In-World War Rehearsal

Great first rehearsal today with director Brant Smith, his lovely lithe and energetic acting coach Blaed Spence, a couple of production assistants, and the key players in my scene, who play characters Mary (Simeon), Mo (Sara), and the Ancient Man (Tom). For a treat, check out Blaed's amazing photos on the IMDB website.

We worked at a warehouse in the industrial zone of Newark, not New Jersey, but not much prettier, either. The ancient man took a minor fall off a rickety folding chair...and we were all relieved when he was able to get up from the concrete floor on his own, unbruised. What terrific preparation for his scene, where his toe gets stepped on during a scuffle and he must cry out in pain while sounding off some brilliant lines (which I ought not divulge here, now) and doing a bit of business.

I like the way Brant and Blaed work. First, with a physical and emotional downloading, warm up of the spirit, and allowance for entry into our actors' bodies of the new character. Then, to work, with a few acting tricks thrown in for good measure.

I wore this bright modern aqua and purple Sigrid Olson blouse and matching dangling earrings cuz it's comfortable, and then showed Brant my Trainer Terry blouse idea, the black and white checked number. He said he loved what I was wearing better, that I looked like Trainer Terry already. We will get precise wardrobe direction later. Meanwhile, I can email photos of my ideas to Aaron who will get them to the wardrobe mistress.

Driving to the set I heard the news that Citibank plans to raise interest rates before the new Obama credit card rules take effect. That is just so "In-World War." You have no idea.