General Induction weeks post

The first two weeks of the performing arts level 3 course were focused on introducing the students to the course.

On Tuesday I went on a trip to see Lenny Henry being interviewed about his career and how he came to become an actor at the theatre. He explained that he had a lot of contacts and also that while he loved comedy, he had recently found a great passion for acting and so went to pursue his dream. He went into detail about how the director works with actors during rehearsals. He mentioned that, depending on the director, sometimes the actors input can be just as important as the director's.

Wednesday was the day that we rehearsed for our induction task. We decided to act out teaching an aerobics class, where we would bewilder our audience with a choreographed dance routine and a peculiar bunch of characters. I played a strict dance instructor. The group worked really well at developing our piece and everyone had a chance to put their ideas forward. By the end of the day we had worked out what we were doing, it just needed polishing.

Thursday we went to see 'Matilda' and 'The Phantom Of The Opera'. The musicals had contrasting themes but both were very enjoyable. We were able to observe the actors and I was especially taken back by their ability to complete each scene so cleanly, without many mistakes.

Friday was the day of our induction task performance. Before the task we watched the year 2's performances, which were incredible as, although we'd briefly met them, most of us were terrified by their frightening characters and their well devised performances in general. I can learn from there ability to remain in character despite problems and obstructions that could have put them off.

The first time we performed our piece to an audience a lot had gone wrong- from the music not being loud enough, to not running through it very smoothly. However our second performance, I believed, was a vast improvement. I thought I got into character a lot better this time and it ran more smoothly. From this experience, I know that I need to get into character on the first performance, not the second or third, so I could do more improvisation (to invent, compose or perform with little or no preparation) with these characters in the future.

On Monday we did some warm ups and breathing exercises and Thursday we learnt some movement skills. From this, I learnt that I need to better my fitness and I am still very slow at picking up choreography. I also need to remember to strengthen my core when necessary and let go a bit more.

Later we performed a freeze frame titled 'Chocolate Underwear Works Well'. I thought the group worked really well, especially with keeping everything tight and running smoothly. However, I now know that, in a freeze frame my facial expressions and movements need to be much bigger to clarify what is happening to the audience.

I have found the induction weeks very interesting and informative. Mostly, we have done physical warm ups in order to develop movement skills. I have learnt a lot about myself and I have already noted elements that I need to improve on.