Three Down. Three To Go.

We had another show tonight, Ms Journal. It was our third show, and our best one so far. There were a few little challenges, but we met each one and worked together to find our way through. Team work. Confidence in our own abilities. And trust in our fellow actors. That's what we're learning. Every show is a rehearsal for the one that follows. I can sense the others are feeling more comfortable, and in Truth, I am too. I've been very supportive of the weakest ones, spending time with them before each show, running lines and reminding them they're fabulous.

But I am tired, Ms J. We all are. There are no more shows now until Thursday. We'll meet on Wednesday for an "Italian" line run. A line run is simply sitting together and staying focused and reciting our lines without moving or "acting." "Italian" means doing it as fast as possible. It's a good exercise to help remember lines. Many directors employ this technique in place of a full rehearsal after the play is up and running.

Do actors know their lines "word for word"? They are supposed to. Good actors do. The playwright expects actors to adhere to the script he/she has worked hard to write. Indeed, when a play is adjudicated (judged) as part of a drama festival or other competition, the adjudicator has a copy of the script open and deducts points for failure to adhere to it.

But knowing the words is not enough. The most important lesson for new actors is to learn not only the lines, but the intent behind them. If you simply recite the lines without knowing why you're saying them, what you mean by it, and what you hope to accomplish, the scene will be flat and lifeless. Some of our scenes are ... well, flat, Ms J. And lifeless.

But we have three more chances to improve. So far, each show has been an improvement over the last. We'll perform next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If we continue to improve this way, Saturday's show promises to be fab!

Fingers crossed.

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