OCCUPY MAX BELL

Through discussions with the directors, we have decided not to have water on the stage for the production METAMORPHOSES, at least not a pool or fountain. Instead we will attempt to set up an occupy camp. This exciting new vision evolved from an attempt to further modernize the story, and with the occupy movement so big right now it seemed appropriate, especially seeing as both the story of METAMORPHOSES and the occupy movement target greed, I think that it will be extremely effective. After working with derek we came up with a general concept for the stage. It would consist of three "flats" that would crate entrances and exits. There would be a tent on stage left where the shadow scene with Myrahh and her father would take place. On stage right, there would be a mattress and milk crate. (Below is the original concept)

The plan is to build the flats with plywood and hinges, and hopefully the materials for the tent, mattress and crate can be found around campus. The decision was also made that the large blue curtains on either side of the stage should be covered with sheets of white fabric. This will require the scaffolding to clothes-pin the sheets. Clothes lines will be needed to hang costumes on, they will be located on stage or on stage/ off stage. 

Second Year Production

            Well, the next adventure has begun and excitement is in the air. The second year production is on its way and this year the piece that our theatre classes will be presenting is a Mary Zimmerman play entitled METAMORPHOSIS. This play from the American playwright was first seen in 1996 and since has been a hit, playing on Broadway and winning the 2002 Tony award for best play. Metamorphosis, first named 6 greek myths, is an ancient greek inspired story about the transforming power of love and the devastating consequences of greed. 

So far we have discussed possible ways by which our group can present this piece. As first years, we are responsible for lighting, sound, stage management, props, and costumes. I was given the responsibility of set design and props. For the most part it takes place in a pool, this immediately creates a problem for us. Whether or not we will use water in a pool or just as a major motif is soon to be decided. We may, however, decide to just take it in an entirely different direction. This will give me ample room to be creative, but will no doubt be a challenge to construct. I will be working with Nathan who is an assistant stage manager. I am looking forward to the exciting new project and working together with my classmates to create something that we can all be proud of. 

1st Year production

            Seeing as i was a crew member backstage, I never got a chance to fully watch the production but i feel as though I still learned a lot about theatre. Until now I had never realized the amount of teamwork and communication that is necessary if a theatre piece is to be a success. I was amazing to see how much work goes into the little things that you really take for granted as an audience member and sometimes maybe even an actor. I know that personally I know admire the thought and planning that goes into lighting, sound, backstage work and stage management. Each of these sectors is a working organ that must me tweaked, prepared and organized for the entire body of the production to operate.

            Being backstage was completely new to me and right off the bat I was informed and taught what my role was and how I could execute it properly. The backstage leaders were extremely helpful in teaching me “the ropes” and they created a calm but attentive atmosphere that helped the entire team relax and do their job efficiently. I realized how critical communication was between the team, and also the people outside. In the notes sessions after rehearsal’s I saw how directors kept effective notes and were always full of suggestions for the crew and actors. I would like to have seen the show to comment on the performance of the actors themselves but from the feedback by the directors and audience I think that it went quite well. All in all I was very pleased with the outcome of the show and I can’t wait for the next project.