Yesterday was my first rehearsal for the show. It was an experience. We pulled up and parked the car and walked up to the studio and opened the door. The heat whipped me right in the face. I swear it had to be like 95 degrees in the green room and we were forced to stay there for a good 15 mins along with a group of about 30 people. I thought I was going to die. Finally the door opened to the rehearsal room and we all piled in and this room was much cooler (thank God). Every chair was lined up in rows and that was for the ensemble. The chairs in the middle which were shaped like a square, were for the main actors. Our chairs all had folders on them with our names on them so we took a seat and waited for whatever was going to happen next. The director came out and said to us “you need to move your chairs so you can form around the actors” and so we did. After that was finished we sat down and we had to go around the room and introduce ourselves. Then the readings began, now I forgot to mention the asst. director came up to us and assigned some of us parts for the play just for temporary. So we’re sitting there listening to the actors do their lines and they are wonderful. Their accents are spot on and it seemed like they were doing this forever.
An hour flew by and we took a break. We were told to go over to the actual theater which was literally a skip, hop, and a jump. We arrived and there are a lot of people there. There was the cast, the people who run the whole thing and people off the street that dedicate their lives to seeing the shows and meeting the cast. They call this the meet and greet and it was very interesting. I didn’t even know that these things exist. I’m talking to people and it’s enjoyable, I have a glass of wine which made it a little more enjoyable. Then all of a sudden they tell us to go inside the theater and take a seat. The director says a few words and then we’re told to stand up and stand in front of the stage. We had to introduce ourselves to everyone which I was little nervous about but I managed. We did a Q & A session where the crowd could ask questions. 10 minutes later we went back to the rehearsal studio and sat down reading the rest of the script. I’m waiting for my turn to speak and the part never comes. I’m thinking what the hell, I thought they gave us a part. But no nothing of the sort. I was kind of pissed because I sat there for all that time and nothing. I wasn’t expecting a huge part or anything but it was almost like what am I even doing here then. It felt kind of pointless. I guess I’ll find out what happens tonight. We actually have to meet with a dialect coach because we have to learn a British accent. Don’t worry tomorrow I will continue and tell you the details of this experience. I really want to share with all of you.
9 o’clock finally came and we were allowed to depart. I was happy to finally getting out of there, I think I was freaking out all the way home to my mom. Today I’m trying to remain positive and that this will last only for 6 weeks. I have to keep that in mind. It’s just taking a lot of time. Which means no yoga, working out, cleaning my house, etc. I feel like life is put on hold for now until this is over. My writing is even put on hold which I hate to even think about it. It just gives me so much pleasure but in between work and rehearsals I don’t have the time. Anyways I will talk to you all tomorrow about tonight’s adventure.
M.