Auditions for Actor

Monologue One Sherry from Valued Friends by Stephen Jeffreys

Stephen Jeffreys The Play Write 
Valued Friends was performed at the Hampstead Theatre in 1990. He is also known for the screen play of The Libertine with actor Johnny Depp. This plays was set in the 1980s which was when Margret Thatcher became Prime Minister.

Character Study 

Name: Sherry

Age: 25 "late twenties" quoted by the play

Occupation: Comedienne

Marriage status: Single

Where does Sherry live?

Sherry lives with her three friends. Paul who is a pop music journalist, Paul's girlfriend Marion and Howard who is writing in the left wing for the analysis of corruption capitalism under Thatcher. They live in a 'Victorian house in Earl's court'.

Health
Sherry is healthy besides from the smoking. In the 1980s smoking was popular for people because it wasn't a caution as we know today.

Interests

Sherry's interests are to go out drinking with her house mates and into her job trying to get the next joke. She wants stick by her friends especially Howard as she sometimes gets anxious.

'Sherry kneeling in a pile of twenty pound notes in her nightie tears streaming down her face clutching the champagne bottle'

However it all changes when she gets thrown out. Also shopping is one her interests because they are always going to the next pub for alcohol.
' Sherry is standing there. She is wears a short dress an absurd floppy hat and a huge shoulder bag.'

She likes alcohol for example 'she reaches for the champagne bottle'.

Characters objectives 

She wants to be a success at comedy which will makes her happy. Hopefully she wants to be famous. 'Im happy. Im having a great time. People point me out on the tube.'

My character Sherry opens the play with this monologue. The whole monologue as how she is socially awkward on a train with this man coming towards her and asking her questions. For me personally I can relate this character slightly as I find social outings and communicating sometimes a struggle. I channelled these emotions and that made the piece feel awkward as playing the character different. The monologue includes dialogue on what the man says to Sherry. I wanted to create a voice for the man to change the pitch and add more variety to the monologue in general. Whilst I was doing the man impression I stepped out of the role of Sherry and stood up whilst saying it as Sherry was still sat on the chair. I felt that this worked as I got a laugh from the panel. Admittedly I did stumble over my words slightly as I repeated some of the lines again but I carried on in character but I think that this was just nerves and I couldn't think of what was going to come next. This monologue on the whole went well. When rehearsing I wanted to create Sherry as a slightly nervous character because in this situation the monologue is mainly about her panicking and her saying about her embarrassment.

Why did I choose this piece? 
The reason I chose this character because it is a contrast to my other monologues. The other ones were a dark speech and another being in love so this is a perfect monologue to prove the contrast between all three monologues.I feel that comedy is what I am strongest at and also it gave me a challenge to think about the staging instead of a director telling me the blocking for it all. This was the first time I have done a comedic monologue which gave me a challenge to make it funny.

What would I improve about this audition?

If I were to repeat this again I would be more confident with the lines as I jumped a big chunk which threw me and I didn't know what the next part was. I needed to think more about my character and rehearse a little bit more so I became comfortable with this character. At times the nerves got the better of me but once I was in the zone with the character I felt more relaxed.

What obstacles were there throughout the process?
One of the struggles that I found was that I was I didn't know who Ingmar Bergman was. So I did some research and he is a Swedish director, producer and writer who worked in film and television.

Feedback given
My feedback was very positive for this speech. My vocal delivery was good and it was a good attempt of a comedy. I was really pleased with this feedback as I naturally acted the comedy I didn't need to 'act' the comedic parts of the speech. They did pick up on my stumbles but they liked that I carried on with the speech. The feedback also said that comedy is one of my strongest parts of my acting as I am naturally funny.

Monologue two Valerie from Road by Jim Cartwright 

How did you think the monologue went? 

I have done this monologue a few times now some for uni auditions and one for the actual play that I did in the first year. From the first time of doing it to the last time I did this I think I have improved with this monologue as I can see the emotions of Valerie as a character. I can feel what it is like to be on your own with the kids. This was the 80s which meant that this had to be slightly old for me and unfamiliar society.

