Jessica's Blog

Tonight is opening night and I am very excited. Everyone is rather tired and some are getting over colds, but the show is in good shape. Of course we will be working on making it more precise every night but I feel confident and ready for an audience.
Actually, we had an audience last night. It was a preview and we had about 80 people there. Tickets are half price and that is enticing to some who just have to see it for a class. Unfortunately some didn’t know the difference between theatre and watching court-tv in their living room. For example, my character is supposed to kiss the male lead and someone shouted out ” Don’t do it! Don’t kiss him!” Or when another girl has to slap him someone said ” Slap him harder!” It can throw you off at first, but really if you just stay focused and “in character” and tune it out you’re ok. It actually made me listen to my scene partner more and really commit to where I was in the scene and not as an actor (in a room full of loud people). It was disrespectful after all the hard work we put into it but on the other hand I give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was their first time seeing a play. At least they weren’t falling asleep and they were responding even if in an unconventional manner.
We have a little party with food after the show and we give the director, stage manager (my fellow blogger emily) and a bunch of other people who worked on the design and technical side of the show presents. I volunteered to take care of that which is kind of silly without a car in this late Buffalo winter. Oh well, I am happy to do it. They deserve a thank you. They have set up a beautiful world for us to play in. On that note I will put on my hat, scarf and mittens and be on my way for my shopping trip!

Posted by Jessica at 11:02 AM |