Curtain up (and down)

Last week was a very long week. We had rehearsal every night and worked hard to get the performers to feel comfortable. Many of them kept forgetting their lines. We had several run throughs of the show with people skipping over huge chunks of dialogue and causing others to get confused as to where they were. One of the office assistants for Hidden Voices worked tirelessly with individuals to run lines and help them. On Friday, we felt it had all been worth it.

Friday before the show, we all arrived early so we could have dinner together. We thought it would be good for everyone to relax and spend time just hanging out. Everyone was nervous. I kept getting asked what should they do if they skip lines, as we said all week, you just go with it. One girls actually asked what would I do if someone passed out during the show. At first I just laughed, and then she said she was serious. I reassured her that we would stop the show, make sure she was ok and then see if everyone felt they could continue. We wouldn't leave anyone out there alone.

That night was great. We had a large audience and they were very receptive. The cast did great. There were a few lines missed, but nothing large. A few times cast members helped each other remember lines they forgot. It was wonderful, a true ensemble.

The second night was even better. They cast was more relaxed. They had a great energy and didn't miss any lines. I felt like such a proud parent. I know I said it before, but it is really great to get to choose the theatre projects I want to be involved with now.

It was just an amazing experience. We did video tape the first night. I am hoping to get a copy soon. So far most of the cast has said they don't mind if we post it on Youtube, but still need to make sure. We have one woman in the cast who is still trying to avoid her abusive ex-husband, so I want to make sure she is comfortable.

The picture is of me along with Jojo and Miguel. They were two of the cast members. They are both in high school. Jojo plays football and is a big teddy bear, although don't tell him that:) Miguel started out as a very quiet kid. He stayed close to Jojo and didn't say much. But he was this first to have all his lines and blocking memorized. He even knew everyone else's blocking. He really started to come out of his shell the last week we all worked together. He is a great kid living in some tough circumstances. His mother disappeared when he was younger, they assume she may have been deported. His father was deported a few years ago. He now lives with his aunt, her three kids and boyfriend in a one bedroom apartment. I plan and hope to stay in touch with him long after this.

We will all get together this weekend to celebrate. I will hopefully post more pictures then.