Second Workshop with Director

 

Before the rehearsal, we warmed up vocally as a group. This was important to make sure that we don't damage our vocals. We went through a non strenuous run through of the lyrics so that it gave our voice a chance to loosen up before an hour of rehearsal. In this rehearsal we focused on the movement of the piece. I tried to articulate and project while moving around to practise doing this in the final showcase. Following my Peer Observation on the 19th of April, I was sure to ask questions to the director and my peers about what I could do to improve my overall performance. The general feedback was to place emphasis on my mannerisms in order to improve my characterisation. Therefore, at (0:23 - 0:26) I mixed characterisation into my movement as I held my hands behind my back as I moved towards upstage left. This is important because it shows the audience the sort of character I'm playing, a charming and ambitious character in the 19th century. My characterisation is further emphasised at (2:46 - 2:50) where I turn my back on my peer playing Hamilton to signal that he's going back inside his house. This sets the scene for the audience who might not know that the setting is outside of Aaron Burr's house. At (3:09 - 3:28) I tried to project my voice so that an audience can hear.

Some improvements could be made on my movement however. I need to make sure I stand still, and not rock back and forth as this breaks my characterisation. I also need to make sure I add dramatic gestures, as this part of the song is a dramatic moment. I could add raising up my arms,  clenching my fists etc. to show Burr's emotions. Also, I turn the wrong way when moving to go offstage. This means I need to try and improve my movement memory, which can be achieved simply by practising the piece. At (4:15 - 4:42) I think I should try and work on my articulation during this speaking part. This is because it is the only speaking part in the piece, and the audience needs to try and understand it through a thick American accent. The way I can improve this is continue going through the lines and perhaps go through word for word how I can articulate properly.