Opening scene of the new play, originally a short film called "The Wait". Check it out to see what the play will be like.

Week 3, Part 2

Disaster strikes! The Stage Manager we were hoping to work with is unavailable. And one of the cast is out. Both bombshells occur within the same 30 minutes. Just when things seemed on track started to more smoothly, stress levels suddenly hit a new high. I was reminded of why I haven’t directed in a while. With role allocation suddenly up in the air a mere hour before the first rehearsal with every part assigned, the five weeks prep time was suddenly looking very short.

But then, an idea. God bless the producers because sometimes, just sometimes, one of the crazy suggestions might work: “Let’s not replace her, let’s do it with seven instead of eight.” This, of course, will bring its own challenges – more work for everyone else and a different vibe to some scenes - but it will work. In fact, it maybe should always have been that way. The rehearsal was great. Everyone was enthusiastic and willing to push things. It was the best the play has sounded.

From highly stressed to uber-excited, things could be looking up…

Week 3, Part 1

Had a lunch meeting with the designer – model boxes are cool. For those unfamiliar with the model box, it is a scale representation of the stage and everything on it. Everything. To-scale (1:50 if you’re interested) actors, and furniture. I was well impressed. Not so sure about the other patrons in the establishment we were in. I think everything seemed fine until we got on the floor to see the ‘stage’ at eye-level. Still, weird looks were brief and insults kept to a minimum. I’m getting my own model box next week. Can’t wait!

Rehearsal in the Axis in Ballymun. Great venue and a great space to work in. Everyone is keen to get stuck in. Which is nice. A few more role swaps and the parts are decided. I have high hopes.

Week 2, Part 2

Inspiration today. One of the characters has been changed from female to male. Adds a new dimension and sets up a later scene nicely. Said change referred to by one cast member as a ‘revelation’. I am flattered. He is still not getting that part.

Typos and grammar fixed. The actors have no excuse now. Roll on the next rehearsal…

Week 2, Part 1

Christmas is over. Suitably sated, the cast arrived for our first read-thorough. A strange situation. After auditioning, and call-backing (is that a word? I think maybe it should be) I had my ensemble but no parts assigned. So began a night of swapping and experimentation. No, not like that. God bless the cast. “You have a part but, in effect, you need to audition and audition again until I decide which one(s) you are best for.” Not an ideal beginning but necessary.

Interesting arisings from the first meeting:

1)     Scenes that are written to be very funny are not as strong as you think they are going to be.

2)     Scenes that are not, are.

3)     No matter how many times you re-write (and re-read) something, there will always be typos. And grammatical errors.

4)     Actors will read whatever words they think are on the page, not what is actually on the page.

5)     Sometimes this will result in a better line and should be taken on board.

6)     Sometimes the actor needs to try harder.

So far, so good…

Week 1

Due to ridiculously crappy weather, our first rehearsal has been cancelled! Not much to write about so. Maybe a note on the audition process: Auditioning is difficult. Not difficult to do but it is time consuming and mentally draining. I can only imagine what it is like for the actors. Still, we muddled through and, due to a surprisingly high number of good people, needed callbacks. More time, more mental exhaustion. Although, on the plus side, auditions part 2 was much better organised. Lesson learned.

And now we have a cast. Well, an ensemble. That’s right, Love in the Time of Social Networking is an ensemble piece. But not a wanky one. Just so you know. Four boys and four girls. We’re due to start next week – fingers crossed that the so-called Big Thaw arrives…

Oh yeah, things that you need to know: The play is on in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun from the 10^th to the 12^th February 2011. Yes, a play about love in the run up to Valentine’s Day. Cynical? Me? Never!