Mid-Term Reflections

Target 1/4: Improvisation

While I realise that timed pauses and continuity have not been as large of an issue as previously conceived, various exercises we have completed throughout the term in regards to character building have allowed me to convey a greater, more effective use of quick thinking in character. Particular activities such as building physicality or learning new vocal lines have given me apt opportunity to consider my character motivation and the subsequent execution, in a small space of time due to returning to full class or cast discussions shortly afterwards.

Linking to Target 3, I have also found my independent exploration of the character to be incredibly useful in improving my level of detail and coherency within the role. The Questions for my Character blog which I mention later has proved highly sufficient and constructive in allowing me to develop my character.

To expand on this at a later date, I will write out more answers to these questions in the blog itself, rather than just independent consideration; I will also aim to spend more independent time blocking out my motions and vocal decisions (as discussed in further detail in Target 3).

Target 2/4: Natural Dance

In our timetabled sessions, I have been ensuring that I make each second count, with any free moments spent going over the sequences we have just learned until they can be recalled with a higher degree of fluency. Moreover, I have ensured that my general rehearsal broadens to beyond the classroom, generating a more successful degree of security in my movements. 

I have always found that I feel far less afraid of how I appear when working independently and when I cannot see myself... I will, in preparation for my continuation, have a detailed discussion with my teachers in order to assure that I am taking the correct and most effective measures to improve my aesthetic desirability, seeking their advice for specific exercises I can use to adapt (as they know my current position).

Not only this, I will ensure that evidence collected later on is a more authentic representation of my current ability, by using skills and activities that maintain my focus to prevent mistakes due to my comparison of myself to others.

Target 3/4: Character Depth

To begin my progress on this, I have set myself a list of questions from a reliable source. These cover a variety of topics that are allowing my to effectively use critical thinking skills and connect with my character in a deeper, more tactile fashion. 

This continuation of general though into my character and the consideration of the questions has been successful in allowing me to consider the weight of my actions and mannerisms when performing, but I would like to go into more detail on this as we move into the next term.

My aim is to solidify my choices on stage and map them out in my script, so that I can then feel more thoroughly justified in my choices. I also need to give further consideration to how my choices will impact others in the scene, by observing their reactions to show a more perceptive depth to my performance.

Target 4/4: Mood Tracker

While I have made the decision to only log my mood tracker in the second half of this module, I have been paying conscious attention to my progress and its correlation with my emotional state. I have found that more rigorous coverage and detailed expansion of my performance skills as a whole have produced more substantially high levels of self-gratitude. 

Not only this, I have been effectively creating links between my own emotional state and that of a character I am portraying. Generally speaking, an already greater sense of self-image equates to a greater confidence on stage - something which will prove highly useful with the character I am portraying. Unusually, a lower esteem will lead to even those corroborating moments of character feeling underdeveloped or forced. 

Therefore, as a plenary, I will begin the active tracking of these fluctuations, as well as participating in exercises that actively boost my mood. Thus, I will be able to permanently maximise my performances and produce results that I am more likely to be at least content with.

Rehearsal Process Observations - Teachers/Coaches

Dance Teacher: ''Amy has worked so passionately during the rehearsal process for Legally Blonde. With most of Amy’s movement in the larger ensemble numbers Amy has ensured that she is secure with the choreography so that she attends the rehearsals confidentially and can support peers. Amy has showed progression in her co-ordination and with the pace she is able to pick content up as well as retain the action in her movement memory. Amy stands out in rehearsal with her energy and added characterisation to her movement and I am looking forward to seeing this in the final performance.''

Vocal Coach: ''Amy has worked with dedication throughout the rehearsal process, often going above and beyond her part and helping sing the soprano ensemble line. She took feedback on her song “Legally Blonde Remix” and incorporated suggestions with ease and speed. She has been singing to a consistent high quality throughout the rehearsal process, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of vocal technique from impeccable body alignment to breath support and a great understanding of singing with mix voice well (combination of twang and head voice). I’m looking forward to seeing her demonstrate more in the performance!''

Acting Teacher and Director: ''Amy has been an essential member of the company for Legally Blonde and taken on the role of assistant director. Amy was not only fully committed to her own rehearsal and development process, but also to that of all of the others in the show. Amy, on a personal level, received direction well and always remembered what had been set. She asked for and reacted well to feedback and was a fantastic team player at all times. Amy’s impact as a role-model on younger actors is clear, for example the work she did with the Year 8 playing Vivienne’s side-kick Whitney was exceptional and really allowed the young actor to flourish. Highly effective choices made at all times and full commitment to the process.''