Today began with a physical warm up and then we went straight into learning the dance routine to 'You Can't Stop The Beat' from Hairspray. I was still slow at picking up the choreography, but their is a slight improvement in my movement memory (the acquisition and retention of sensation that helps the body to remember what a given movement feels like). I find, the best way that I can learn a new dance routine is to practise it by myself, in front of a mirror, without music. When I feel that I know the dance well, I then add music to get the timing more accurate. The more I practise at home, the better able I should be to learn dance routines at college.
Here is a video of me dancing to 'You Can't Stop The Beat'. The video demonstrates how slow I am at picking up choreography, as my timing is off and my movements are often incorrect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozjothErvEY&feature=c4-overview&list=UUsc6As_10ht676BbLjDH3iQ
We then learnt the dance to 'Reach' by S Club 7. I wasn't able to pick up the choreography quickly on this dance either. However, as with 'You Can't Stop The Beat', I will a make sure I practise each 20 times a day- 10 times without music and ten times with. I find that this is the quickest way for me to learn a routine, as I found when learning the dance to 'price tag', as I could do the whole routine, without making mistakes, within 3 days.
Later, we danced to 'I Gotta Feeing', the opening number for Panto. My position has been changed and more dance moves have been added to the end of the dance, so I must work on the new choreography at home, as I did not pick it up quickly at college.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Running Through Part of Act 1 & Act 2 For Panto And Additional Dance & Singing Rehearsals
Today began with a warm up, so that we would feel that we had enough energy to perform. These included, pushing ourselves up, to balance on the balls of our feet, in a controlled manner, which helps to strengthen your calves. We also looked up, while tilting our heads upwards, which helped to free up our larynxes and relaxed our throat muscles, which made it easier to speak on the stage. In addition, yawning helps to open the throat, which is shown in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tgPo1MIAhc
Then, we went through Act 1 of 'The Cinderella Panto' twice. The second time I performed it, I had more energy than the first, but I was fidgety, not in 'the tonic state' and my posture wasn't correct. Afterwards, we ran through Act 2, where I put a lot of energy into it, but I felt that I was fidgety and my posture wasn't correct. Also, I need to sort out the timing, for when to walk to the other side of the stage, as The Waitress. So I will look at the script and find an appropriate line to avoid blocking/being blocked (out of the line of view of the audience).
Later, I participated in additional dance rehearsals. The main focuses for me are, to make my movements bigger, getting the exact timing of every movement and maintaining the correct posture throughout the dances.
Lastly, I took part in an additional singing rehearsal, where we were given the lyrics of every song in The Pantomime. Before singing, we did some vocal exercises, which helped us to engage our diaphragms. We were told when to breathe in each song and marked this on our lyrics sheets. We learnt that, to project while singing and acting, the key is to open our mouths wider, rather than screaming through our throats. There is also to engage the diaphragm and to sing through your mask (the parts of your cheeks, just under your eyes). Here is a video about pronouncing your words and projecting while acting on the stage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/voice-projection-and-pronunciation-in-drama/9896.html
In addition over the weekend I watched this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adb3Sfo__nE
Although, The Chorus did not heavily feature in ITV's version of 'The Cinderella Pantomime', it gave me a better idea of how melodramatic (exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental; disproportionately intense) pantomeimes are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tgPo1MIAhc
Then, we went through Act 1 of 'The Cinderella Panto' twice. The second time I performed it, I had more energy than the first, but I was fidgety, not in 'the tonic state' and my posture wasn't correct. Afterwards, we ran through Act 2, where I put a lot of energy into it, but I felt that I was fidgety and my posture wasn't correct. Also, I need to sort out the timing, for when to walk to the other side of the stage, as The Waitress. So I will look at the script and find an appropriate line to avoid blocking/being blocked (out of the line of view of the audience).
Later, I participated in additional dance rehearsals. The main focuses for me are, to make my movements bigger, getting the exact timing of every movement and maintaining the correct posture throughout the dances.
Lastly, I took part in an additional singing rehearsal, where we were given the lyrics of every song in The Pantomime. Before singing, we did some vocal exercises, which helped us to engage our diaphragms. We were told when to breathe in each song and marked this on our lyrics sheets. We learnt that, to project while singing and acting, the key is to open our mouths wider, rather than screaming through our throats. There is also to engage the diaphragm and to sing through your mask (the parts of your cheeks, just under your eyes). Here is a video about pronouncing your words and projecting while acting on the stage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/voice-projection-and-pronunciation-in-drama/9896.html
In addition over the weekend I watched this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adb3Sfo__nE
Although, The Chorus did not heavily feature in ITV's version of 'The Cinderella Pantomime', it gave me a better idea of how melodramatic (exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental; disproportionately intense) pantomeimes are.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Running Through Act 2 And Dances For 'The Cinderella Pantomime'
We started the day by running through Act 2 of 'The Cinderella Pantomime'. As I recorded myself reacting in this scene, I could see how I needed to improve. I need to work on my posture and I also need to maintain 'the tonic state' which refers to steady, rigid muscle contractions with no relaxation and a lot of tension. I need to vary my facial expressions more and make them bigger.
