Animal Kingdom

Our director for Scapin challenged us the other day by asking us to each pick an animal to base our characters on.  Usually this is not my thing: I tend to come from a more vocal than movement base in acting.  With this play, however, the choice seems to really work.  The goal of this production is to be truly funny and family friendly, and so basing characters on animals moves us closer to that goal.  So my friend David (also in Scapin) and I went to The Columbus Zoo yesterday to do some research.  We caught some amazing things on camera, including a wolf rolling around playfully and flamingos fighting.

My character tends to laugh a lot, and so naturally I gravitated towards the jovial hyena.

It's body movements and hang dog look, however, didn't suit my sensual gypsy character, so I'm now looking towards the sly fox for body movements, and keeping the hyena for vocalization.

Doesn't she look like she's smiling?  We saw two arctic foxes get into a brief play-fight yesterday, and it was over as soon as it started: it made me think of how quickly a summer storm blows through a sunny day.  

I was surprised how naturally the work came to me, as soon as I was open to it.  My body and instincts took over.  I'm looking forward to really playing with this technique and seeing where it takes me!  Have you ever done animal work in your acting?  Where did it take you?

(Photo from Woodland Park Zoo.)

Hello Friends!

It's been over a month since I last posted, and I'm looking forward to sharing with you all again!  I took a bit of an online break (my Etsy account still needs a rest!) but it's good to be back in the blogosphere.

Next Monday I start rehearsals for Scapin with New Player's Theatre.  I'll be spending the summer playing Zerbinette and also Regan in King Lear as the two plays are being presented in rep.

Bill Irwin and company in his adaptation of Moliere's Scapin.

While I am extremely excited to be playing both roles, I have to admit I'm a bit nervous for my first foray into repertory theatre.  Luckily the plays are being helmed by two lovely directors whom I trust, and I couldn't be happier that they are trusting me as well.

 

Trever Nunn's King Lear featuring Sir Ian McKellen, Romola Garai, Frances Barber and Monica Dolan.

So now comes the digging.  Research is one of my favorite parts about theatre, and I love to dissect my characters to find out what makes them tick (Nerd Alert: I sound like Sylar, don't I?).  It's such an amazing feeling when your character sparks on stage fueled by the months of hard work and personalization you've put into making her.  I sincerely hope that I'll be able to do these characters justice, and that you will come see the results!

Scapin runs June 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and July 8, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22.

King Lear runs July 6, 7, 14, 15, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29 and August 2, 3, 4, 5.

All performances are at 8 pm at Mill Run Amphitheatre, 3455 Mill Run Dr., Hilliard, OH 43026.  Every show is pay what you will!  Watch for more information coming soon on Facebook and New Player's blog.

(1. Stark Insider  2. Movie Mail)