Development rehearsals are always an action-packed time in a Stories that Soar! show. We may have our own ideas of how each piece will play out, but it almost always changes in some way. It’s all part of the process! I especially appreciated being able to work so collaboratively with this ensemble to create a fun and awesome show for ASDB!
Once we picked our pieces, we dove right in! Despite our enthusiasm, rehearsals tended to go at a much slower pace… but understandably so. On top of the intensity that a Stories that Soar! show is in itself, we also gave extra focus to pacing, sound and visual elements, and learning lines in a different language (American Sign Language). We made deliberate, calculated choices so every student at ASDB enjoys the show. Sometimes, it meant working a single piece over and over, rearranging and problem solving until it was just right. During the first two development rehearsals we worked two stories, and they both completely transformed in that time. That’s just our process sometimes. It always works out for the good of the show, and I’m sure ASDB is no exception.
The rest of the development rehearsals picked up after that. We each brought our own unique skills to the table. A really fun part for me was helping my cast-mates learn their lines in American Sign Language. I also worked on the translations with the lead interpreters at ASDB to make sure they were just right. This year, every single cast member is signing at some point in the show whether they have previous signing experience or not. I’m excited to work with such a talented group of people.
Seven development rehearsals, two transition rehearsals, and one run through later we have a rough version of our show. Hooray! We definitely have some amazing stuff happening: flying fish, epic breakfast chants, percussion-filled shark races, and a techno glow in the dark extravaganza- just to name a few. But I don’t want to give too much away… You’ll have to come to the show to see the magic that is the ASDB students’ imaginations!
–Cyndi LaFrese, STS Actor
