Evaluation

DISCUSS THREE MOMENTS IN YOUR PLAY THAT YOU THOUGHT WERE EXCELLENT. (PLEASE WRITE AT LEAST 4 SENTENCES FOR EACH MOMENT YOU ARE DISCUSSING):

Clay representing James who became a skinhead - In scene 9, we all march in unison in the middle of the stage whilst repetitively chanting the word "skinhead" in a loud tone of voice. After this, Clay merges away from the cluster we have created on centre stage and says his lines in the character of James who is now a skinhead. I believe that this moment was excellent as he powerfully and passionately projected his voice to produce a momentous monologue that described in detail James' change from what he was before. After this monologue, he then gets into a fight at school but askes for it, as if he wanted it. In order for Clay to successfully act out this role, he needed to learn how to stage fight and I think he definitely learnt what to do to make the fight on stage look realistic.

The opening of the play - As soon as scene 1 commenced, we all merged from two sides of the door and walked on stage at level 1 speed. Whilst doing this, we pretended to write our names with our noses in slow motion to show that we were analysing our surroundings as thoroughly as we could. I believe that this moment in the play was successful as it created a silent and tense atmosphere; you could hear a pin drop whilst the opening happened! A poise was created on purpose in order to add to the silent atmosphere formed which contributed to the feel we were trying to create at the very beginning. We all worked as an ensemble very well and that's what helped us do the opening successfully.

The ending -  At the ending, James' mum has just been murdered  by James. This is acted out by  the female cast of the play being beaten up by the male cast whilst screaming. Eventually, all of the female cast that represent James' mum will be on the floor with James (the male cast) hovering over them crouched down. After this has happened, everyone on the stage falls dead silent whilst frozen. I believe this moment in the play worked extremely well as it created tension and suspense on stage and within the audience. Whilst being frozen without any sound on stage, it adds to the dramatic and gothic effect and atmosphere we were trying to create on stage. It allowed the audience to absorb the still image we had formed and take in and understand what had just happened. If we were to change scenes too quickly, it wouldn't have been as effective and successful. I believe we effectively did this moment in the play quite well and worked sensibly and maturely about this scene as a group.



HOW DO YOU THINK YOU COULD IMPROVE YOUR REHEARSAL PROCESS IN THE NEXT UNIT? (LEARNING LINES EARLIER/BEING MORE PREPARED/ MAKING BOLDER CHARACTER CHOICES ETC):

In order to improve my rehearsal process to make sure I'm ready for the next unit, I will make sure I rehearse more at home by reassuring myself that I'm confident with my lines and movement. I will get people I know to evaluate me and see what their ideas might be and use their constructive criticism to better my acting. I will allocate at least 15 minutes everyday to reassure myself that I know what my lines and movements are. If I was to spend too much time on it, my lines and movement will feel more like a routine than a piece of theatre: I don't want to lose the feel and emotion within the piece by over-rehearsing it.


DISCUSS IN DETAIL A MOMENT IN THE PLAY THAT YOU WERE IN THAT YOU THINK REALLY WORKED:

Scene 13 - Scene thirteen was a scene where we spread across the stage on our knees and said scene 13 in unison as a chorus. This scene described James' feelings and emotions towards the death of his beloved granddad who was a father figure to him. Within this scene was powerful imagery created with a collection of words and phrases used to describe what he was thinking in his head. I believe that this moment really worked as this was the longest moment in the play where we all said lines collectively and worked together to make sure it worked. No one went too fast and no one went too slow; we all worked together as a cast to ensure it was successful. This moment showed how we worked together to make things a success; we all performed as one body in this scene and it was highly successful.

Saying lines in unison which everyone in the cast is quite a tough challenge - especially if what you're saying is long! However, I believe we tackled it well and gave it our best when saying these lines altogether. Whilst we projected them, we helped each other along the way by making sure we were all at the same pace and speed and guided each other with what the lines were. It's important to help your fellow peers when you have to worked as one so that you all can be successful in the outcome of it. In this particular scene, we all were one body and I believe it worked very well.

DISCUSS IN DETAIL A MOMENT IN THE PLAY THAT YOU WEREN'T IN THAT YOU THINK REALLY WORKED:

In the other classes play, they had to share different characters between them. For example, about 4/5 people played the role of the judge. I thought that worked rather well as their transitions were smooth, slick and clear whilst not making it obvious that they were about to change roles. Everyone who was a judge helped each other out by supporting each other when transitioning and always picked up right from where the previous judge who was on stage left off. This worked well as it allowed the play to flow successfully; it didn't massively hinder anyone's acting and it involved them working together to make sure everything ran smoothly. Prior to the fact that the judge plays a predominant and significant role within the play, it was crucial that they made sure the transitions between different judges was well done. 