I played around with working with this character by getting out the chocolates and  a glass of wine whilst speaking  in a relaxed way but fed up and tired. This worked but it felt a little unnatural for me as I felt that I was acting too much and not thinking about the character. I then thought about playing it drunk by walking in and going to the drink. I works with the time of when the play was set as the 80s was all about alcohol and sex and drugs. I couldn't play the character well as I couldn't capture acting drunk as I was over acting. Then I started to play with a subtle madness with the character and sit and stare and one part of the room and adding actions such as pulling the hair grabbing the arms to add the facial expressions to the character. This worked as I could take it slow which think that I am tired and hard worked as a house mum.

Why did you choose this monologue?

The reason why chose the monologue is that this monologue is from a older woman was is something I havent done before as an actor. I felt that I could act this character as the things she says about her husband are dark which is challenging for me. Also their is an accent in this plat which helps with a challenge too which meant that I could get into character more instead of using my natural voice.

Name: Valerie Johnson

Age:35
Martial Status: Married
Ethnicity:White British 

What does your character do for a living?

Valerie is a mum with three children who she picks up after in a flat whilst her husband is working for the family. Valerie doesnt see her children too much because he is drinking at the pub all the time. I know this because Valerie cant do go out and get food to provide for family because the money is spent on drinks for her husband. Valerie is a working mum at home to make sure that the washing,cooking and cleaning are whilst the children are at school. 

What is the relationship between her and her husband? 

I think Valerie struggles to bond with her husband because Valerie is hesitate about him because of the way her husband treats her such as his 'fat hard hands in bed at night'. Valerie says that her is a 'rough dog' which I think it means that her husband is using her for sex which is horrible to think about for Valerie. If Valerie had a choice she would leave her husband but then she would feel guilty and want to come back. She feels confused about what she wants to do because she saying 'I blame but I dont blame him'.
Religion
I think that Valerie is a Christian because she prays for money and asking for money from her friends and neighbours. The neighbours are Christian because when they ask to help they are there to help for Valerie and that is a reference from Bible which is 'Love thy neighbour as you love thy self'. This means that neighbours believe that if Valerie needs money and help the neighbours will help.
Education
Valerie was brought in a poor part of the north which made it very hard to be in school and go to school. Valerie didn't have the best education because of where she lived and the environment around her. She received no qualifications because of the way she was living and her attitude towards school. Now she regrets all of this and she wants her children to have the best education possible so they dont make the same mistake as there mother did. 

Social Life 
Valerie doesn't have a social life because she is always at home looking after the children who she loves very much. She sacrifices her social life because she doesn't want her children being left alone by her husband because he will be "pissed drunk".

Monologue three Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare 

Character Profile 

Name: Beatrice (niece of Leonato)

Age: 30

Description of character
Beatrice is the niece of Leonato who is a noble man in Messina. She is a feisty character with lots of words to say about certain characters.

What does Beatrice think of the other characters?

'No and if he were I would burn my study'  ( Act One Scene one)

Beatrice is uses some of these insults about Benedick to present to other people how much she detests the guy. She makes harsh remarks and comebacks to Benedick. Beatrice doesn't like Benedick as he more of a bachelor man trying to show off in front of everyone and wants to get all the ladies.

'Id rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man wear he loves me' (Act one scene one)

This is a bold statement coming from Beatrice as she clearly doesn't want anything to do with Benedick. The language shows that Beatrice having a battle with Benedick for her to try and win because she doesn't take no for an answer.