We rehearsed some of the dances. I have recorded myself doing all three of the dances in the mirror that we have done so far, so that I can see what I need to improve on. The most significant things that change the way in which I dance are the amount of energy I put in and my posture. When my shoulders are back and my head is up, my delivery is much cleaner that otherwise. During rehearsals at college I must apply the same energy that I do at home. The best way to ensure this is to warm up thoroughly before attempting the routines.
Here is a youtube video of me dancing the 'I Gotta Feeling' Dance:
https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=tAXjww_p4e0&video_referrer=watch
I need to put more energy into the first part and I must remember to smile.
Here is a youtube video of me dancing to the 'Price Tag' Dance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpupkRWVEkU
The part in the middle, when I point to my left and then right needs to be worked on. I can improve it by making my body more tense and making the movements stronger. Some parts of the dance need more energy and I need to learn the exact timing of every movement.
We also had a singing lesson, where we mostly focused on the importance of using the correct breathing technique and posture when singing. Your feet should be parallel, your spine must be straight (you may have to push the hips forward to achieve this). Your shoulders should be down and relaxed. Your knees mustn't be locked, but instead, relaxed. Your head should be pulled up ,but should be facing straight forward. Here are two examples of bad posture and one of good posture on the right.
We rehearsed some of the dances. I have recorded myself doing all three of the dances in the mirror that we have done so far, so that I can see what I need to improve on. The most significant things that change the way in which I dance are the amount of energy I put in and my posture. When my shoulders are back and my head is up, my delivery is much cleaner that otherwise. During rehearsals at college I must apply the same energy that I do at home. The best way to ensure this is to warm up thoroughly before attempting the routines.
Here is a youtube video of me dancing the 'I Gotta Feeling' Dance:
https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=tAXjww_p4e0&video_referrer=watch
I need to put more energy into the first part and I must remember to smile.
Here is a youtube video of me dancing to the 'Price Tag' Dance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpupkRWVEkU
The part in the middle, when I point to my left and then right needs to be worked on. I can improve it by making my body more tense and making the movements stronger. Some parts of the dance need more energy and I need to learn the exact timing of every movement.
We also had a singing lesson, where we mostly focused on the importance of using the correct breathing technique and posture when singing. Your feet should be parallel, your spine must be straight (you may have to push the hips forward to achieve this). Your shoulders should be down and relaxed. Your knees mustn't be locked, but instead, relaxed. Your head should be pulled up ,but should be facing straight forward. Here are two examples of bad posture and one of good posture on the right.
We participated in a few breathing exercises, to help us to control our voices, especially when dancing. It is important that you are engaging 'the anchoring muscles' when singing. The anchoring muscles include the diaphragm, abdominal muscles and the back muscles.
Here is a link to a web page about correct breathing and anchoring muscles:
Here is a link to a web page that tells you how to develop the correct posture:
Here is the link to a video that demonstrates a breathing exercise, similar to that which we done today, that helps to improve your breath capacity:
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Dramatic Intention
Dramatic intention refers to the purpose of a play, film, or gig etc. For singers, actors and dancers, their dramatic intention is usually to entertain. However the dramatic intentions of performers can differ, depending on the performance and the artist. For example the dramatic intentions of performers can be:
To make the audience think differently about an issue
Everything that is useful has a purpose. e.g. a light switch's purpose is to turn on a light, which keeps you from being in darkness. The purpose of a packet of crisp, is to stop you from feeling hungry, to give you energy and to provide you with something to do during your lunchtime.
An example of an artist's dramatic intentions would be Eminem, who wants to explain to people what life was like growing up in the rough area of Detroit. He wishes to describe, in vivid detail the problems he had growing up under the care of his drunken Mother and abusive Stepfather. He brings forward political issues, in a hope to make people think differently about current situations. He wants to change peoples thoughts about the issue of race. He also wants to inspire young people in similar situations to that of his in the past.
My dramatic intention for The Cinderella Pantomime, is simply to entertain. I want the audience to enjoy themselves thoroughly and also, to return home content with the show as a whole. Also, hopefully, I might inspire people to become performers.
To make the audience think differently about an issue
- To make the audience feel differently about an issue
- To make the audience feel or think differently about themselves
- To celebrate something.
- To criticise something
- To encourage the audience to change something
Everything that is useful has a purpose. e.g. a light switch's purpose is to turn on a light, which keeps you from being in darkness. The purpose of a packet of crisp, is to stop you from feeling hungry, to give you energy and to provide you with something to do during your lunchtime.
An example of an artist's dramatic intentions would be Eminem, who wants to explain to people what life was like growing up in the rough area of Detroit. He wishes to describe, in vivid detail the problems he had growing up under the care of his drunken Mother and abusive Stepfather. He brings forward political issues, in a hope to make people think differently about current situations. He wants to change peoples thoughts about the issue of race. He also wants to inspire young people in similar situations to that of his in the past.
