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Monday, July 23, 2012

An Empty Space

"A theatre is an empty space.  And as per the 400 year old stage direction we begin with a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning!"
—Geoffrey Tennant
Slings and Arrows


 

I love that image.  The blank space waiting to be filled.  It's one of the things I love about theatre: the way we start with nothing—just a floor to stand on and maybe a curtain or a chair if we're lucky—and bring to life an entire world.  Theatre can reflect reality or create fantasy.  It can change your mind.  It can move you.  When it is truly great, it can show you truth.

It's been seven months since I left school and almost 18 since the last time I was in a show.  To say that I've missed performing would be like saying a man dying of thirst misses water.  I'm absolutely desperate to get on a stage again and be a part of that magic one more time.

…mind you, I use the term "stage" loosely here.  There might be a few auditoriums if we're lucky, but I'm expecting mostly gymnasiums and cafeterias.  Sounds glamorous, doesn't it?  But as a matter of fact, it's a dream come true.  Last month I finally landed my first professional acting job and was cast in The —— Players' production of Beauty & the Beast.  I couldn't be more excited if I tried.  Each year the children's theatre company sends five casts of actors on separate tours around the country to perform in grade schools.  After each performance, the three actors have a talk-back with the kids to answer questions.  Yes, I said "three actors."  It will be two women and one man playing all the parts in our self-directed version of the fairy tale.  These crazy people are going to throw us in a car, fill up the tank, send us out on our own, and hope for the best!  And then they're going to pay us for it!  (I know.  Paying actors?  Utter madness.)  So here's a quick run-down:

What I Do Know:

How many actors?  two women, one man
The show title?  Beauty & the Beast
When?  Rehearsal begins at the end of August, and we will tour from September through the first week of November.


What I Don't Know:

What part(s) will I be playing?
Where will I be going?
Who will my fellow cast-members be?

I've been told I should know the answers to most of these things by the end of this week.  And now you can join me in my feeling of impatient suspense while we wait.  Welcome to Cakes & Ale.

Beauty and the Beast fairy tale illustration (Rackham)


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