Post-Reading Reflections

This past weekend was the FreshINK staged reading of The Haunting of the Weave.  (I'm ready to change the name now.  It was good to hear it read and to see what worked and what didn't.  I feel like I have a clear idea of what to change if I continue to go in this direction.  Although, I see some new ways to go as well.

I'm trying to write down my thoughts now so that I can have them on paper and then put them away for awhile while I concentrate on the rest of my job. 

I do feel really lucky to be able to have had the luxury of a sabbatical to do the research and to work to produce something creative AND personal.  It has been a great journey for me.  It isn't over yet, but it is time to put it aside and let it marinate.

I had a wonderful experience with the actors, stage manager, sound and projection folks.  If anyone in that group is reading this.  THANK YOU!!

Tomorrow We Perform

Well, 4 rehearsals in and we've made a lot of changes.  I wish we had more time and more technology.  I'd love to have a loom on stage, use more of the projections, create more staging.  But, this is a reading and I need to let it be what it is.

The actors are doing a great job, working hard and doing their best to bring these sometimes wordy and difficult speeches to life.  I'm working on the 'cues' now and in a few hours we will have our last rehearsal. 

I am both really excited AND really terrified to bring this before an audience.  I know that it is not ready for 'prime time' yet and still very much a work-in-progress.  My delicate ego worries about being destroyed.  At the same time, I'm eager to see what does work and what people have to say.  So, for anyone out there reading this... wish me luck!!!

First Rehearsal

I'm really excited!  We had our first rehearsal for the FreshINK reading of the play.  It is still raw and needs a lot of work, but having enthusiastic actors working on it and giving it life felt really rewarding.  The reading is one week from day (and through that weekend) and we have four more rehearsals.  There's a lot to do, but it is good to be at this stage.

Well... it's out there...

The play now has a working title:  "The Haunting of the Weave: The story of the Lowell Mill Girls."  Not sure that is the right title, but it is what I have right now.  I've put it on our department D2L page so that students can read it and be prepared for auditions on September 14th.  We will be doing the play as part of our FreshINK program in late September.  I'm both excited and terrified.

There have been a lot of changes but I still feel that it is very much a work-in-progress.  I feel very attached to it and also a bit frightened of what this next stage will be.  But, having it performed - even as a reading - will really help me to see whether I can go on with it, or if that is the extent of the life of the piece.  We shall see.  To be continued...