Report from Rehearsal

My director is away this week, which means that our rehearsals are primarily music rehearsals, interspersed with some stilt rehearsals and some waltz rehearsals. This means, essentially, that I get to sit back and just be a time-keeper for the week. So here I am, blogging from rehearsal, with An Echo in the Bone laid out in front of me, enjoying a Sunday morning of Black Prairie music and my book. Yes, it would be nicer if I was in bed. But then I wouldn't be getting paid, now would I?

I haven't written in a bit because I've been a little all over the place. I've been reflecting on my life and my relationships and it has been (as close scrutiny always is) unsettling and uncomfortable. Since I've been so much reviewing mentally it seemed a little masochistic to then sit down and write too, of all things.

That being said, I have been taking note (if not actually writing). Here are some of my favorite things that have been said in The Storm in the Barn rehearsal hall.

Given Circumstances: My 11 year old actor/protagonist is enacting a scene when he sees a snake and is frightened. My director is trying to get him to act a little more scared.
Director: "Are you afraid of snakes?"
Child Actor: "No."
Director: "Anything you're afraid of? Spiders? The dark? Heights?"
Child Actor: "The dark and heights."
Director: "Then this," she gestures to the snake, "is a dark high place." He gives her a look. "Imagine, if you will."

Given Circumstances: Our youngest actress is eight years old and always raises her hand while my director is directing, often to ask some pretty pointless questions. My director is patient with her, but does not treat her like grownups usually treat children. At this point, Steele (the little girl) has been given a bike bell to ding anytime someone opens the door the the general store. We run the scene and my director begins to give the actors some notes when Steele raises her hand.
Director: "Yes?"
Steele: "When I rung the bell it got kind of stuck and then I --"
Director: "I know, Steele. It ruined the whole play."

Given Circumstance: My choreographer was giving dance moves to my accordion player and he had a bit of resistance to dancing with the accordion strapped to his chest.
Choreographer: "Anton, I know that thing is big and heavy..."
Anton looks down his nose with look that clearly says "YES."

And finally...
Director: "The Smell in the Barn - a scratch and sniff book."