My dramatic intention for The Cinderella Pantomime, is simply to entertain. I want the audience to enjoy themselves thoroughly and also, to return home content with the show as a whole. Also, hopefully, I might inspire people to become performers.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Dances For The Cinderella Pantomine
Today we mainly focused on the dances for the pantomime. We started by running through the final dance of The Pantomime to the song 'Let Me Entertain You' by Robbie Williams. Practising in front of a mirror at home, and at college has definitely helped me to improve on my performance of this dance (My blog from the Tuesday 19th December shows a video of me rehearsing this dance at college). However, I did struggle to pick up the new choreography (The art of creating a sequence of steps and movements in a dance) that has been added to the dance. I also need to make my movements 'bigger', so that they come across more onstage Therefore I will rehearse this at home in front of a mirror 10 times a day, without music and with music to get the timing right (timing refers to the regulation of occurrence, pace, or coordination to achieve a desired effect, in music, the theatre, dance etc.).
Here is a link to a web page, that I have read, which explains the meaning of choreography in detail:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choreography_(dance)
Later, we learnt a new dance for the opening of Act 2. The dance is to the song 'Price Tag' by Jessie J. I was slow at picking up the new choreography. However, I practised it during lunch time. I then went home to practised it 20 times in front of a mirror and I now know the part of the dance that we learnt. I need to practise with the music to get the timing correct. The more frequently I practise this dance the better my movement memory (movement memory refers to the acquisition and retention of sensations that aid the body in remembering movements) for the dance will improve.
Here is a link to a web page, that I have read, which explains the meaning of choreography in detail:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choreography_(dance)
Later, we learnt a new dance for the opening of Act 2. The dance is to the song 'Price Tag' by Jessie J. I was slow at picking up the new choreography. However, I practised it during lunch time. I then went home to practised it 20 times in front of a mirror and I now know the part of the dance that we learnt. I need to practise with the music to get the timing correct. The more frequently I practise this dance the better my movement memory (movement memory refers to the acquisition and retention of sensations that aid the body in remembering movements) for the dance will improve.
Vocal Tone and Vocal Range
On Tuesday we had a singing lesson, where we learnt about how to improve your control vocals and the tone of your singing voice (a sound of distinct pitch, quality, and duration; a note). We learnt that engaging yuour abdominal muscles while singing, as opposed to your singing from your throat, results in the best possible quality to your voice.
Here is a link to a web page that describes what vocal tone is:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/defining-tone-in-singing.html
Here are some videos that also decribe the meaning of 'vocal tone' and the techniques that you can use to improve it. They also give you some vocal excersises, which I find very helpful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxt4TcAkkSk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1DSwxVv1f8
Another great exercises, for this is lying flat on your back and singing. This way, it is very difficult for you to lift your shoulders, as you breathe from your chest. This forces you to breathe from your stomach, which should make it easier to sing using your abdominal muscles.
Here is a youtube video of me singing through my throat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wykmd-N8aYk
Here is a video of me singing, while engaging my abdominal muscles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acc5hccVepw
I have been using online tutorials, as well as exercises that I have learnt at college to improve my range (vocal range is the measure of the breadth of pitches that an individuals voice can produce). Specifically, my higher range. Here is one of the videos that I have used:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-zv1dpom94
I especially find lip trills helpful as they allow me to go through all of my range very easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPkuFCKQoJE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX3EQjt_kzE
This youtube videos, show the improvement I have made on my vocal range so far. At times , I sound like I'm straning in the first and in the second I sing out of tune, which I could have improved by engaging my stomach muscles more. It is the highest I can currently sing in my chest voice (Your singing voice closest to your speaking voice). I can however sing a lot higher in my head voice (The higher range of your voice, where the vibrations are felt in the head). The riffs at the end went wrong (
Here is a link to a web page that describes what vocal tone is:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/defining-tone-in-singing.html
Here are some videos that also decribe the meaning of 'vocal tone' and the techniques that you can use to improve it. They also give you some vocal excersises, which I find very helpful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxt4TcAkkSk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1DSwxVv1f8
Another great exercises, for this is lying flat on your back and singing. This way, it is very difficult for you to lift your shoulders, as you breathe from your chest. This forces you to breathe from your stomach, which should make it easier to sing using your abdominal muscles.
Here is a youtube video of me singing through my throat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wykmd-N8aYk
Here is a video of me singing, while engaging my abdominal muscles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acc5hccVepw
I have been using online tutorials, as well as exercises that I have learnt at college to improve my range (vocal range is the measure of the breadth of pitches that an individuals voice can produce). Specifically, my higher range. Here is one of the videos that I have used:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-zv1dpom94
I especially find lip trills helpful as they allow me to go through all of my range very easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPkuFCKQoJE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX3EQjt_kzE
This youtube videos, show the improvement I have made on my vocal range so far. At times , I sound like I'm straning in the first and in the second I sing out of tune, which I could have improved by engaging my stomach muscles more. It is the highest I can currently sing in my chest voice (Your singing voice closest to your speaking voice). I can however sing a lot higher in my head voice (The higher range of your voice, where the vibrations are felt in the head). The riffs at the end went wrong (
a riff is a short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, frequently played over changing chords or harmonies or used as a background to a solo improvisation).