'Taming my wild to thy loving hand
If thou dost love my kindness shall incite thee
To bind us up in a holy band
For others say thou dost deserve for
I believe it better than reportingly' (Beatrice Act 3 scene 1 Beatrice)

However in Act three scene two she expresses her love for Benedick and finally realizes how she feels. She is saying:

'Ill be kind to you from now on, and if you really do love me that kindness will encourage you to seal our love with a wedding band. People say that you deserve my love and I believe it- not just because they've said so'

Interestingly Shakespeare has written this particular monologue in verse to put stress on the certain words to make it sound loving such as 'wild heart and 'thy loving hand'. Previously Beatrice has always spoken in prose to make the harsh sounds stand out.

What do the other characters think of her? 

Benedick 
Benedick is very masculine character towards Beatrice as he tries to win Beatrice over by passing the insults back and fourth with Beatrice.
'Well you are a rare parrot teacher'
The phrase 'rare parrot teacher' means that Beatrice is instructing Benedick like a parrot would is following the insult that Beatrice said previous.

Why did you choose this piece? 

This piece is all about deciding whether Beatrice has fallen in love which is a great piece for me. Also the language is amazing to use. I really enjoy hearing the monologue When I first heard I heard Catherine Tat perform it and I thought that I could get my own twist on how Beatrice was feeling.

What struggles did you have with this piece? 

The first struggle was getting to grips with the language and building my confidence to saying like it is second nature. A little struggle were to balance the emotions between loving Benedick and not loving Benedick. This monologue is all about deciding but the last ' for I believe it better than reportingly' really gives that love in Beatrice acting that this is the man for me.

Man of Mode

Our final performance at college is The Man of Mode by George Etherage. I will be exploring the restoration period and what themes are linked to 17th century politically socially and historically.


Character Study 

Character: Lady Townley

Social Class: Upper Class

Age: Lady Townley comes across as a older lady than most of the other characters. I would say that she is in hey early forties according to her mannerisms but she can betray younger in parts of the play when she talks to the more younger people in the play such as Emilia and Young Bellair.

What are her relationships with other character in Man of Mode?

Old Bellair 

Lady Townley and Old Bellair are brother and sister so they have a good relationship between each other however Lady Townley keeps secrets away from him concerning him because otherwise Lady Townley will betray Emilia and Young Bellair. Lady Townley and Old Bellair mostly have conversations saying about Emilia as Old Bellair always flirts with her. Lady Townley always knows what to do whether a conflict is occurring. For example in the last scene of the play Mr Smirk, the parson has just married Emilia and Young Bellair but when Old Bellair  appears Lady Townley puts Mr Smirk in the closet to not let Old Bellair see.

Emilia 

Lady Townley and Emilia are like mother and daughter. Lady Townley embraces her like her own. Emilia trusts Lady Townley to keep a secret but also they discuss the gossip between other characters. For example in Act two scene one Lady Townley and Emilia talk about how wonderful Medley. Lady Townley specifically says 'Hes a very necessary man to us women, he's not scandalous i' the least perpetually contriving to bring good company and then he knows the news o' the town'. This means Lady Townley can have pleasant with Emilia like mother and daughter relationship.

Young Bellair 

Young Bellair is Lady Townley's nephew who is in love with Emilia. Lady Townley respects their feeling for each other and doesn't breath a word to her brother apart from the last scene when the marriage was announced.

'Never storm brother the truth is out'
This line was said by Lady Townley to Old Bellair that the marriage between Emilia and Young Bellair is announced. Also the quote

' Come come give her your blessing this is the woman your son has loved and is married to'  by Lady Townley everyone is shocked about this espicially Old Bellair and Lady Woodville who was supposed to be his mother-in-law because of the relationship that has been happening with Harriet.

Medley
Medley is a wise young man who always pops round for a cup of tea or card game at Lady Townley's but whilst he's there he chats all the gossip with Emilia and Lady Townley which is always a great laugh. For exmaple one conversation was concentrated on where Mr Dorimant was and how is was 'soliciting his affairs'.

Social Status 

Lady Townley is always the talk of the play as she hosts all of the parties in the play as she is the most popular at hosting party. Whilst I was playing this character I felt that Lady Townley had a sense in leadership as she felt that she owns the whole party and makes everything run smoothly. Socially her standards are always high with the servants help if needed. Also she can hosts amazing dances which are always the talk of the town.

