Shows x 6

What struck me during the preview was ' shit , we have 6 decent audiences to try and find ' . This in itself was a daunting task . One which fortunately we overcame . All apart from one were very good turnouts . It was great to do it in three different venues with very different aesthetic qualities . Finishing off at the wynd was a fitting end to what was a very exciting journey . I use the word end lightly as plans are already in the early stages for a run in the fringe . Considering we only had seven rehearsals , what the two girls achieved was astronomical . Another step in taking the company forward . Our first proper review . Being accepted for a theatre like the wynd which has some great companies in their archive and yet again blowing people away and bagging a few more 'TLP followers ' , who yet again came along expecting to see something amateur and got far more than they baragined for . There were tough elements to the process . These I will not go into specifically , because no process is ever vacant of downfalls , but in the end of the day , the goods were produced when it mattered and everyone left happy . The performances got better and more engaging as time went on . Not to say they werent from the offset , just the more confortable the onstage relationship got the better . I asked myself before hand , would I sit through every show . I did so and I did so with pleasure and pride , knowing the two people I gave my script to would do it justice , and they did . I am blessed that I don't yet feel at the arrogant stage where I wouldn't turn up for one of my performances . I will always be there , even if the run is for six months . Hold me to that . Trust me , I'll prove you wrong

Thursday 14th October

The seventh and final rehearsal . Pretty impressive , putting a decent 45 minute production on in such a short space of time . Shows you what hard work and dedication can achieve . An interesting rehearsal today . Run went sweet and crisp . A wee bit faster than first assumed , but that's theatre I guess . Another successful rehearsal process . Like everyone , it has been arduous and frustrating with the odd piece of humour and excitement , but on a whole , the show is ready and hopefully we get the audience . All in all were doing six runs . That's nervewracking because it's a lot of seats to fill . Almost a tester for the fringe next year where I intend to do a weeks run . Good luck ladies , I'm sure you'll do proud.

Thursday 7th October

A phrase I like to use in rehearsals is ' juxtiposition of emotions' ,which I'm not entirely sure if it makes much sense in english terms , but I like it . Well , today was certainly one of those days . I found out a lot of things about myself and a lot of things about confidence and cycology towards acting . I also found out how much the need to want to please me is effecting the performance . I understand this is my baby and I want it to be brilliant but , they have to let that feeling go and understand this is what I want to do with my life and one day I may work with someone who has no respect for my work or no respect for me . Once we established this and spoke about it indepth , tings seemed to change . The difference between the first run and the second one was almost inconceivable and most of this was due to us chatting and making firm decisions . The second run clocked at 47 minutes and although there was the odd blip , I could tell afterwords that Sara and Tonia were alot happier and they recognise where the blips were . I felt a great relationship on stage for at least 90% of the second run and this is something that will hopefully increase to 100% over the course of the next week . I am never concerned about shows really because I have total faith in my cast . I think this is a very enjoyable , very impactful piece and I hipe we get the audience it deserves.

Thursday 30th October

To be honest , I was rather dissapointed with what I witnessed today . The lines are definately an issue at the moment . I have no doubt they will both be ok for the show , but nonetheless with only two weeks until the preview , I still haven't witness that thing I call breaking the barrier of believeability . On a plus note : the show is fully blocked and the mock run clocked at 43 minutes . A nice time for a show and a lot packed into such a short play . Now it's really time to work hard and hopefully there will be a huge progression over the next couple of weeks

Thursday 23rd October

By a royal mile the most productive day of rehearsal . Full on from start to finish . Felt a real connection at times during the eventual run . Clocked at 28 mins . Predicted run time is 40-45 mins , so it is all coming along nicely . Things are starting to take shape with the tour and the show is approaching at lightning speed . They always do . That's why the rehearsal process has to be austere . Good work from both cast members today and some great character progress aswell . I learned from today . Being in the small room made me realise how important intimacy will be and how it will play a huge part on the believeability . Amazing what a bit of costume and a few props can do . Whoever made up this myth about theatre not being brilliant with only a table and chairs . Well , come and see this show and you might just change your mind .

Thursday 16th September

Today started with a gut wrenching moment . No idea what was happening on the stage , but some demon had decided to take the acting ability from Sara and Tonia . It left me with an ambiguous feeling about how to proceed with the days rehearsal . Anyway , all came good and the next time this particular piece was ran , it was done so in a beautiful manner , bringing out the relationship of the mother and daughter very eloquently . We are about half way through the play now and although I am yet to feel the tingle of readiness and excitement of showing it to the world , it will come . It always does . There are shades of brilliance already .  Only shades , but brilliance never comes in bundles , it comes in time.

Thursday 2nd September

Blocked the first 11 minutes of the play . Looks awesome . As always , the standard will raise drastically when offbook , but nonetheless , for a first wee runthrough it seemed all good . There is a very warm feel to this piece . I would describe it as a family piece . A bit like a harry potter movie . Well....better than a potter movie , but aye , whatever eh...huh....mmmm? . Hopefully it will begin to take proper shape as we delve in more and sara and tonia get more engrossed into the character . As always , I blocked it with fine detail . Probably to the disgust of the actors . Never mind. They conform to my way of directing or I sack them and leave them to squabble down the path of the has been . Oh..throw in lines from other plays . plagorising so...

Thursday 26th August

The beggining of a new and exciting journey brings us Cutting the Cord . Arguably the most layed back piece written by myself , by in the same note arguably the one with the strongest relationship . Plans to tour the borders make this a very exciting project . Only time will tell how this develops . Todays rehearsal consisted of the read through and mega chatting regarding what's what in terms of set etc . I feel this piece is something everyone can enjoy and I hope it get's the audience it deserves .