Day 4

We started the day by blocking most of the rest of the script, with only three pages left to do tomorrow. As each scene is quite short, the most difficult part of blocking is working out where you need to be, how you get there, and how you can get any props/costume you need. Everything has to be certain, otherwise it will fall appart.

The other difficult thing is mastering each different characterization and motivation in time for the scene. I play about five different characters during the course of the play, as well as speaking as myself with facts and questions for the audience; in one instance, i go straight from explaining one of Shakespeare's writing techniques to playing Lady Macduff as her son is killed- quite a leap to make in an instant, and something i am working hard to get my head round. There is not much time in which to build a character, but the real excitement lies in the range of characters we are able to play with.

I am learning a lot about different actors' approaches to scripts, and the process in which they go about building characters. We are working with actors who have trained at drama schools such as RADA, and have years more experience in the industry than we have; yet the way in which we build characters, find character motivations and our approach our rehearsals are very similar to the way we are trained at Bath Spa - which proves to me that our course really sets us up for the real world of acting. I am finding working with professional actors really valuable, and I am discovering what it is like to work in the professional theatre world.

Long days of technical runs and dress rehearsals await us!

Suzanne