Transitions in a play can definitely create lulls. However, the other class made sure that there were as very few lulls as possible within their play by always trying to maintain character - no matter what they were doing. They rally helped each other out and supported one another with a crucial thing to do when working in the performing arts industry.

WRITE ABOUT ANOTHER ACTOR IN THE PLAY THAT YOU WERE IN THAT YOU THOUGHT WAS EXCELLENT - WHAT DID THEY DO TO MAKE THEIR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENT?:

Sam Johnson - In scene 8, Sam played the part of when James was morphing into a skinhead. From doing previous research on skinheads in class, I've come to learn that the culture of a skinhead can be quite mature and intense when it comes to some of the things they do and believe. In this play, James turns into a racist skinhead as later on in the play, you see him do the nazi salute at school. I believe Sam tackled this role in a very mature way by being sensible when portraying James' views and was committed to his role by being open minded. He showed emotion through the way in which he spoke and his body language (a loud and threatening voice with strong clenched fists and broadening his shoulders) which demonstrated he knew what he was doing. Sam also directed scene 3, organised rehearsals outside of our allocated theatre time and always contributed useful ideas to the play. One thing I've learned from Sam is to always be bold when acting and to never hold back; I should always give it my all.

DISCUSS A MOMENT IN THE PLAY THAT YOU WERE IN THAT YOU THINK DIDN'T WORK - WHY MIGHT THIS HAVE BEEN?:

At the end of our play, we are all supposed to get up and scream in unison whilst walking around the room. However, I thought that sometimes the scene wasn't performed to its highest standard by everybody. Some people held back whilst some really went for it. I believe this might have happened because some people may have been confused as to why they were screaming (unaware of their objective) whilst some people knew exactly what was happening which overshadowed those who may have been confused. Others were confused as to when to get up or when to sit down meanwhile others knew exactly what to do next. In order to make sure this doesn't happen again, we must make sure that everyone knows what their objective is (apply skills we learnt from the first unit we did) and be certain that everyone is on the same page and is acting to their full potential. In order to learn from our mistakes, we must acknowledge them, move on and better ourselves! However, overall, we did outstandingly well performing the play and I'm proud and honoured to be working with such committed and talented peers.

DISCUSS A MOMENT IN THE PLAY THAT YOU WEREN'T IN THAT YOU THINK DIDN'T QUITE WORK - WHY MIGHT THIS HAVE BEEN?:

In the other theatre group, Sade was one of the judges. She projected her lines really well by speaking in a loud voice with clarity which made it easier for the audience to hear her. However, I feel that she didn't fulfil her role as a judge well as she just seemed to be saying her lines without enough emotion. Sch seemed to be holding back and not use opportunities given to her in her scenes to perform to her best. On the contrary, she may have just been shy to act in front of my theatre class and Mr Warden prior to the fact he is the headteacher of The BRIT School. Nonetheless, this shouldn't hinder Sade's performance as it should make her want to work harder and perform better. Sade did act well; I just believe she could've pushed herself harder as we all should be doing when we're acting.

SET YOURSELF THREE SPECIFIC TARGETS FOR NEXT TERM E.G. IMPROVE SPELLING IN WRITTEN WORK, CONTRIBUTE MORE IN LESSONS:

1. Do my blog work the night that it is set - this will help me to keep on track with all my theatre work and not be behind.
2. Rehearse at home to always refresh my memory - this will make sure that I won't be unsure of any lines or movement that I have to remember for my next theatre class.
3. Think outside the box - this will allow me to explore different aspects of theatre more, contribute to the class creatively and develop as an actress. 

I've enjoyed doing this unit so much and cannot wait for term 4 to start the other unit!

Catch A Clap

In catch a clap, you have to stand in a circle and one person will pass a clap around the circle. However, it doesn't have to be to the person next to you; you can clap to someone right across from you in the circle. Eventually, everyone in the circle will have had a clap and they will have to remember who clapped to them. For example, 1 will have to remember they sent a clap to 2 and 2 will have to remember that 1 clapped to them and that 3 will have clapped to them and so on. This will help you with your memory skills and to work together as a team (essentials for a great performance). Here is a diagram to help give a clearer explanation: 

Notes We Learnt In Our Last Performance

Costumes - These are very important because it represents the character you are playing. It helps you as an actor/actress to help move away from your own way of dressing and be more like your character by wearing the clothes they'd normally wear, not what you'd normally wear.

