The first rule of improv is to always say “Yes.”
Lots of things have been happening at a much quicker pace than I would like for them to do so, BUT I am taking a page from improv for the time being.
I have been given keys to the nursery! Not sure if it’s a promotion, but I have them.
There’s only three weeks before we open WVLO’s 9-5.
Only one more reading for The Killing Jar for New Play Development Factory over at the Dragon Theatre in Redwood City, then THAT ends.
Before I know it, it will be winter and my work on Jesus Christ Superstar must begin.
Keeping this in mind, I have begun to really watch “my world,” be it at the nursery or in rehearsals for any show, with a special emphasis on interactions.
How do people interact with each other? When they are having a conversation, are they REALLY listening? I watch the eyes so see if the mind is already forming things to say which means that the person isn’t fully engaged. I’ve personally experienced this. Where I have been the one that wasn’t fully listening, that is. When I find myself doing that, I try to have the person repeat what was said if it wasn’t too long.
I used the picture above, because in a way I feel sort of detached as I watch people. Being a “people person,” it makes it hard not to want to connect and be a part of everything.
But, I need to practice my watching skills.
However, in doing so, I have found that some of the interactions I witness are saddening.
In my theatre world, I have been taught that when people are working in the room, one must either pay attention (even if you aren’t the one working) or remove yourself from the room as quietly and without disruption. Anything else is disrespectful.
I am always trying to learn something new so I would be the type to pay attention. Should the need to talk to a fellow cast mate arise, either to ask or answer a question, it will always be done in a whisper so as not to disturb the others.
I would like to say that I find it surprising that people don’t seem to understand these little actions of respect for others are important. Weeellll, I suppose when I really think about it, I realize I shouldn’t be. Our digital age has brought us to the period of “Look at Me! Look at Me!” with the advent of youtube and video recording phones.
I guess what I miss seeing is simple manners.
Whatever happened to them?
All I know is that I am watching and I am going to remember come auditions for JCS.
The Actorvist 