I need to keep using vocal exercises to improve my range in my chest voice.Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Peer Feedback For The Cinderella Pantomime
The day began with breathing exercises, used to increase our breath capacity and relax our bodies. Then we stretched our bodies to relieve tension. This video, from The Song Bird Tree, explains the importance of relieving tension in the body, and includes demonstrations of exercises that yo can do to to get rid of it. It explains how tension in the muscles absorbs sound, which makes your voice sound strained, especially when singing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBSaMrKku54
Then we participated in warm up games, including one where we had to walk around with our eyes closed. The aim of this, was to familiarise ourselves with the room, using our 4 remaining senses, other than our sight. It is a good exercises to help you to engage in your other senses, other than sight, when acting.
Then we had a singing lesson, where we learnt about the various vocal registers . Theses include; The head voice- the higher part of your vocal range, where the vibrations are felt in the head; http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/feeling-the-head-voice-in-singing.html,
The chest voice- which is the range closest to your speaking voice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chest_voice,
The vocal fry- which is the part of your voice below your chest voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVEDc466XvI, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbym1oVNIfg, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EIHRlk2JwA,
We also learnt about the mixed voice- which is a mix between pars of your head voice and chest voice. The best way to Chanel your mixed voice, is to sing with nasal resonance. Nasal resonance occurs when you talk/ sing through your nose. You should feel vibrations inside your nose.It is often confuses with nasality, which actually occurs, when the larynx is raised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYEsGuldIQY, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNf9vHXjkI0
Here is a video about nasal resonance and nasality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHgk4lYDipM
I decided to rehearse the finale dance for The Pantomime, with a group from college today. We ran though it a couple of times and then recorded ourselves, in order to watch ourselves back, to see what we need to improve on. Here is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwNAgdiwHs
We only learnt it last week Thursday, but I find that rehearsing it in my free time, in front of a mirror, helps me to better my ability to perform this dance. I need to make the first turn a lot sharper and memorise the precise moves and order of the dance. I also need to make my moves sharper in general.
Later we had to perform Act One of The Cinderella Pantomime to The Year 2s and level 2s, where they subsequently reviewed us. It was the first time I had worked with a prop, (a theatrical property) which was a basket, in this play. It is important that I hit my mark on time ('hitting the mark' refers to getting to the correct position), so I need to practise this with the prop.
I was given feedback that my starting position for the dance was very distant from the other Chorus Members. So if the person, who is usually in front of me is not present for the dance, it is important that I change my starting position. I also need to improve on my characterization (the representation of a character or characters on the stage or in writing, especially by imitating or describing actions, gestures, or speeches) and physicality ( the quality of being physical, especially when emphasised or overemphasised), so that it comes across more onstage.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153539257335022
Above is a link to our peers' recording of our dance for our opening number. It is beneficial to record yourself dancing, acting, singing etc. so that you can see with your own eyes the mistakes that you have made. I can see that I need to dance with more confidence. My posture is often slouched when standing still and walking. In addition, I need to but more energy into the dance and I need to work on the bit in the middle where I went wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBSaMrKku54
Then we participated in warm up games, including one where we had to walk around with our eyes closed. The aim of this, was to familiarise ourselves with the room, using our 4 remaining senses, other than our sight. It is a good exercises to help you to engage in your other senses, other than sight, when acting.
Then we had a singing lesson, where we learnt about the various vocal registers . Theses include; The head voice- the higher part of your vocal range, where the vibrations are felt in the head; http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/feeling-the-head-voice-in-singing.html,
The chest voice- which is the range closest to your speaking voice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chest_voice,
The vocal fry- which is the part of your voice below your chest voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVEDc466XvI, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbym1oVNIfg, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EIHRlk2JwA,
We also learnt about the mixed voice- which is a mix between pars of your head voice and chest voice. The best way to Chanel your mixed voice, is to sing with nasal resonance. Nasal resonance occurs when you talk/ sing through your nose. You should feel vibrations inside your nose.It is often confuses with nasality, which actually occurs, when the larynx is raised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYEsGuldIQY, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNf9vHXjkI0
Here is a video about nasal resonance and nasality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHgk4lYDipM
I decided to rehearse the finale dance for The Pantomime, with a group from college today. We ran though it a couple of times and then recorded ourselves, in order to watch ourselves back, to see what we need to improve on. Here is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwNAgdiwHs
We only learnt it last week Thursday, but I find that rehearsing it in my free time, in front of a mirror, helps me to better my ability to perform this dance. I need to make the first turn a lot sharper and memorise the precise moves and order of the dance. I also need to make my moves sharper in general.
Later we had to perform Act One of The Cinderella Pantomime to The Year 2s and level 2s, where they subsequently reviewed us. It was the first time I had worked with a prop, (a theatrical property) which was a basket, in this play. It is important that I hit my mark on time ('hitting the mark' refers to getting to the correct position), so I need to practise this with the prop.
