For the first half of the day, the class worked on going through the door and creating dialogue with the Ring Leader (Jamie). Each performer took turns to practice their part and to test dialogue on the other performers. So far I have been able to achieve some effective jump scares via the use of surprise and timing. For my character I have devised some 'script for my performance. The script will go either way of, acting like a drowning victim, acting like a cannibal. For example, as a drown victim, I will make drowning sounds and cry script such as "save me mortal", "free me from the water". For the other style, for the creepy cannibal/demon, I would adopt script along the lines of "mmm blondes, my favourite flavour" or "little girl/boy, would you like to join my for supper" "not much meat on this one". At the end of the performance I will be pulled back into the curtain either by imagined forces or by Riley. When the visitors start to leave this section of the tour, I also have another opportunity to jump scare.
My characters costume is coming together now and could be finished with makeup. The costume consists of: Long black wig Victorian style night gown White long johns Unusual rope Metal Chain(s)
and of course, jazz shoes (actually looked the part and great for stealth) I am confident I will be able to perform effectively and cause scares and creep out the visitors. I would like more chains as I think the chains are more effective at creating realism. The sounds and appearance of the chains also contributes to the performance. In terms of body movement, my movement speed is important for the jump. I need to be aggressive and hostile towards the visitors. Alternatively, I can use contorted and twitchy movements to create a creepy style performance. Even though I am lithe and compact, I look much bigger in costume and with my arms up. This again adds to the intimidation factor. The most important part of the performance that I need to ensure is resolved before the final performance, is that I am not visible before the jump (clothing, face, etc), or at least if my intention is to be hidden and not visible. If so, the visitors may see me before jumping, removing the surprise element. I am confident that with factors such as low ambient lighting, the blue/green sport light and the use of an additional sheet, I should be able to remain hidden. I am also having some issues with the wig, I will need some help to ensure the wig does not fallout during the performance.
I am performing more confidently and with full costume and on the day, I will go wild. This performance is about simplicity. It's thinking instinctively like an animal now a human. To not even think, just react to the situation and go with it. To think like a predator, this person is your prey, do you stalk them or chase? Or is this person a 'threat', what body language and sounds do I need to demonstrate? I hope to take the approach depending on the target. Are they easy prey, or do they need to be treated like a threat? After, just react with instinct. Tap into the inner beast or at least with me, let it out of the cage.
I am integrating well with the class and we have exchanged culture and adopted ongoing class jokes. This is good for chemistry but also its also important to I don't become alienated or socially isolated. It helps the class is smaller and are used to working together. I feel welcomed into the class and part of it. This has, along with other differences such as travelling less, has made the undergraduate course easier or suitable to my situation.
Comments