“Give actors the permission to play”
As a new director, I really wanted to throw myself into a rehearsal/script breakdown with some motivated actors to really explore the script. I wanted to listen to the actors ideas and problems that they might have had with the story, characters or actions. We managed to get some very interesting actors involved and it was a real pleasure to work with them.
We explored the story’s depths and connections of it’s emotions with some nice thoughts shining through. We broke the character’s down and really studied why these people are the way they are. It was great to see Max, Victoria and Derek chat about their opinions.
We then went into blocking the first scene and working out it’s beats to find the physical life of the story. All actors took direction well and added their own little touches to the character which allowed them to be humanised. It was a great process to see as we explored the story even further by adding layers of emotion.
I understand that in rehearsals you should never try to find a ‘finished result’ but really wanted to test these actors and see how they absorbed my guidance. We finished off by allowing them to improvise the scene now knowing that they have to get from point A to point B. This was a pleasurable practice to see with the actors really having to work with each other, not fully knowing what they will say or do.
The actors that collaborated on this workshop were:
Max Calandrew
I have recently graduated from Manchester School of Theatre and I’m looking to work within the world of TV, Film and Theatre. I pride myself on working hard for the opportunities I get as well as putting a huge amount of work into each character I play. If you wish to see material of me performing please click the link below. The material is scenes from a filmed version of a production of Stags and Hens that was performed at my Drama School. Please note that the Liverpool accent is a character trait and is not my native accent.
Victoria Connett
I studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City. I have done roles in Coronation Street, The Royal, Doctors, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, along with others. Will be on ITV’s Christmas film ‘Just Henry’ this Sunday.
IMDb link http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175234/
Follow Victoria on Twitter #victoriaconnett
Derek Lawson
Derek started his career in London in the early ‘80s and appeared in several plays there such as Hedda Gabler (Henrik Ibsen), Major Barbara (George Bernard Shaw) and Amadeus (Peter Shaffer). He made his London debut as a Director with Educating Rita (Willy Russell) and followed that up with Middle Aged Spread (Roger Hall).
During his absence from the theatre, Derek has appeared in many film and television roles. Most recently he has been viewed at the Cannes Film Festival in the short film, Dark Solitude. He has also played parts in the cinema versions of Ghosts, Sherlock Holmes, and Across The Universe.