I was given feedback that my starting position for the dance was very distant from the other Chorus Members. So if the person, who is usually in front of me is not present for the dance, it is important that I change my starting position. I also need to improve on my characterization (the representation of a character or characters on the stage or in writing, especially by imitating or describing actions, gestures, or speeches) and physicality ( the quality of being physical, especially when emphasised or overemphasised), so that it comes across more onstage.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153539257335022
Above is a link to our peers' recording of our dance for our opening number. It is beneficial to record yourself dancing, acting, singing etc. so that you can see with your own eyes the mistakes that you have made. I can see that I need to dance with more confidence. My posture is often slouched when standing still and walking. In addition, I need to but more energy into the dance and I need to work on the bit in the middle where I went wrong.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Blocking The Cinderella Pantomime Again: Part 1
The task today was to restart blocking through the first part of Act One of Cinderella (blocking is a theatre term that refers to the exact movement and positioning of actors on a stage in preparation for a play). At times, I over-thought the reaction, so I will do some self-set homework and watch pantomimes in order to observe the chrorus' reactions. This will create the opportunity for me to interpret ideas for performance material- which refers to using ideas from other performances in that of your own.
Before blocking, we participated in warm ups and breathing exercises. As an actor, it is important to control the way in which you breathe as this can affect your voice and movement onstage (especially if you are nervous). A way in which you can identify whether your breathing is controlled is by breathing in and then say the word 'ma' as you breathe out for as long as you can, until the breathing becomes staccato (staccato refers to each sound or note being sharply detached or separated from the others). A way of achieving a steady breathing pace is by inhaling for a few seconds and then exhaling for a longer number of seconds.
This video, created by 'New York Vocal Coaching', explains how to deal with nerves on stage, especially when singing. At 2:30 minutes he talks about the importance of exhalation, when trying to relax.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V74o8TgP-I
A point raised by The Director today was that some of the main characters should become familiar with 'The Clock'. 'The Clock' is mainly used in 'Commedia Del Arte' and 'Clowning'. It is used to make the audience feel involved- as the actor will usually look to the audience for there consent to do something that is often very mischievous. For example, if a character is about to 'pie' another character, in the face, the one with the pie might look at the other character, then the audience, then at the pie, then to the audience again, get their consent and then 'pie' the other character. However it does not necessarily have to always be in that order.
Before blocking, we participated in warm ups and breathing exercises. As an actor, it is important to control the way in which you breathe as this can affect your voice and movement onstage (especially if you are nervous). A way in which you can identify whether your breathing is controlled is by breathing in and then say the word 'ma' as you breathe out for as long as you can, until the breathing becomes staccato (staccato refers to each sound or note being sharply detached or separated from the others). A way of achieving a steady breathing pace is by inhaling for a few seconds and then exhaling for a longer number of seconds.
This video, created by 'New York Vocal Coaching', explains how to deal with nerves on stage, especially when singing. At 2:30 minutes he talks about the importance of exhalation, when trying to relax.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V74o8TgP-I
A point raised by The Director today was that some of the main characters should become familiar with 'The Clock'. 'The Clock' is mainly used in 'Commedia Del Arte' and 'Clowning'. It is used to make the audience feel involved- as the actor will usually look to the audience for there consent to do something that is often very mischievous. For example, if a character is about to 'pie' another character, in the face, the one with the pie might look at the other character, then the audience, then at the pie, then to the audience again, get their consent and then 'pie' the other character. However it does not necessarily have to always be in that order.
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Who?, Where?, What?, Why?, How? Excersise
Who?, Where?, What?, Why?, How?
Who Am I?
I'm Veronica Anastasia Greene. I've just turned 27 years old. I'm quite poor, but I have a part time job, so I'm in a better position than where I was before I started working as a waitress for The Royal Family. I have a cockney accent and I'm a cheeky, chirpy young lady, who's slightly tomboyish, but who's up for a good laugh. I've nearly always got a smile on my face, as I try to look at all the positive things in life. I've got black hair and dark brown eyes. I'm about 5'4'', so I'm quite petite. I'm of average build and I like to where a big dress, traditional to Merrivale.
Where am I?
I'm in the middle of Merrivale Market. Standing behind my tiny, oak veg stall. Merrivale Market, is the busiest, most popular market in Merrivale. People of all classes and backgrounds come here just to be a part of its joyous atmosphere.
What am I doing here?
I'm giving away free veg! I do it to please the wonderful people of Merrivale. It may be stolen, but it's worth shoplifting to see the elated looks on their faces. I stock all kinds of veg on the shelves, at the bottom of my stall. I give away all types of veg- from carrots to cucumbers. I'm also stocking bread now, as favour to the people of Merrivale. Sometimes I move away from my stall, to promote my 'buissness', but I carry my bread in my huge basket, so that I can offer it to people as I'm on the move.
What can I see around me?
