"Our Town" Rehearsal

Since break is over, it's expected that we've learned all of our lines and we're ready to start major character work. It's very important to consider HOW we deliver lines. We did an amazing exercise in IB Theatre Class, where we had to lay down on the floor and just breathe. After several minutes, Ms. Bingham told us to picture ourselves standing in a room with a door in front of us. After several breaths, we were told to open the door. Behind the door was a room, with our character (I play Mrs. Gibbs) sitting in the far left corner. At first we could only see their outlines, but we slowly approached our characters and were eventually face to face with them. We were told to take in what they were wearing, how they were sitting, their facial expression. This was very easy for me and I can clearly remember the images that came to mind. I picture Mrs. Gibbs in a light blue skirt with a white shirt on. She is smiling and has rosy cheeks. She is sitting up straight, with her hands in her lap. She is very content just being who she is. We were then told to turn around, and take a seat, and become this character. This felt very awkward for me as I felt as though I had just formed a connection with someone and then I proceeded to sit in/on them. However, after several moments, I grew accustomed to it.

Ms. Bingham then told us to think like this character thinks. "What is she thinking about?" "Why is she thinking about those things?" "What is the most important thing to her?" "What is her life-long dream?" "What are her fears?" "What is she proud of?"

These are all extremely important questions to process and answer. Being able to let a character completely take over, means that you have to become that person. You have to think about who they are, why they are the way they are, what are their fears, hopes, and dreams? If these questions aren't answered, there is no way to truly understand a character's intention. Having the opportunity to play Mrs. Gibbs in "Our Town" is amazing. I've never done such extensive character work, and I am so grateful I can do so now.