What do you imagine goes on the day before a play?
Imagine how many things need finishing, correcting and finalizing.
Getting props, costumes and makeup ready, trying to get transitions between scenes to go smoothly or getting the sound and lighting to match up are all a cast and crew think about before opening night.
Now imagine doing all that for two separate shows at the same time.
“Be mindful of the knife! Just do some more servanty motions! Let all your middle child anger out in that slap!”
This is not the usual stuff you hear at a university on a Saturday afternoon… except at the USI theater department’s dress rehearsal for their play “The Lion in Winter,” one half of this year’s Repertory Project, along with the musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
The Repertory Project, now in its fourth season, is when the department puts on two plays at the same time, running them right next to each other.
This year is an interesting combination of the humorous romp of “Forum” and the historical drama “The Lion in Winter.”
While it’s a lot of work for both actors and crew, “Lion” director Elliot Wasserman, director of USI’s theater department, says it’s worth the work.
“Opening two plays at one time require a tight rehearsal schedule. We are still making adjustments that would normally not be done the day before. We usually have three dress rehearsals, but we only have two for repertory. There is also some trouble with lay off. Actors haven’t rehearsed in four days, and then suddenly it’s the day before the show! It’s our fourth season, and it’s still a big challenge, but things are going well.”
While the play may seem to be working perfectly on opening night, a whole lot of work goes into it to make it run smoothly.
“We work on changeovers, lighting and sound, running different set changing and making sure they go quickly and smoothly, and the mood which changes with the lighting.”
The project is not just a chance for USI student actors to refine their craft; they also get the chance to work with professional actors from the Actors Equity Association, Richard Marlatt, Licia Watson and stage manager Liz Reddick.
“It’s a great blend of talent and a great opportunity for the students to learn from professionals,” said Wasserman.
So if you are trying to decide if you’re in the mood for laughing at a lot of fart jokes and goofy antics or are in the mood for quick wit, family betrayals and a lot of English history, don’t bother choosing.
USI theater lets you choose both.
