Two Guns Rehearsal Number Two

I am very happy with how this rehearsal went. We started off with some warm ups. I grabbed a stick and had Mariah and Steve hold the stick between them with one finger each while maintaining eye contact. I them gave them directions like ‘make the stick dance’. The point of this game was to practice commitment and to practice being serious in a usually awkward and/or comical situation. I also had them use two sticks- one for each hand, and told them that someone has to get both legs over at least one stick. That forced them to work together AND focus at the same time.

Next, I had them go separately and leave cell phone messages to anyone about anything, while I gave them periodic instruction. One thing that stuck out to me was how Steve never flinched or paused or laughed, especially when I told him to talk about last week’s family reunion. And especially when I told him to mention to his mom that he got a new boyfriend!

I had given them homework to really think about their characters, especially using the script as proof of who they are. Mariah has found that Megan is more short and to the point- sassy. Sassy is the perfect word. She is also standoffish, and her young age- 20- shows a lower level of maturity which is fairly clear in the script. She is however, subtly actually interested in listening to (and looking at) Ace. Steve discovered that Ace opens up more to Megan than vice versa, and he’s really sarcastic (just like Megan, too). At 26, he’s more mature, and it’s apparent he has a bit of a crush on Megan, but she’s too ‘cool and sassy’ to do anything ‘bout it. She will flirt a little, though.

We worked on the first two pages of the script, really covering as much as possible. It went really well. We really looked into depth at several lines, and tried to figure out what the characters were really thinking. Remember- there’s a difference between what the character is actually saying versus the subtext. I wrote in lots of sarcasm, and lots of sarcasm-like lines that are a bit tricky to tackle. I told them about how I strongly do not want this piece to be intense and drama-filled. It should almost sound like a conversation in the park over an iced coffee with whipped cream between two people who ‘sorta’ know each other- casual. It contradicts the situation. Bottom line, I want them to relax more. A lot more. Breathe.

Things to still address:

-How they will move, since we need the audience to be able to see as much as possible of Mariah and Steve. Perhaps if they rotate around the table? Gotta talk ‘bout that.

-More energy- lots of the dialogue seems a bit flat, and some of the dialogue seems very flat. I’ve seen them both improve greatly, though, so I know they can do it and I have faith.

-I want to work on chemistry slash cast bonding. We should all get to know each other so we can have a comfortable and friendly zone. I’ll have a short ‘what’s been up’ conversation at the beginning of every rehearsal just to catch up a bit. I am not and will never be that suckish director who just demands stuff and doesn’t actually know the people he/she is working with. And Joel- don’t worry. You’re not one of those.

       Until next time! (tomorrow)

       Cuddles and starfish,

              Sarah