Tshirt

To respond to Sam's question, the t-shirt can be anything you want it to be (within reason, of course). But, we need to get a move on with it. So, one of you needs to collect sizes and someone needs to create a design. We have billed this show as Spring Play X: Ten Plays in Two Days -- so that should be somewhere on the shirt, obviously.

In terms of blocking, here are my suggestions. What I am noticing from Matt's play, which is the only one I am able to see at this point, is that the characters are not always taking time to listen and respond. I can only guess that that might be happening in the other shows. Make sure that is happening in your shows. Even the comedic shows have characters that listen to each other and respond. Look for trigger words in your text for clues about when characters need to move. If a character is changing their emotion ("How could you say that to me?"), saying something involving movement (like "I'm going to go now"), or trying to get a response from their scene partner ("Are you ok?"), that would be a sign that moving has to happen. Don't rush through these pieces. Take your time watching, take notes and be very clear in your directives. Telling them to "slow down" is not as helpful as telling them to "think it over, like you would think over an important decision" -- or saying something like "say it like a crazy person" is not as descriptive as saying "say it like Ms. Houston when she blacks out in a fit of rage at us for using our cellphones in class". Get it? Got it. Good.

After Monday, Mr. Moore, Mr. D. and I will make the order for the shows. The only conflict we have heard is that Ermaz is going first on Friday. We will make an initial order, and then have you and the actors check it for issues like someone doing two very large roles back to back or weird costume changes, etc.

Also, please use spike tape (get it from Harding) to spike out the furniture for your shows. Please use different colors, if at all possible, but I am not sure that spike tape comes in ten colors. So, just be aware of who is using what mark, etc. If you are confused, please see me.