Other people on the stalls are shouting across the street, in a bid to sell their products. Passers by, of all ages, skip around the market in delight, as they catch a glimpse of there favourite chelsea bun or get a scent of freshly picket roses. It is so crowded, I can barely see the person on the stall beside me. Though I can just about spot some the royal blue tulips peeking out of a ready made bouquet of flowers- so it's definitely the flower stall. The sun shines down on the beautifully coloured, stone buildings and the grey pavements are paved with the gold shimmer of sunlight.
Why am I here?
I've been stealing since I was 14, because I started hanging out with the wrong crowd. I thought it was the only way to get out of poverty. However, when my family found out, they completely disowned me, so I was forced to move to Merrivale. I miss the sense of warmth and protection that you get with your family and so I hope to find that again with the people of Merrivale. I believe that the best way to gain their love and trust is to give them things, for free. As I can't afford to go buying things and giving them away, I have no choice but to steal from the local bakers.
How do I feel?
I try to take things on the chin, so I'm mostly cheerful. I have a huge smile on my face nearly all of the time and if I'm not happy, I put on a brave face and pretend to be, because that's what the people of Merrivale like to see. I miss my family dearly and sometimes I cry to myself, because I know the reason I haven't seen them for 3 years is of my own doing. I do feel guilty when I steal, especially because I get on with Jeff The Grocer, but he knows what I'm like, so then I just get on it.
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Back To The Way I Started
Today we ran through act one of 'The Cinderella Panto'. The more energy I put into it, the less able I am to focus, sufficiently on the task set. It is possible to over-rehearse, which makes the actor appear less naturalistic. However in panto, everything is suppose to be over exaggerated. So that I can focus fully on the main characters it's better that I tone it right down and just go back to the way I acted in the beginning for now, because I've lost some of my initial ideas, which could be very helpful. As learnt in college, usually your first ideas are your best ones, as the others have been far too over thought.
We began learning the dance to 'Let Me Entertain You' by Robbie Williams. I went wrong quite a bit, as I always do when first learning a dance. I am still slow to pick up choreography (the composition of dance steps and sequences for stage dancing) and I need to stop getting confused with my lefts and rights. A method of improving this is to find something in the room and call it 'Right' and also it might be beneficial to begin making up my own choreography to songs, so that I get quicker at picking up others' choreography. I can improve by practising this dance at home at least 10 times a day to the music, sharpening up on the moves and memorising the order of the routine. Also, The music should help me with keeping the right timing.
We began learning the dance to 'Let Me Entertain You' by Robbie Williams. I went wrong quite a bit, as I always do when first learning a dance. I am still slow to pick up choreography (the composition of dance steps and sequences for stage dancing) and I need to stop getting confused with my lefts and rights. A method of improving this is to find something in the room and call it 'Right' and also it might be beneficial to begin making up my own choreography to songs, so that I get quicker at picking up others' choreography. I can improve by practising this dance at home at least 10 times a day to the music, sharpening up on the moves and memorising the order of the routine. Also, The music should help me with keeping the right timing.
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Running Through Part Of 'Cinderella'
Today we ran through part of act one of 'Cinderella'. I could still have put more energy into performing, so it would be beneficial to warm up more before college to improve this. When practising my sight reading and characterisation by reading monologues and improvising, I need to read more 'happy' monologues and improvise as happier characters, to get in the mood for Panto.
It was mentioned by the director that the pantomime, in general, is currently 'flat' (lacking in energy and boring for the audience to watch). It was also said that, in places, there is too much 'air' (meaning that too much time has passed between peoples lines).
We ran through the dance at least 5 times. I put more energy into the dance by the third run, but I should have done this sooner. I need to practise dancing at home with the music, in front of a mirror at least 20 times a day to get the dance moves moves as strong and precise as possible. My position in the dance got switched and then it was suddenly switched again without anyone notifying me, so I had to change back to my original position in the middle of the dance and it threw me off a bit. The professional approach would be to just swiftly move into the empty position, and carry on. In the future, this is the approach that I must adopt, as someone could easily take the incorrect position on stage during an actual show.
When it came to acting as part of The Chorus, I thought that I could have put more energy into my performance. I think I need to practise this character's reactions in front of a mirror more. I also need to make each move, stronger and sharper. I've never been part of an 'Acting Chorus' before so I have to watch some pantomimes and musicals to observe how they react.
I was given feedback that onstage I looked evil, moody and unattractive. The main cause of this is probably because in the past I had a track record of playing the evil villain, as well as aggressive and sly characters. The only two characters I've ever played that were 'happy' were the Scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz and John Landis at Sadlers Wells. I need to apply the techniques I used to portray these characters to my character in Panto. For example, for the Scarecrow I had to use lots of energy and physicality to become the character. I also had to keep my eyebrows lifted and eyes wide, to appear more friendly. For John Landis, I was on a big stage so every move had to be big and extremely over exaggerated to come across to every audience member. I also smiled constantly, which is what I must do in Panto, with the exception of reacting to 'The Baroness'.
It was mentioned by the director that the pantomime, in general, is currently 'flat' (lacking in energy and boring for the audience to watch). It was also said that, in places, there is too much 'air' (meaning that too much time has passed between peoples lines).
