You may think that 25 years on the same scene lacks creativity on my part – but I have always found that scene to be so perfect for young actors to tackle research, environment, character – and get it all done in just 3 minutes. Literally, HUNDREDS of teenagers have gone through the scene with me. I mean HUNDREDS. But for the next two weeks I will finally be staging this play in its entirety with scenic investment and all of the bells and whistles. After 25 years I am finally going to hear this scene play out in the full play. AND THEN, I will be retiring this scene and this play for good. It has always been my very favorite scene in a play that I have always loved but that time has come . .
Join me in the Blackbox at DA for the next two weeks. a special invitation goes out to all of the Joes and Maggies that I have worked with over the years. Some of you are approaching your forties. I am sure that some of you will even be able to recite the lines from your seats and the teenage actors go through them on stage. Everything comes back to the very same starting place it started. Indeed.
One comment on “Reunion Kinda”
I’m sure that with each and every performance, it’s just a little bit different because the actors are different.
They can play the roles perfectly, but each individual has their own unique energetic imprint. You probably come across those who bring something new to the role you’ve never seen before, which I would imagine makes things interesting.
It would be cool to think about your previous students following along with your blog to and recalling their experiences. How awesome would it be to even see one or more of them in the audience from time to time. Awesome for you, and for them as well.
People you have impacted can stay connected with you here as you discuss things that are probably still so familiar to them.