This run through was not only our first proper run through
to an audience but the first time that we used our props. This was useful as it
showed that we need to be fully aware when on stage of what others are doing as
well as ourselves. During this run through I was faced with the question of
where I would place my basket to allow me to take my place for the opening
number. It wasn’t as simple as just placing it anywhere because I had to ensure
that it was out of everyone’s way as I wanted to prevent anyone tripping over
it.
In the lead up to this performance comments we received
included the repetitive “there is no energy” but this performance was definitely
the moment when we started to pick ourselves up and start to put more effort
into it.
Individual feedback I received after this performance was
that I was noticeable amongst the chorus when reacting on stage but that I
could afford to be bigger. I found this feedback crucial in my further
development as it highlighted that pantomime is larger than life and so I
needed to become larger in everything I did on stage. This meant that in all following
rehearsals I would stretch myself to the limit in terms of reacting, so much so
that I would feel ridiculous doing it. My motto from then on was “If you don’t
feel ridiculous, you’re not doing it right”. I definitely felt this at times
when I felt that the person I was reacting against wasn’t quite as reactive I
was.
We received positive feedback for the opening number which
we had rehearsed multiple times in the morning as we were told that it was
lacking enthusiasm. The improvements in this were great as each run-through we
brought the energy level up further. It was pointed out that we needed to be
high energy as soon as we started to enter and not once we were dancing, there
couldn’t be a sudden change. We were the people of Merrivale performing a
lively number in town and not a group of actors going through the motions of a
dance.
By receiving feedback from our fellow peers it allowed us to
receive constructive comments that would allow us to improve Act 1 to make it
bigger and more energetic.
The link below shows our opening number and shows the changes made to make the opening much more lively and energetic.
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