We ran through the dance at least 5 times. I put more energy into the dance by the third run, but I should have done this sooner. I need to practise dancing at home with the music, in front of a mirror at least 20 times a day to get the dance moves moves as strong and precise as possible. My position in the dance got switched and then it was suddenly switched again without anyone notifying me, so I had to change back to my original position in the middle of the dance and it threw me off a bit. The professional approach would be to just swiftly move into the empty position, and carry on. In the future, this is the approach that I must adopt, as someone could easily take the incorrect position on stage during an actual show.
When it came to acting as part of The Chorus, I thought that I could have put more energy into my performance. I think I need to practise this character's reactions in front of a mirror more. I also need to make each move, stronger and sharper. I've never been part of an 'Acting Chorus' before so I have to watch some pantomimes and musicals to observe how they react.
I was given feedback that onstage I looked evil, moody and unattractive. The main cause of this is probably because in the past I had a track record of playing the evil villain, as well as aggressive and sly characters. The only two characters I've ever played that were 'happy' were the Scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz and John Landis at Sadlers Wells. I need to apply the techniques I used to portray these characters to my character in Panto. For example, for the Scarecrow I had to use lots of energy and physicality to become the character. I also had to keep my eyebrows lifted and eyes wide, to appear more friendly. For John Landis, I was on a big stage so every move had to be big and extremely over exaggerated to come across to every audience member. I also smiled constantly, which is what I must do in Panto, with the exception of reacting to 'The Baroness'.
Filming In Royston
Yesterday we ran through part of act one of 'The Cinderella Panto'. I felt that I could have put more energy into acting and especially the dancing. I must bring the same energy to every run through as it is practise for the actual show. I think the best way that I can achieve this is by warming up. Therefore I should stretch more in the morning, as well as power walk faster than usual.
Later we travelled to Royston to film. It was my first experience of filming, so it was interesting to see how it worked. I did a scene in the pub in a group of 4, where we had to hold glasses and talk to each other. We had to do it a couple of takes for each shot to ensure that The Camera Man got the best result possible. We then moved on to do an outdoor scene in which we had to walk out of a cinema in various directions. We only filmed through this once because the first time was successful.
From this experience I have learnt that during filming sometimes you have to do more than one take for the purpose of achieving the best end result. In addition, I've discovered that you have to act more natural when working for film as opposed to theatre work because your not on a stage, so you don't have to exaggerate your movements and expressions for all the audience members to see .
This image shows that the actor (on the left) has to perform to the camera, as opposed to a live audience as in a theatre. Acting for film is very different to acting for theatre for many reasons; the dynamics are different (less noise/ more noise depending on the locution), there are more distractions (cars, pedestrians walking past) and there is no audience to react to your performance, so you must make judgements on the quality of your performance by yourself.
Later we travelled to Royston to film. It was my first experience of filming, so it was interesting to see how it worked. I did a scene in the pub in a group of 4, where we had to hold glasses and talk to each other. We had to do it a couple of takes for each shot to ensure that The Camera Man got the best result possible. We then moved on to do an outdoor scene in which we had to walk out of a cinema in various directions. We only filmed through this once because the first time was successful.
From this experience I have learnt that during filming sometimes you have to do more than one take for the purpose of achieving the best end result. In addition, I've discovered that you have to act more natural when working for film as opposed to theatre work because your not on a stage, so you don't have to exaggerate your movements and expressions for all the audience members to see .
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Dancing and Singing Practice For Panto
Today we started with some aerobics and fitness training to better our fitness levels. As I worked out quite a lot last week at home, I feel my fitness has improved, but I need to work on my core strength by planking or doing sit ups at home. When it came to 'corner work', I went in the completely wrong direction. I really need to improve on my coordination, but it tends to be a lot worse when I am tired, so I need to try harder to sleep on the nights before college.
We practised the dance for 'I Gotta Feeling'. I now practise ten times a day with music. However, I really need to work on my timing for a certain move. I also need to make sure that it doesn't show on my face when I make mistakes. We practised in front of a mirror, as I do at home and I was quite content with my execution of the dance moves. The only way I can improve is through practise, dancing with confidence and getting a proper nights sleep, as it really affects me if I don't.
We practised singing 'I Gotta Feeling', 'Price Tag' and 'I Want To Break Free'. I need to work on singing these higher. I can sing higher, I just naturally sing lower, and so I need to used my higher range when I'm singing. I have learnt the lyrics to the songs, I just need to memorise the parts that the chorus sing.
We practised the dance for 'I Gotta Feeling'. I now practise ten times a day with music. However, I really need to work on my timing for a certain move. I also need to make sure that it doesn't show on my face when I make mistakes. We practised in front of a mirror, as I do at home and I was quite content with my execution of the dance moves. The only way I can improve is through practise, dancing with confidence and getting a proper nights sleep, as it really affects me if I don't.
We practised singing 'I Gotta Feeling', 'Price Tag' and 'I Want To Break Free'. I need to work on singing these higher. I can sing higher, I just naturally sing lower, and so I need to used my higher range when I'm singing. I have learnt the lyrics to the songs, I just need to memorise the parts that the chorus sing.
