During my free time, I have been researching fright fests in order to gain a better understanding of the performance style. This allowed me to fill the gaps and also to see the performance from a new perspective. The simplest ideas are often the most effective, but some of the most elaborate themes and tours are very immersive., such as the Resident Evil 2 and Texas Chainsaw massacre themes that I saw. Some of the themes are obvious, because they are influenced by film. However, it will be interesting to see how the more random and unique concepts have been devised.
In today's class, the students were provided the opportunity to explore the net tunnel that Sonia and Jess had conjured up in their class on Thursday. Sonia and Jess had also accumulated some additional materials that may be useful for the performance, such as Styrofoam.
I find the net tunnel intriguing and it has a lot of potential as a corridor. The reason why the netting is effective is due to its ability to form a simple tunnel like corridor, that is 'solid' but flexible and simple to construct. Fabric, webs and other details can be hung from the netting to create distractions and obstacles. The netting can be backed by additional drapes to create a darker backdrop and screen other sections of the tour and 'behind the scenes'.. The net is also useful for allowing the performers to reach out at the visitors. With the use of a back drop and lighting effects, we should be able to create a tunnel that can safely allow visitors to pass through, whilst creating dark areas for performers to hide/move or to create suspense.
During the class, Sonia suggested we construct the scaffold tower. The tower is to be used as a cage for Connors act. At some point, he is to escape the cage, possibly through the hatch. I also suggested the idea of 'electrifying' the cage, or using an electrification effect elsewhere in the performance. This process reminded me of a past life, where I had previously worked in housing maintenance, often working on scaffolding. Hence, 2 worlds collided and my past life skills have value in this 'whacky'world. Although, I am training as a performer, it is useful to have production skills when starting a career, as these skills can be utilised by small/amateur companies.
The class discussed how their acts might work within the tour. I have thought of a few ideas, my aim is to keep it as simple as possible. Simplicity is key to this performance, with my aim to shock and surprise the visitor, rather than to purely convince them I am an undead escape artist. My primary techniques of performing to create the desired shock effect will be:
Hide in the shadow and burst out when the visitor is waiting.
Stand still in a creepy pose and explode, catching the visitor off guard.
To wait until they visitors are leaving and then act.
I also need to devise some simple script with Jamie (Ring Master), which can be used during his introduction of my character in order to create suspense. Catching the visitors off guard will be pivotal to creating the desired level of shock.
If given the opportunity, I would also like to interact with the audience in a creepy manner. I have considered the using script along the lines of "Little boy/girl, does your mommy and Daddy know where you are?". Simple lines may also include "help me" or "free me", "do you want to go on a date?" and "I will grant you a wish if you free me", a census t I also want to create a sinister laugh, but I have not decided which direction to go with this yet and will need to test out various versions. The wig for my character costume has also arrived. Combined with a Victorian style white gown, the costume for this character is already coming together. With makeup, additional costume such as chains, LFX, physical movement, etc, I should be able to create a physically intimidating character. I spent some time wearing the costume during class, as I wanted to become acclimatised to the costume, to 'own it' and to help me become the mask I am creating. The wig will need to be clipped into place as I found it slipping off during some movements. However, if the hair pulled my scalp off in process, this could be part of the performance.
Makeup is an important part of the performance in ability to change the appearance to become more intimidating to the audience. During the class, Jess, who has taken on makeup responsibilities, tested our skin with various paints and latex for allergy purposes. Although I am not always comfortable in face paints, I have not experienced any allergic reactions. I am intrigued to see myself in full costume/makeup for this character.
In terms of the scenery for my performance, it is still WIP. Ideally, I would like to transform this plastic screen to something closer to a water tank. To do this, the plastic sheet needs some green misting to resemble algae. The frame should be painted to resemble rusted steel and screw details added. I would like a pool of leaking water around the tank. I am unsure how to create this effect at this time, but would obviously need to be non slip.
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