In working on a high school play there is always the “weekend rehearsal.” Although it seems crazy to outsiders that a teacher would give up some for their precious weekend time to return to the halls of the school to meet with students they see every moment of the school day to work on something that has been worked on Monday through Friday. It may sound crazy but it is actually one of the real joys of play-making. The ability to meet together at school without those 4 classes of 90 minutes filling up the day can truly change the game! All of us come to the process with much more energy and a clearer head. Personally, I can attest to the fact that my creativity and patience with myself more than doubles on these weekend rehearsals! Student actors seem to be much more present. They are more open to the idea of PLAY as opposed to GETTNG IT RIGHT. The entire room changes.
It is also at these weekend rehearsals that the cast becomes a family. We love to begrudge all that we “gave up” for the weekend rehearsal – but in our heart we know it is where we belong and we are damn lucky to be included in the adventure. When a show is over, everyone bemoans the breakup of a family. Even though we are going to see each other walk the halls the next day The communion that we found during weekend rehearsals will have “left the building.”
Whose bringing donuts this weekend?
5 comments on “Weekend Family”
I totally identify. There is something magical about participating in a play, whether you’re backstage, hanging from the lights (LOL), a member of a crowd scene, or the star of the show. The bonds last forever, in my experience.
And yes, there’s all the grousing about how many hours and how much work it is. I just think that’s part of the phenomenon, and nobody really cares, or they wouldn’t be there.
And even if you do care and only show up out of a sense of obligation, it’s still a bonding experience and I can’t think of a single person who ended up regretting it in the long run. It’s teamwork at its best. 🙂
Such a great way to look at things! I was in a few plays when I was in high school and it was mostly because I loved how I interacted with other students when we rehearsed. Everyone was relaxed and happy, we helped each other with our lines, and we had tons of fun!
Yes, it really seems a little bit crazy to me that a teacher would give up some for their precious weekend time just to teach more, but you explained why is this important and I think it’s great idea. Family is so important for everyone and it’s nice that you can create it with your students.
Well, with hard work comes plenty of good plays 🙂 I would be able to understand that as you get closer to showtime, you are doing more rehearsals, even on the weekends. It shows dedication and determination to make something work perfectly.
I have no doubt about it.
I also think this sits well with you and the students alike because this is art. It’s a creative activity. There’s a level of joy to be found in this, and I don’t group it in with the normal academic studies that the regular school curriculum offers.
Besides, everyone is fresh and present for the one activity, so the attention span hasn;t been involved in several other things throughout the day.
I’ll bet it’s fun – and it seems to be a bonding experience as well.