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
The Dance For I've Got a Feeling and Running Through Act One Of Panto
Today, I decided to put 100 per cent into everything. I just need to make sure that I can do this consistently throughout the college year. As mentioned in my last blog, I think that practising my performing arts skills over the half term has helped me to improve in all areas (singing, dancing and acting). I think that I should make sure that I watch these videos whenever I have free time. However I must practise projects for college all of the time.
In dance lessons, I was given notes that I was doing well, so I need to dance like this all of the time. If I can do that and other things alike, I just need to deliver them with confidence in the future. The more we ran through the dance, the more that I messed up with the timing and the moves. This is probably due to fatigue, but it is probably more to do with keeping focused, so I need to improve on mental endurance. I will now run through it at least ten times a day and I will dance to the track to improve on timing. In addition, I must sing at all times during the dance, so I will practise this also.
I put a lot of energy into running through act one and remembered my cues. I need to continue to practise my facial expressions and reactions in front of a mirror to make sure that they are in relation with my character.
In dance lessons, I was given notes that I was doing well, so I need to dance like this all of the time. If I can do that and other things alike, I just need to deliver them with confidence in the future. The more we ran through the dance, the more that I messed up with the timing and the moves. This is probably due to fatigue, but it is probably more to do with keeping focused, so I need to improve on mental endurance. I will now run through it at least ten times a day and I will dance to the track to improve on timing. In addition, I must sing at all times during the dance, so I will practise this also.
I put a lot of energy into running through act one and remembered my cues. I need to continue to practise my facial expressions and reactions in front of a mirror to make sure that they are in relation with my character.
October Half Term
Over the half term I spent 4 hours, for 4 days of the week watching tutorials and improving on my performing arts skills. I spent 1 hour on singing, an hour on dancing and an hour on acting everyday. I have also been watching piano tutorials and practising on my keyboard, to better my knowledge of music theory.
On Monday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHIU0jIJ3aw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10zTYfosRoY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eSbUlbLTKw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPsoeYj67s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkGBx7bIVtk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN5368Aoxlk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tgPo1MIAhc
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
I did an hour of freestyle street dancing to music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Ka-hVFjo0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8NMVUGwfSU
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practised with my character for panto.
On Wednesday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDQoMyPmg9s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRtwIGbSqQ4
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/9843-contemporary-dancing-side-and-circular-stretches
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practiced with my character for panto.
On Thursday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHgk4lYDipM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLglQMqvfgw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkmRkVXxAo0
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-vAx1U5Ao4
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practised with my character for panto.
On Friday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPsoeYj67s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfUwvJC7tGQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOFiTYka_-w
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
Did an hour of freestyle street dancing to music.
I practised from the first ten videos of this playlist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaDmoeW6sEc&list=SPF6166F725D8AA1DE
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practised my character for panto.
During the weekend I practised the songs for panto, I practised the dance for panto, I practised with my character for panto and I also read more scripts to help with sight reading.
I feel that using the half term in this way was a very productive way to use my time. I have used some of these videos and also, videos by the same people before in the summer holidays and on my days off from college, but I find them very helpful. By dancing in front of a mirror, I feel that I have improved on the precision of the moves in street dancing. My range seems to have improved since before the summer holidays and I know more of the technical terms for singing. My sight reading still needs more practise, but my acting technique is stronger than in the past.
On Monday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHIU0jIJ3aw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10zTYfosRoY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eSbUlbLTKw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPsoeYj67s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkGBx7bIVtk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN5368Aoxlk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tgPo1MIAhc
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
I did an hour of freestyle street dancing to music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Ka-hVFjo0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8NMVUGwfSU
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practised with my character for panto.
On Wednesday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDQoMyPmg9s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRtwIGbSqQ4
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/9843-contemporary-dancing-side-and-circular-stretches
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practiced with my character for panto.
On Thursday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHgk4lYDipM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLglQMqvfgw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkmRkVXxAo0
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-vAx1U5Ao4
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practised with my character for panto.
On Friday I watched and practised along with these tutorials:
For Singing:
I practised the songs for panto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPsoeYj67s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfUwvJC7tGQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOFiTYka_-w
For Dancing:
I practised the dance for college
Did an hour of freestyle street dancing to music.
I practised from the first ten videos of this playlist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaDmoeW6sEc&list=SPF6166F725D8AA1DE
For Acting:
I read some monologues online, read scripts, learnt my cues, did some improvisation and practised my character for panto.
During the weekend I practised the songs for panto, I practised the dance for panto, I practised with my character for panto and I also read more scripts to help with sight reading.
I feel that using the half term in this way was a very productive way to use my time. I have used some of these videos and also, videos by the same people before in the summer holidays and on my days off from college, but I find them very helpful. By dancing in front of a mirror, I feel that I have improved on the precision of the moves in street dancing. My range seems to have improved since before the summer holidays and I know more of the technical terms for singing. My sight reading still needs more practise, but my acting technique is stronger than in the past.
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