Manners and Social Class 

We started by looking how people would greet in the 17th century. This is a social theme as the Ladies and Gentlemen would bow and curtsey because it is polite and it was a etiquette between class and gender.  When a gentlemen works in the room the gentlemen would bow with the front leg straight and the other one bent holding there sword by there side in case they needed to withdrawn their sword. They would also have there head up to ensure that they weren't going to be attacked.
 Ladies is a curtsey which is one foot behind the other with back straight. When ladies are greeting to another lady they would have have a slight inclination before they curtsey and a smile. However if a man and a lady meet the man would bow to the lady and make a pleasant observation. If the hostess does not the gentlemen that is present at the ball then the gentlemen would be thankful for the invitation.

'A royal ball presented the opportunity to climb the social ladder in the late 17th century'    http://www.ehow.com/info_8123034_good-manners-late-17th-century.html

I agree with this quote as socially the balls would be a chance to ask the ladies for a dance and to get there name out there or the ladies would be able to flirt with the gentlemen with the fan language. The more people they get to know the more status they will get. For example in a Man of Mode scenario Young Bellair has become higher up the social ladder as he is in a fake relationship with Harriet therefore he could talk to Lady Woodville (Harriet's mother). Comedy restoration often works with the rich people as their social characteristics and innuendos that they use makes the play more humorous. However Etherage's was very clever about writing lines for the lower class such as the servants orange woman, Pert and Busy although there lower in status they say some lines that explains the plot and introduces the characters such as the orange woman introduces Harriet in Act one scene one.

Deportment and Etiquette 

The Gentlemen 


Towards the end of the seventeenth century the gentlemen's fashion and modes of life was inspired by the medieval way of thinking.  However once the eighteenth century came in it suggested another pattern. It was known that big cities such as London and Bath (where the fashion was concentrated) introduced the pattern. However gentlemen who lived in the country and who live in a hospitable places were slower to follow the new ways in manners, dress and daily habits. It was the older generation brought up observe the formal etiquette. The young members of the family of society were puzzled whether to stick with the old generation tradition. They decided to not tolerate such stiff and precise behaviour.

Fan language

The fan was not just for the ladies on a hot day they were to communicate to men instead of verbalising what they were thinking. This picture explains what signal the ladies would give. I think the fan language is quite clever as socially they ladies and gentlemen would either flirting discreetly or signal to the men that they weren't interested.


Photo from   
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fan+language&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwj8gJCp1evLAhXCnBoKHayIAmsQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=3lT1r9HNEKXrkM%3A

'The fan had to be carried, opened or closed and fluttered and precision'
http://www.ehow.com/info_8123034_good-manners-late-17th-century.html

This quote from ehow allows the richer ladies to get the gentlemen socially and building their status. This language continued in the 18th century. I think the fan language is fascinating to see as they can show other man how they are feeling or to others. In act three scene one Young Bellair uses the fan language to  show his parents that Harriet is flirting with Young Bellair (secretly they dont love each other). He instructs her by saying  ' Now spread your fan. look down upon it and tell the sticks with your finger'. This is an example of the fan language and she is showing to young Bellair that she loves him(secretly).

The fan was used for a number of things which are:
Fashion
Propaganda
Practical
Socially

Fashion 
After the 17th century the fans were not needed as a fan to cool them down as such in Europe. They were more to suit the ladys by the fan would be go well with the outfit.

' Fans were as much an adjunct to a lady's fashion attire as were gloves and bags'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_hand_fans_in_the_18th_century



Marriage 
Marriage is a big theme occurrence in Man of Mode. There are positive events happening throughtout the play involving marriage. However the protagonist Dorimant starts to unravel his affairs and exploits throughout the play.  Young Bellair and Emilia's marriage caused some conflict towards the end of the play as they got married without their parents blessing. Meanwhile Dorimant is expressing his affairs towards Harriet which he has had an eye for most of the play. From discovering this Dorimant thinks that he is now the marrying type. However Dorimant wants to avoid the contract or oath this is happening between him and Mrs Loveit.

