Log Entry #2

Prior to writing my logs I looked back on last week and realized how much this has helped to organize my thoughts and work.  I like it!!!

Day 4:

On the fourth day of scene work I began to really hone in on my movements and staging. I focused on communicating with Nadya on how to move with strong, relevant presence during the scene. I first started by annotating the script with different 'action verbs' to decipher what Romeo was trying to do/say/convey in each thought. This helped me to attach a movement to my words. Whether it be arms, hands, face or actually moving across the stage, I was able to use my body to show my motivations.

Day 5:

After presenting the scene to the class I went back into my script and practiced with my new notes. I worked towards trying to add more emotion and seriousness. I also thought about how to project and use an audience, as this was the first time with one. Most of the comments were on re-staging the ending and making it all more natural. I believe that Nadya and I must run the scene several more times to ensure we both are completely solid in our staging. Some of the compliments we received were about our variety in tone and infliction, I think that sustaining this will be good. Also, I think Nadya and I must work on becoming an ensemble. Even though we are doing two different monologues I think it will be valuable for us to connect as scene partners even though we may be dead during each other's lines. I would love to get advice on how to do this from my peers.

Day 6:

Day six was mainly memorization. I wrote my lines down several times and spoke them out loud, line by line for around 45 minutes. I found myself pacing and moving even without realizing it, showing me that I am a very physical learner. I also like to hear beats in my lines and find rhythm/patterns, which shows how much of an auditory learner I am. Using the other things I have passion for (music) to help me memorize has proved to be the most effective method for me. I have found that saying two or three lines to a consistent beat and then adding lines as I memorize allows me to learn the most, the fastest. I hope that the more acting I do, the better I will become at memorization.

Day 7:

Day seven has been mostly smaller details. I find small mistakes in what I have memorized and tweaks I want to add to my delivery with each run through. I also reviewed the comments of peers to add more additions to my acting. I watched other clips to learn more about other interpretations and portrayals. I have especially liked the Orlando Bloom version, I think he does a great job and I have thus far drew much inspiration from the clip. I think that at this point, final memorization and running the scene with Nadya will put us in good shape for performance.