The Process

 

You Learn the Rules, then Break them.

Performances are usually well rehearsed. I wanted to come up with a piece that had some element of spontaneity in it. I thought it would be a great idea to involve the audience and have their parts be easy enough to play, but crazy enough to have fun with.

Risk

I could not think of a better risk than to have the bulk of my piece depend on people who had no knowledge of what was going to happen.

Will They Listen?

I knew I definitely wanted to do a piece involving a relationship. At first I was going to do a short love seminar. I did not think it was going to be entertaining enough for people to care. I desperately wanted something a little more crazy, and lovable.

A stroke of Inspiration

I was at Barnes and Noble when the whole thing came to me. So I immediately rushed home and wrote it in one sitting. I revised it several times. Liza was supposed to act with me as her own character, Liza, but had a schedule conflict. This led to the first major revision. The second major revision was when I decided it was best to cut out the impersonator. Originally, there was an impersonator that was suppose to lead the group to the crosswalk. However, I wasn't sure if a fellow classmate would want to do Bugs Bunny and super hero impressions. I still believe it was a wise choice.

The Map

While writing the script, the map was being drawn in my head. However, it wasn't until the day of the performance that everything was set in stone. This was due to the fact that I did not know how many people would actually be in the Actlab, and how much room would be available.

Practice

I learned the piece inside and out. I figured it would be wise to do so considering if I forgot something the rest of the actors wouldn't have the foggiest idea of what was to come next. Besides, I had to be ready for anything. Murphey's Law is inevitable.

The Trip and Performance Class

I mainly wanted to express the themes of risk, and breaking the rules. I also wanted to involve Liza somehow, even if it was just her character. Throughout the class, we have done exercises both written and performed and I always wanted to understand what risk meant. I believe I now have a better understanding of the word.

 

| Trip | Process