'During the seventeenth century, women were in theory, and in practice so far as the law went, inferior to men'  quoted by http://www.historytoday.com/maurice-ashley/love-and-marriage-seventeenth-century-england

I think I agree with this quote at the time of the 17th century because the women weren't strong and independent the women would always under theirs husbands power and status. For example the relationship with Old Bellair and Emilia. Emilia didn't have a say in the relationship Old bellair would always come up to her and flirt towards to her never the other way around. Old belliair would question sometimes what he is doing to Emilia. For example when he says 'how dost thou do sweetheart' means that he is coming to Emilia but then he doesnt people to see what is going on so he then says 'Go you are a rogue'. The word 'rogue' means villain. Maybe he wants to cover the feelings he has. 


In a dance scenario

Before the dance the gentlemen always asks the lady never the other way around. The lady waits for an invitation. A man must first ask permission to the lady or to her chaperone. If granted he must keep the appointment. During the dance in the round dances the gentlemen supports the woman in his right arm around the waist taking care not to hold the lady too close. Her right hand is extended held by his left hand and his left hand is on her arm or shoulder. At the end of the dance the lady's partner will offer his arm and conduct her to a seat then bow as she releases him from further attendance as he may be engaged for another dance.

Manners was important in the 17th century. Greeting the host is relevant to my character as most of the parties in Lady Townleys house.

The first week was workshop week. The workshop was a great lesson which was to try on the dress that were in the 17th century. It was good to see and try the dresses to get use to it as the dress is long and tight at the back which was meant to be like this because of the posture that was needed. Sitting down was difficult to do because it is not my normal posture which means I will have to work on this. Especially my character Lady Townley hosts most of the parties around the area which means that she needs to have the correct posture. The workshop made me explore the posture and greeting other gentlemen. Greeting can mean so many ways. From the workshop I have learnt that the ladies use there emotion of the feelings towards the gentlemen by using there facial expressions such as a little smile as they walk away may communicate that the lady may have a attraction.

Adam's workshop

There are loads of ways to show restoration one is a naturalistic way. However is another way of doing Man of Mode which is a grotesque way doing this. Comedy is not always about the dialogue it is also the way you stand or sit yourself. We started the workshop by walking around the room because restoration is great when the energy is in the cast. When we were doing this exercise my heart was beating really hard because of the amount of energy that was running around my body. Adam explained that walking with the energy is like you want to burst in any second. When we stop the atmosphere changes much more calmer. Having done the exercise I felt that restoration always needs energy.

Making a picture 
A picture can mean so many things but this exercise really helped us. We had create a character with contact with another character in the picture. In the picture to the side you can see Joe in a still image with back straight with eye brow lifted. The eye brow has added that one extra detail to communicate to the audience more in depth stance. He spin has been lengthened which is a great way to stand in restoration because posture was crucial during this as the manners in this time era were very important.

Gentlemen when standing will expand the chest and back. The shoulders will fall into place. The posture allows the gentlemen to be

 'Straight and light' Joan Wildeblood 'The Polite World A Guide To English Manners and Deportment' 

I agree with this quote because shows there status of social class. Upper class people would have to attend dancing events. Linking this to 'The Man Of Mode' I would think that all of men in the play would use their posture to attract the ladies. Also the masters would be impressed to see the servants because manners are key between masters and servants. For example Lady Townley and her servant have good relationship as Lady Townley trusts her servant to let the right people come into her house.

With me and Emilia we walked in with purpose sat down then said our dialogue whereas the blocking that we did originally was coming in a bit slower and talking then sitting down. This exercise made the whole scene have a pace to it and therefore gave the scene humour. Whilst doing this scene I understood some of the language. For example one of my lines was 'Blame her not poor woman,she loves nothing so well as a black ace' . This particular is a innuendo which made me interpret a comical approach to present this voice. It felt natural made the scene more light hearted. I decided to keep this way of saying the line because it worked in the scene and now it was one of my favourite lines in the lines.

