A Midsummer Nights Dream 2

We have officially wrapped up our first week of rehearsals! It has only been a week, but it was full of crazy adventures already. Since we do not have our own building, we have relied on the kindness of others to donate space to rehearse. Thus far, we have rehearsed in the lobby of the Bradley Theatre, the studio space in the Bradley Theatre, the community room at Schnucks, and the porch of the Park District Building. Thank goodness our cast is so generous with their time and open minded!

Not many people can say they have rehearsed in a grocery store and a porch...hooray for grassroots theatre!

This week we officially signed our contract with Camp Wokanda! It feels like the three of us bought a house together. We visit the space every week just to BE there and walk around...and  I swear it gets prettier every time we go!

We started our blocking rehearsals this week! In four short days we have all but two scenes completely blocked! It has been so amazing. There are beautiful amounts of play at every rehearsal. The environment feels so safe. It is wonderful to take a step back every once in a while and look at all the different people working together and playing together. Something or someone is definitely watching over this production. Even with what could be perceived as setbacks i.e. losing our rehearsal space, random miracles would occur. For example...as the three of us were panicking about finding a rehearsal space on Wednesday, the man who delivered and was setting up my futon (which was two days late) suggested Schnucks. We called and they had a room available! It was as if the stars had to align just right. My futon HAD to be late because otherwise we wouldn't have had a space. He also offered to help out with any heavy lifting and transportation of set pieces! It is so wonderful how art can bring people together!

Here are some of our rehearsal pictures!

Rehearsal in a grocery store!

Rehearsal on a porch

Sarah and I closed out the week with another visit to Camp Wokanda. After rehearsing in various locations it was interesting to go back and walk the blocking. The stage is huge!!! For any cast member reading this, we are going to be in great shape before all this is over!

Midsummer Inspiration and Research

Hey guys! So, here is a compilation of Andrew, Sarah and my research pictures and videos.  This will give you a feel of our world and inspiration for the piece! ENJOY!


Midsummer 1909 part 1
 

Midsummer 1909 part 2

A Midsummer Nights Dream 1

It is my pleasure to announce that A Midsummer Nights Dream is officially underway! We had a successful and hilarious first read through! As one can imagine coordinating 23+ people's schedule is very difficult. We had two different days tentatively scheduled for the read through which did not work. So Sarah randomly picked a day and booked the space. Magically it was the only day most people were able to make. The day was April 23rd...Shakespeare's Birthday! Someone is definitely looking over our production. This is a story that HAS to be told RIGHT NOW with THIS group of people. And can I just say, we have an extremely talented cast! There was already a tremendous amount of warmth and generosity in the room as we read through the script. Andrew and I could barely contain ourselves as we listened to the characters come to life. It was a bit spooky at first, looking around the room and seeing the group as a whole. Sarah and I know everyone from different parts of our lives and suddenly we are all here, together, in one room working on one project. It is truly beautiful how theatre can bring people together like this. 

MECHANICALS

ROYALS AND LOVERS

FAIRY WORLD

Wednesday April 25, was Chillicothe Day. Andrew, Jess (Hyppolyta), Kayleigh (Peaseblossom) and I ventured out to Chillicothe to pass out our press release and start getting the word out. We started at my apartment for brunch.

"My heart is true as steel" - Helena to Demetrius

Then we were off! We first visited our new home. Camp Wokanda. Last time we were there, it was nearly dark. Can I just say, the space is even more gorgeous in the daylight! We are so lucky to have this beautiful space to play in and to be working the generous Peoria Park District.

view from the stage

We then visited some vintage stores on our way into Chilli (and found some awesome costume pieces) and walked the main road once in Chillicothe.

As we made our way we came to find out the Chillicothe Independent, the local newspaper, had run a story on us already!

The Great Work has truly begun!

Now we have some hard work to do ourselves to keep this momentum up. But I know we will keep pushing each other along in this journey.