In todays class we were introduced to Jess P, who is a HND Production student. This will be very helpful, as in the past I have at times been a one man prodution team. I should be able to help Jess with production if she requirs assistance, in particular props and scenery, as I have more experience with crafting and manufacturing techniques than performance.
Jess P and Sonia had set up a rough layout of the circus, showing where the ring, corridors and each performer will be positioned. This was productive as we now have a clearer image of the scene and how our performances can integrate. We were able to suggest how to create effects and set up the scene. I was able to provide some simple advice, such dividing the scene sections in order to create a passageway. I also suggested methods in which allows a heavy sheet to cover a corridor such as using support beams and ballast to add weight to the screens. I also suggested using the cubes to build the 'Jack in the box' prop. The group was efficient and cooperative when finding props and scenery from the prop room and also at putting away scenery at the end. We combined productivity with efficiency and enthusiasm and we generally had a fun time during the process.
Sonia and Jess and come up with some ideas for my Mirror Trick. They had used green/blue gels to back light the plastic screen and this created a hollow graphic and watery effect. This gave me the idea to change from a mirror to a failed escape artist, who drowns during a water tank escape trick. My character and costume can be built around this concept, such as the use of chains, padlocks, a strait jacket and gel.
The group used a devising technique known as 'hot seating' in order to create depth to our characters and add new dimensions. Sonia also advised us to consider what questions visitors may ask. For this I asked some awkward questions to the other performers and also asked questions as if it was a job interview.
My 'hot seat' performance:
From this technique, I was able to conjure details for my act including:
Name: Walter 'E' Grave. A play on words and sounds like 'watery grave'. A person who drowned.
Age: In ghost+human existence, 200
Back story: Escape artist in circus. Died during a failed escape act. Possible sabotage? Trapped in this realm. Would potentially leave circus but would be lonely. Feels like a gold fish.
For my performance I am looking at how I might sound or act, such as mimicking drowning and floating actions. I want to start hidden and then burst into the light. I may make various 'creepy' sounds or statements such as 'save me'.
Jess (The actor known as..) has provided a schedule for the term. The plan is detailed and easy to follow. I appreciate that she has taken the time to do this and as I know where I need to be at by each class.
24th - finalise ideas and create a really rough script.
27th - more scripting and start to act out ideas.
1st - everyone knows what makeup, hair and costume they want. Start concreting script.
4th - start acting concreted script.
8th - finalise props, staging, lighting and sound.
11th - full run through and focus on anything that needs work.
15th - makeup practice and focus on anything highlighted on 11th (if not needed then full run through)
18th - full run through with props and as much set as possible.
22nd - Dress rehearsal. Film dying.
1st - revise everything forgotten over half term, iron everything out and do full run through.
4th (Thursday) - if can come in to set up and hopefully have a run through with staging, costume, makeup, hair and props.
5th – PERFORM
As we are to create a website, I needed to decide on which design tool I would use. I have some experience in this area, but I felt tools I had used before such as word press and moon fruit were not up to the task. Word press is useful for pure blogging but has a 'business card' look. I therefore tested the following platforms overall and compared them:
Word press
Moon Fruit
Weebly
Wix
Squarespace
Of these platform, Weebly and Squarespace are almost identical. Moon Fruit is similar but only offers a trial period. They are user friendly but offer little flexibility
Word Press is useful for blogging, but is more suitable for Affiliate Marketing than a performers portfolio.
However, the numero Uno of these tools is without question WIX. WIX is the best free website builder I have ever used. There may be others out there, but for this its perfect. It offers not only blogging, but also flexibility. Text, widgets, photos, etc, can be placed where you like and easily adjusted. It's also user friendly and intuitive. I would recommend WIX for any student building a portfolio for the first time. I still have to work out how to clean up some of the fluff from the template, but there is always the option of using a blank.
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