In the restoration experience Adams workshop was one of my favourites because I noticed a complete development in my character.

Making the overall picture gives a real effect because it is telling a story just by using the body still. From these two photos you can tell that a story is coming through. This is what the style of restoration is all about. The style is being able to work with melodrama.


'Broadly, melodrama is a type of narrative in which the over-dramatic plot-line is designed to play on people's emotions' quoted by http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-melodrama-definition-characteristics-examples.html

I agree with this quote as I think that Adams work ties in with melodrama which made the style work for us as we delivered our lines to an understanding which made it funny.  Also the two photos can show some aspects of melodrama by seeing the posture and the heightened facial expressions. Another thing that I have noticed is how in the two photos they are very close together. I think the more close they are the more the story come out to just a still image.

Historical expects in The Man of Mode 

The restoration period historically was also often called the 'Age of Dryden' after the esteemed poet. The opening of the theaters which had been closed since 1642 was an important moment of drama and gave birth to some of the most beloved English plays. The diaries old Samuel Pepys illuminate much of the literary life of the day. The 17th century was just when they introduced ladies to the stage otherwise they would be either a maid or helping around the house whilst the husband goes to the office.

'To the office all the morning. My wife and people at home busy to get things ready for tomorrows dinner'
This was a quote by Samuel Pepys diary which shows that the ladies were just used as a house wife. Also Pepys says in his diaries that he goes to church a lot with his wife. At least twice a day.

' To church in the morning. Dined at home. My wife and I to church in the afternoon and that was being done we went to see my uncle'.

 In 1646 Charles II was exiled to France after Oliver Cromwell and his parliament defeated the royalists under his father Kings Charles I. Whilst Charles II endeavoured to save his father's life by giving virtual carte blanche  ( blank cheque) to Cromwell to go ahead with the execution of Charles II. On January 30th 1649 the was king was beheaded for treason (betrayal) and his son succeeded him.

The English Civil war started in 1642 when Charles I raised his royal standards in Nottingham. This was during the English Civil war which was between the Parliament, Roundheads and Cavalries. The rivalry between Charles and parliament was such a big part that neither side could was willing to back down. The civil war was all because of the manner of the government. The reason for the war is that all problems from the parliament and be solved. The sides were between who supported the parliament and who supported the king. The civil war was a continuous war because armies lacked mobility and time to collect the most basic equipment which meant a long period of time. The weather was a major fault as to whether the armies would be able to fight despite England being agt war England was invaded by the Scots and parts of Ireland. Cromwell was defeated in the Battle of Worcester in what is referred to as the Second English Civil War. Charles escaped to France and then lived in Germany and the Spanish Netherlands for a time.

Cromwell died in 1658 throwing the Commonwealth he has established into disarray. Richard Cromwell, Oliver's son was a terrible leader and a pawn of the army. The English began to turn against the republic; tensions with religion. Cromwell defeated Charles II in the Battle of Worcester on September 1651 and Charles fled to mainland Europe. Cromwell then became the virtual dictator for England, Scotland and Ireland. He spent 9 years in France, the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Netherlands.






Charles II 








Theatre in 17th century 
 Theatrical performances in homes such as masques and they were hosted on special occasions.  After Charles I's death in 1642 most theatres were demolished as the theatre was becoming a threat.  Twenty years later the interest was back in business. Charles II issued patents for three theatre companies in London, Davenant and Killigrew to stage drama.
 Theatres were amazing to look out in the restoration times. This picture on above as a plan of the Wren Theatre in Drury Lane. Architect Christopher Wren designed this building. As you can see the audience is mainly opposite the stage with curved edges for more seats to fit in. Companies who held a patent were allowed to perform drama as known as legitimate theatre but if you didn't have a patent that you were able to perform melodrama, pantomimes opera and music halls. Having said this the audience of the 17th century were use to other dramatic types of productions therefore The Man Of Mode would of been able to perform the play as it is a restoration comedy with loads of over the top mannerisms. Restoration plays were completely different to what we see now. When Charles stuart came to the throne in 1600s the theatre was reopened after a eighteen year ban. The ban for eighteen years became a celebration for restoration as the plays were lavish (rich) and often immoral by Puritan standards and poked fun at both royalists and roundheads.

