Yesterday closed out our final day of Tarzan "boot camp." We tried something a little new, a little different this time for show preparation. After the initial auditions we cast the leads, but in order to get the optimal performance and growth out of every single member of the cast we felt we needed to observe a little more before they were placed in their permanent roles. So the two weeks leading up to the official start of rehearsals we held a three hour intensive every night. Planning it proved a bit of a challenge, as we knew what we wanted to see as the end result, but had to figure out the best route to get there. We knew we wanted to start each day with a 30-40 minute workout, and spent enough time looking up what approach would be the most beneficial to strengthening the skills involved in dancing heavily while singing in the format of a musical. Jewel finally came up with the idea of doing Skillz, which is a brand of football drills. So we set up a plan where we had six stations including ladder, hurdles, and then different workout combinations. Each day we divided into groups of six and rotated around to all the stations. It was great because it focused on footwork, quickness, stamina, and athleticism: all things that directly translate to dancing. Then we danced! We spent a little time stretching, then did across the floor, combinations, and different variations of games and battles. It ended up being a huge success, it was so gratifying to watch people build their strength, dancing skills, teamwork skills, and assess work ethic, effort, etc.
So finally it came to Friday, when we announced the official roles. When figuring this all out at home we had a great time. Especially for this show, we were excited about this process; excited to be able to take all these pieces of a puzzle and fit them together to make the most beautiful picture possible.
Now the downside: it's disappointing to see that sometimes the actors don't see the whole picture the way we see it when we are getting started. Too often people give far too much credence to the number of lines or exact minutes of stage time someone has as opposed to themselves. What needs to be understood is that because someone was given a certain role, or a solo, or an "extra" part doesn't always mean that that someone is "better" than you. Theatre is not quite so cut and dry. Sometimes that someone is just better for that particular part, at that particular time, also taking into consideration the people who will be surrounding you in rehearsals and on stage, also taking into consideration attitude, reliability, chemistry, and strengths, meaning though you may have been able to fill their role, maybe they could not have filled yours.
The old saying "there are no small parts, only small actors," has lived on for so long because of the truth it holds. It may sound cliche but if you brush that off, considering it just a copout, you have cut yourself off at the knees. There is so much to learn and if you approach a project thinking you are better than what you've been given, or thinking you aren't as good as those who maybe got to do what you wanted, the experience can never be all that it should. It is important to realize that your place to shine may not be where you thought it would, but that does not mean you can't shine. Just because you do not have a name does not mean you won't be a standout. Just because you don't have a solo doesn't mean you won't be the one the audience remembers and talks about thereafter.
I truly hope everyone is as thrilled to play as we are to see them play the roles they have been given. Each cast member is perfect for his/her role and we all believe we have the best cast possible for this show, at this point in time. Rehearsals will be tough, but so rewarding. All of you have already made Jewel and my first experience directing absolutely remarkable.
See you Monday... or next Friday for those of you reading this who are not Tarzan cast members:P
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