I've just finished week 1 of rehearsal for an outdoor show. We got rained out on the first day, and ended up working in three different venues! We've been doing table talk and mask work all week (it's commedia - sort of) so things haven't been too strenuous yet. We're lucky because we have a full sized fridge (with freezer!) available to us in a building near the stage, so everyone's been bringing their lunches and munching throughout the day. I picked up one of those blue water containers that you can get for camping and am keeping it in the fridge. We have to fill it up using the water fountain, which is a huge pain in the butt, but I don't trust the water from the bathroom taps.
A few things I've learned this week:
- If you're in the sun ALL day, SPF 30 isn't enough. And keep applying the stuff. I've been putting it on at least 4 times a day.
- Keep some small heavy rocks handy to use as paperweights.
- Have a garbage container with a lid. Those squirrels can get pretty sneaky. (One of them tried to steal my director's backpack!)
- Print the script on grey paper. Even with sunglasses on, it really helps with the eyestrain.
- Actors like to lose their shoes and curl their toes in the grass. Stop them. Especially if it's a public area. You wouldn't believe the things I've found lying around the grass this week.
- Mornings are a lot more productive than the afternoons. Try to schedule accordingly.
- Short, frequent breaks. We start blocking on Monday and my director has agreed to take 5-10 minute breaks every hour rather than 15 min in the middle of the morning. I think that'll help.
- As much as possible, keep your SM table in the shade. You've got to look out for yourself as well as your actors!
The one thing I wish I had? A laptop with a wireless internet connection. As it is, once everything is struck and locked up at the end of the day, I have to walk 20 min to get to the office so I can start my paperwork.
We'll see what I learn in week 2....