Comparing to the modern staging in the Olivier London version of The Man of Mode is their more directed to the sexy parts of the play. There are contemporary elements that Dorimant and Belinda have in bed and his affairs with Mrs Loveit.


Restoration Comedy 
Restoration was always covered with lots of wit by using the amazing language being used. Comedy situations relies which causes humour by having disguises masks and mistaken identity and misunderstandings. Etherage can relate to this as in the plot as Mr Dorimant is disguised as Mr Courtage. Also in the beginning of the second act there is a dance going on at Lady Townleys which Sir Fopling thought that it would be funny to have a mask on in the dancing and pretend he is someone else. He does this by saying to Harriet
'Do you know me?'
The audience thinks its hilarious because of the comedic situation. Another part of The Man of Mode is a popular situation is misunderstanding which is whats happens at the end of the play when the marriage comes out in front of everyone.

Restoration comedy is based more on the social commentaries and not reflect from the society but exaggerated. The typical audience was more focused on upper class and one had to pay in the theatre instead of playhouses.

Blocking in rehearsals 

Some of the scenes were a nightmare to sort out the scene because it jumps from person to person to talk to other people. For example the start of the scene after the interval went from Old Bellair and Lady Townley then to Mr Dorimant and Lady Woodville. It was confusing on where to move as it would cause stage traffic with other characters which causes issues. Most of the blocking for this was to try and work out who talks to who in what part of the scene. It was very confusing at first but then once we understand who was talking to who we could development and improve the scene every time we went over it.

Blocking the Prologue 

In my opinion this was my favorite part and this is the simple part of blocking as you are just being actors and no one else. The idea of the prologue was a choral piece  and telling the story with rhyme. We were directed to when you say your line you really come out to the audience and tell the story with using that upper class voice to pronounce every single letter in the sentence. The prologue was the first part that the audience sees which needed to give the insight on what the play is about was it melodramatic.


The object exercise 

What have I chosen for this object exercise? 

I chose a pack of cards for Lady Townley. The reason why I chose this object is because she is always hosting the parties that everyone comes to and she is quite a secretive but can hear a lot of the gossip to the other characters. I thought that she would have a pack of card hidden in a draw ready for a round of ombre or to help some of the men and team up with them to get the others out. To play ombre in Spain as 40 cards excluding eights nines and tens. This exercise gave me an insight to my character as Lady Townley is involved with all the gossip between everyone in the in act two scene one with Medley and Emilia but she can be very secretive which is why none of the characters know about the secret pack of cards that she has from her husband. She is a trustworthy character with Emilia and Young Bellair as she kept they relationship status a secret.





Things to consider 
Synopsis- Here you could include themes, social, historical, poltical context
Original staging- how it would have been recieved by a 17th century audience
- How it may be received today- Link to contemporary examples
-Character Study
- Rehearsal Development- Intial workshop workshop
- Performance- Physical- Manners, bow/ cutesy, walking sitting fan status Language

Intial Movement workshop- bows and curtesy
Fan lang
sitting and walking/posture
staging the prologue
Adams workshop
Blocking- group parties work out stage traffic
Rehearsals
Script analysis
development of character
English civil war-
The interregnum- Puritans
                           - Oliver Cromwell

Samuel Pepys - Diary
                       - Great fire
                       -  Great Plague        Insights on 17th Century life and Century

Charles II
-Exile
- Merry monarch
- Theatre Licensing