The Journey Continues...

Already in the midst of week two of rehearsals for ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST.  A lot of stopping and going as we stumble and explore our way through staging and blocking.  It can be a tedious process but necessary in order for performers to figure out where they move, carry and hold themselves within the space of each scene in the play.  It's also vital to figure how we enter and exit the stage for each scene so that once we start running the entire play that the story progression feels smooth and organic in terms of the flow and pacing.  Nobody likes to sit through an awkward and clunky stage production. It can be agony for both the performers and audience.

Some of the rough blocking that we have been working through with Act 1 all this past week will more than likely change once we hit the actual constructed set onstage in few weeks.  This always seems to be the case once actors are working inside the actual constructed set.  So adjustments are a natural progression of rehearsals. But for now we are all doing our best to be patient as we continue to work through the staging and blocking of scenes.  We just started working through Act 2 today for the very first time on our feet so it still feels relatively new for everyone.

Truth be told I am getting nervous about working through the final scene of the play in rehearsals.  For me it's going to be so emotionally demanding but also devastating for the audience to witness.  Having to bare my soul onstage in such a vulnerable way can be challenging, especially if there is no trust or support from your director or fellow actors.  I am praying that the utmost respect will be given in the rehearsal room as I chart out my emotional journey through the play and am asked to go to some pretty emotionally raw places. More exploration to come in the coming weeks as I delve further into the story and character of Chief Bromden in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST.

You can follow Alliance Theatre's many updates about this production through their main website by clicking here and also their Facebook page by clicking here.  There you'll find a few photos from the first day of rehearsals. Enjoy!

Miigwetch/Thank you for continuing to follow my journey.

Pictured Above: The front exterior of the Woodruff Arts Center.