From the Director's Chair
Although every production by Brownsea Open Air Theatre is different, some aspects of putting the
show together follow the same pattern each year. Once the auditions are over and the play is cast
in early January, things go quiet and it may appear as if nothing much is happening. However, like
an iceberg, most of the preliminary preparations for B.O.A.T’.s annual productions are taking place
below the waterline. These early weeks are only an intensification of what has been happening since
the play was given the green light at the beginning of 2009. Once the cast and crew have been
offered and accepted the roles assigned to them, they sit back and wait impatiently for the first
time they all meet. This is a semi-formal occasion called The Inaugural Meeting at which the company
for the current year is formed and cast and crew are introduced to each other.
This year, following a very happy, upbeat Inaugural Meeting on March 24th, attended by cast, crew and
invited guests (including representatives from The National Trust, Greenslades’ Boat Company and the
local Press) we held a stimulating day-long Actors’ Workshop, led by Andrew Jarvis on Sunday April 11th
(see an actor’s account of the day under the heading - ‘In the beginning…’ )
Since then I have had one-to – one seminars with most of the cast, during which we’ve discussed the
characters and, in some cases, looked closely at the text for clues to their ‘back stories’.
Different ways of interpreting the text have inspired some lively discussions and I’m very excited
about starting on the main rehearsals next week. These begin with the first read through of the
text on Monday April 26th, which, traditionally, is attended by a large number of the crew and FOH
teams, to give them an idea of the season ahead.
However, pre-rehearsal meetings with the cast are not the only ways in which we prepare for the
production. Set Design, Costume, Props, Lighting, Sound and Music are also key factors in the
success of B.O.A.T.’s annual performances and Heads of Teams have been busy for months holding
meetings and making plans for staging The Taming of the Shrew.
As work on the current production hots up I will keep you up to date with the latest news – and
some of the cast and crew will be invited to describe the process from their perspective, too.
Keep checking the website for these items. Even if, as I hope, you have already bought your tickets,
knowing more about what goes into each year’s final result will add to your enjoyment.
Remind your friends that tickets are selling fast and they need to book now to ensure they get the
date and seat they really want!
Denise Mallender (Director – The Taming of the Shrew)
Tuesday 27th April 2010
Other articles:
<< Newer / Older >>