Wednesday, June 19, 2013

We've Got Rhythm, We've Got Music

For the next two weeks, Alexandra, one of our talented Overtures students, is taking over our blog. Check back for daily updates!


Tuesday, June 18

Anyone passing by The ARK today was treated to quite the cacophony. There were, of course, the familiar sounds of songs being rehearsed, the shuffle-ball-changes of tap sequences, the occasional groan of frustration or sore muscles, the “Who are you talking to?” and “Where’s your focus?” of our first acting sessions with Andrew Long. But it was the sounds outside of dedicated class time that might have pleasantly surprised a few passersby.

After only three days together, the 2013 Overtures Company feels like a true ensemble. When we make discoveries and breakthroughs in group work there is applause and even resounding calls of “Werk girl!”. When we lose our balance in relevé or our flaps don’t sound quite right, our fellow company members are there to buddy up and go over the step one…okay, three more times.

So perhaps it was not all too strange that during much of today’s “down-time” we were found playing old-school theater games or jamming. Put 17 musical theater artists together in a circle and we will make music; improvising drum beats with hands, binders, water bottles and feet, riffing and rapping “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. On a dreary day packed with demanding (and exhausting) classes and sessions, our scheduled breaks were much-appreciated moments of collective clarity.

As we ended our busy Tuesday by running through our first two company showcase songs, there was a palpable joy bouncing around the rehearsal room. Though it’s certainly easy to smile with lyrics like “My personal puss on a wooden nickel,” a dozen and a half artists finding a rhythm and groove will more than brighten any rainy day. There is some truly beautiful theater-making happening at Overtures, and we still have another ten days together!

Don't miss the Overtures Showcase! Saturday, June 29 at 11 AM in the MAX Theatre. Admission is free and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

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