Lulls - These are pauses within your performance that shouldn't be there. If there are any lulls, it could bring down the level of tension within your performance meaning the audience wouldn't be as focused as you'd want them to be. However, some lulls can be on purpose as it can positively create tension when needed. Make sure to earn the pause within the scene otherwise all it will do is bring down the atmosphere you're trying to create!

Pause and poise - A 'pause' is when you deliberately end the sentence you were saying and clearly make your point. This can be used at the end of a scene, when in dialogue with someone or just simply to finish off a sentence and maybe start a new one. On the contrary, 'poise' is when you finish talking but it doesn't mean you have finished your sentence. This could be used to get the audience to think or you may want to say something but someone finishes your sentence for you by either saying it or acting it out. For example, there was a scene where James was having a flashback of when he was drinking alcohol and was telling his story to someone who worked in the secure unit. One sentence he said where he used poise was when he said " And then I went... " and acted out his actions. 

Transitions on point - Your transitions must run smoothly as this makes your play flow with ease. If your transitions are messy, it automatically brings down the feel of the play and makes it look sloppy and unorganised. If you overlap your transitions, this helps to prevent there being lulls in the play.

Moving around on stage - If you come out f character on stage and this is clearly identified by you moving around, this could distract the audience and it'll draw focus towards you who is out of character. This shouldn't happen as it brings down the level of sophistication you're supposed to have as an actor/actress and could effect the rest of your performance by not performing to the best of your ability.

When rehearsing and receiving directions -  Do not drop whatever position you were in when acting when your director is directing you whilst you're rehearsing as it'll waste time when you are trying to get back into position! 

The space you're given to perform - Adapt the performance by using all of the space you're given. This will give actors and actresses more room on stage to move around and feel less restricted with their movements.

Before you're about to perform - Save your voice before you're about to perform. Don't go crazy and lose and waste all your energy as it can make you tired. All the energy you waste should be used on stage! Preserve your energy by humming, stretching and etc: calm exercises. This will help you be more than ready for your performance! 

My Costume for Today's Performance of Blackout by Davey Anderson

This was the costume that I wore today for our cast's performance of Blackout. The costume 

 is a mimick of what skinheads would wear: a smart buttoned-up shirt, braces and jeans that roll up above your ankles and the waist may be a bit high. This costume allowed me to engage with my character more and really believe in what I was trying to portray within the play when playing the character of a skinhead. Costumes are very important in plays as it helps you to escape from who you are personally and what you would normally wear to explore different characters by looking at different styles of fashion that you may need to incorporate in the content of your play like we had to do for Blackout. 

Overall, I think tonight's performance was a great success as we got standing ovation from some of the audience, positive feedback and the audience was mesmerised by our performance. Although there were one or two minor blips, we applied what we learnt from one of the exercise we did in class (Kaos) and ignored the few mistakes made and carried on professionally. Working on this play helped me grow so much as an actress because I explored different styles of acting, acted out roles that I'm not used to doing and really tried to think outside the box. I think it's extremely important as a performer to be open-minded and think differently as it allows to to explore things more in depth and really come out of your comfort zone. Acting is about taking risks! And that's what I did in this unit and I can't wait to start the next unit to come.  

MY COSTUME:

Advert for Blackout

Hey, you! Yes, you! Now that I've grabbed your attention, you might aswell just read on! Have you heard of skinheads? If so, then that's great! If not, why not come down to Year 10 Theatre's (Mr Rennison's class) performance of a play called 'Blackout' by Davey Anderson on Thursday 13th February 2014 at 6:30PM? Even if you've already heard about skinheads, still come along to watch as you will not only enjoy an outstanding performance from the year 10s but also you will be cultured on the true story of a young male Scottish perpertator who's life turns upside down. 

Guess how much you have to pay? Nothing - it's free! So come along and watch a half hour play performed by the Brit School's Year 10 theatre strand.

WHERE: The Space

WHEN: Thursday 13th February 2014, 6:30PM

WHO: Year 10 Theatre Stand (Mr Rennison's class) 

Thank you for reading, see you there! 

Review of Blackout

Blackout is a play written by Davey Anderson. The play was inspired stories of a young offender from Glasgow. The play is based on a young teenage boy named James who goes through many struggles and traumas in his life. 

Working as an ensemble

In the play Blackout, it is performed with an ensemble cast and staged as a thrust focusing on a stream of consciousness that tells the character James' story. Blackout focuses on one person: James (the narrator of the play). There is not a set nor are props used which adds more effect by only having the characters on stage alone. Throughout the play, you go forward and backward in time. Moreover, different actions within the play can be paused whilst another action is happening. This play breaks the three unities of Aristotle who was a Greek philosopher: time, place and action. 

