This morning I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I thought I would struggle to enter into the theatre environment. However, as soon as I headed towards college, I started to acclimatise. By the time I reached college, I was in the right mentality. In fact, I had gone 1 better and regained some of my edge. Though living on this edge requires balance, it does enhance confidence in performance. It breaks boundaries in the mind and liberates from insecurity. Therefore, my overall performance was enhanced and now I have more confidence going forward with this style. In the first half of the class we had a chance to work out the configuration for our characters performance. Afterwards. I spent most of time working with Richard to figure out how to set up the lighting for the tank. This was not quite straight forward but Richard was able to figure out a solution for running an independent light and sound system. For the lighting, each light uses a binary command to configure the light settings such as colour and pulse. He was able to override this externally, allowing giving him more control of the light. He is able to save the program into the mixer so it can used as and when required. After much time we came to the right combination of light which was blue with some green. We also tested different angles of light and determined that one vertical light is most effective as there is less light. I also like how the light create some shielding and changes my physical appearance to reveal my inner demon.
I need to test this with costume and drape to see how the light effects work with the costume. With the drape it is possible I can burst from the floor and not the back drop as the light can create a shadow that masks the floor. I may need to modify the screen, so it is blocked off at the bottom.
In the 2nd half of the class, we originally were originally supposed to start with Adams workshop. However, he got stuck behind on of Jessie's tractors and was therefore held up until towards the end of of class. Sonia wanted us to get a judgement of our fitness level. Therefore, a bleep test was suggested to get a rough measure of our endurance levels. Initially I thought I would drop out almost immediately, as my energy levels are currently low due to fatigue. However, I managed to maintain a pace and gradually work my way into it. Towards the end I was finding my stride but my energy levels just bombed at that point. This is something I am working on, partially because I am underweight, but also unable to consume enough calories to sustain high energy levels for long periods at this time. I currently am peaking 2000-3000 cals a day which actually not bad, but some days it's difficult to eat due to IBS and other issues.
Adam finally made it around half 3. He exploded into the room and unveiled himself to the class. He is a big personality and knows how to work his physicals. I liked his confidence and energy, and he was open of his journey. Adam has experience working within freak fest style shows, which means he is able to get paid work regularly as a performer.
I think Adam was perfect for this type of workshop, due to the following reasons.
A: He has experience.
B: He knows how to work it.
C: He forces you to break barriers in the mind.
D: Because he is can be intimidating, he prepares you psychologically for the experience. If you can be confident against him, then you have proven your potential for this performance style.
Adam took us through and initiation preparing us for and he was like a drill sergeant in his approach. For this particular style and due to the laid back nature of the class, we needed this.
Adam explained the following scare tactics and guided the class through demonstration of the tactics.
Instant – Typically a performer will burst from somewhere unseen, make a loud noise, use hands for distraction and then move away from the distraction. The performer must be aware of the visitors physical reactions as there is potential for injury. We don't to experience any actual harm, to play undead.
Phycological: This make use of paranoia and the minds ability to fill gaps, the imagination. A typical performance could be the performer is hiding in the shadow, enough to make the visitor aware of their presence but cannot be clearly made out. The imagination goes to work, creates paranoia. This works because they person cannot gather the full information, it could be dangerous, so they start panic. The performer will use intimidating noises and body language to contribute to the effect. Depending on the performer physical attributes they will either use eye contact and display their might, or make use of animalistic type movement.
A distraction will be used to allow the performer to hide somewhere else, further adding to the visitors paranoia. Instant fear tactics could then be utilised more effectively further into the tour.
Vocals: It is important to warmup vocally and allow rest. The performer needs to make use of the diaphragm otherwise harm their vocal chords. The performer needs to be comfortable and learn to adapt to the requirements of the performance. Swear words and soft words that close the mouth (ooo, baa, boo, raa) should be avoided. Harsh sounding words ending 'ck' 'nt' etc highly recommended. I used the word 'truck' during this performance as it was effective harsh. I am considering using latin or a made up language for my script.
Human-Animal Scale
In this excise, we had to act either very human, or very animalistic + hostile. 10 Friendly Human 1 Animal. A number would be called, we act like the number. This allowed us to get used to transforming between energies. To learn to tap into those energies. To become alike an animal, or a human at will. I found this exercise, therapeutic as it encourages emotional control. I also understood where I am on that scale, and it varies but could be a 5. Borderline human/animal. A domesticated dog.
Light-Heavy Scale
Similar to the above. We were asked to move as if light or heavy, depending on scale. A number was called we would act in the manner as if being lifted or weighted.
Role playing
We were asked to take on board various character traits and demonstrate them. I have little concept of some of the characters so I just went with what I could conjure in that moment. I think this helped to break some walls, push me to become character and just go with what I had. I feel I can use my explosive energy and fixed eye contact to scare and intimidate people.
The workshops were very helpful because the class was able to gain insight from and veteran in the frightmare scene. The workshop were useful for improving confidence and getting an understanding of how to scare people in such events. The basics of what works and what doesn't. Simplicity is key and not allowing the visitor to have too much time to figure out what's happening to them.
I enjoyed the workshops and feel I have some capability. If I can develop my character, my movements, my vocals, script and perform with confidence, I can scare people. I can be small and quiet, but explode both physical and vocally in an instant. I am quick, light footed and agile. I have a small frame, I have unusual build, long, thin arms and alien like fingers. I can distort my limbs and move animal like. I can make many animal noises and creepy voices. For me this is about confidence and tapping into the energies I just need to be more confident when performing. Learning to collaborate with the other performers and pushing the limits of the imagination are other focuses.
Overall, I am very happy with my decision to follow the tutors advice and start the HNC course. Including that I continue to stay on at Glos College for undergraduate degree. Although I miss the other tutors, I prefer the consistency of being able to focus on a performance or style. I also have other stuff (pantomime, choir, news reading) going on, so it works in my favour. I enjoy working with Sonia, she has good energy and knows what she's doing. She lets us work in our style and respects our process because we have been efficient and productive. In this business, having a laugh is an important part of the process many reasons, such as opening the mind and body, developing personality and chemistry, sharing ideas outside of the normal process. The academic requirement is higher, I have confidence in my ability to step up in gear as we progress. The class has accepted me and I have been able to integrate quickly. Even though the group has more performing experience, this is my only my second year of performance education, I can still contribute to the group.
Comments