I got the impression that the play is an ensemble because as a class, they worked together by incorporating different levels of energy, saying lines in unison and performing physical theatre collectively. Working together is effective because instead of one person just performing, all performers performing together will increase the amount of effect and feel of the play as a whole! For example, being in a chorus on stage and saying and acting things out as one, it adds so much more of an emotional and creative effect. However, working as one in the play can be quite difficult as so much can be happening and it's hard to try and make sure you're working at the same time as your group. What's also challenging about this play is the rapid changes of locations within different scenes. Nonetheless, the Blackout cast tackled this well by working together. By working as an ensemble, every person involved in the play equally plays a key part. When one person does a mistake, it's good to move on from it and just carry on. By doing this, you can make more progress when rehearsing the play. When it comes to performing, you'll be more than ready! 

Thrust staging

Blackout is performed by an ensemble cast in the configuration of thrust. Thrust is a clever configuration to use for the play as Blackout contains a lot of physical theatre elements. If the play was to be performed in a round configuration or immersive, it would create less of an impact for the play and the audience wouldn't be able to understand it as some might not see some of the movements and actions when performing the play. If it was immersive, the audience would just clash with the cast as there is a lot of fast movement incorporated. Thrust configuration allows the audience to be able to see every action and movement of the play. This means they'll get the full experience of Blackout and not miss a thing! 

To conclude, I believe the cast of Blackout have performed the play to a very high standard. They remembered a high amount of physical movement, worked in sync with one another and tackled such emotional and mature themes presented in the play e.g. skinheads, assault, bullying and psychological issues. Despite the play behind predominantly focused on physical theatre, they really did demonstrate that actions do speak louder than words. They showed that your body can tell a story just as much as your mouth and tongue can.

Self Evaluation of Lesson 16/01/14

Overall this lesson, I think I made good progress with being able to contribute positively to the rehearsal. At short notice, I was added to Sam J, Sam M, D'Nai and Chloe's group to help construct scene 3. I believe this went amazingly well considering the circumstances of me being added in at short notice. I was able to pick up things quite quickly, remember what lines I had to say and different things we were required to do in the scene. One of the techniques I used today was a technique displayed in the exercise 'Fishers'. 

As a class, it took us quite a long time to construct scene 3 as we all had ideas of our own. In order to work in theatre, you have to be very vocal and that really did shine in all of us as we usually tried to get our voices heard all at the same time. There are 20 scenes altogether and so far we have only done 3 - we have 17 more to go! Am I nervous? Definitely - who wouldn't be!? However, I'm sure by working as a team like we do in our exercises, we'll be more than just fine when it comes to Thursday February 13th (the day of our final performance)!

To improve, I think we should allocate specific times for us to work on specific things. For example, we have theatre with Mr Rennison for 3 hours and 15mins on Thursdays. We could practice scene one for 15 mins as that should be up to scratch by now, scene 2 for 25 mins as we have already done this before, scene 3 for 30 mins and give other scenes half an hour each. Altogether, we should be able to do enough scenes in a day if we work efficiently! We should allocate less time for scenes we have already done as it should be stuck in our minds. Also, we should practice outside of our theatre classes to be more familiar with the play.

Nonetheless, we have demonstrated great directorial skills e.g. Sam J was amazing when directing us as he was precise, clear with his speech and was very assertive in the right way when directing scene 3. Also, we were able to try and incorporate everyone's ideas if they were practical by working together to make it happen. If as a class we can take on Sam's exquisite directorial skills and focus on working together, finishing off the play should come at ease to us all!

Although we have only a few lessons left to finish off the play, I'm definite we'll be great if we all remember these 3 words that I always repeat in my head whenever in doubt in any situation I'm in: confidence, determination and faith.

Confidence: Without confidence, how would we be able to perform? This is a significant quality needed for us to do well in the play.

Determination: We can't give up if we don't get things right the firs time. If someone messes up in the rehearsal, forget about it and move on! We need to remember to carry on striving and aim to achieve the best we can!

Faith: We need to believe in ourselves. Without this, we'll knock our confidence down bringing down the element once determination with it. We must believe we can each hat ever we set our minds to and that we WILL complete the play and it WILL be a success when we perform it!

We are all so talented! We just need to remember those 3 words and pick up from where we left off. Those 3 words can apply to any situation, not just for the play. They're great examples of words to repeat in your head whenever you need a boost.