UNIT 68 THEATRE DIRECTING/ UNIT 44 OUTREACH DRAMA

30 November 2014

Is it you or your personality?

This picture represents me right now.

I think its odd how the overcoming of obstacles is SO admired. We create our own obstacles with our
mind, dont we? So why is overcoming something we have created ourselves so admired? My
understanding is that the mind is analogous to an iceberg 90% of it is submerged. So while we may
want, say, prosperity thoughts in our unconscious mind may well be creating the opposite. Or say we
want an easy life thoughts in our unconscious mind may start putting all sorts of obstacles in our path.
If we really want something and we go for it and dont give up despite the obstacles, well great lets
salute ourselves. But at some point I think it needs to be acknowledged that we did create those
obstacles ourselvesthere wasnt anything out there doing it to us. In fact, acknowledging this actually
puts us in a position of power, I think. I created those obstacles, so now Ill Un-create them!

Lorum Ipsum Dolor

UNIT 68 THEATRE DIRECTING/ UNIT 44 OUTREACH DRAMA

30 November 2014

On Overcoming Obstacles | Let's Live Forever!. 2014. On Overcoming Obstacles | Let's Live Forever!. [ONLINE] Available at: http://
letsliveforever.net/2008/08/on-overcoming-obstacles/. [Accessed 01 December 2014].

At the start of the week, to warm up we listened to Christmas songs to get us all into the Christmas
spirit. This lead us onto making a dance for the schools tour Christmas show. We all agreed that it
was fun, energetic and that with a little bit more work it could potential be our final number for the
show. At this point we hadn't seen the script or any material, so this was purely created from our
own imaginations.
When we were given the script, I was very excited to read it and find out the plot. However, we
weren't given the whole script, for some reason we only got scene 3. I thought this was very
strange and I didn't understand why we couldn't read the whole thing. After playing around with
different characters in this scene, I started to develop my own interpretation of these characters
because I had very little information about them. This made me start to question the relationships
the characters had with one another and their individual journeys. Playing with different voices
and physicality was fun and to see others portraying these same characters was interesting because
it made me think of things that I hadn't even thought of.Now looking back, I've realised that it's
about the process of working out these characters yourself and bringing something of your own to
bring these characters alive.
The newspaper project, dress rehearsal was really interesting me for because it was my first time
seeing it all together. I really liked what the other groups did with their groups. I think it's
amazing, how different they all are to one another. The piece as a whole was very diverse, the
sexual discrimination, euthanasia, body image and crime are all very different issues but it worked
because Ithink most people in today's society could relate to something in this piece and that's
why I think it was a success.I also loved the creativity in all the different stories and the hidden
messages behind within them. It was entertaining for me because there was a lot of comedy and
audience interaction that I enjoyed.
However, from a directors point of view I feel as thought my group 'Sexual Discrimination' wasn't
giving a 100% thought out this dress rehearsal performance. I noticed a lot of hesitation in the
fight scene and I don't feel like they were fully committed. That was the main problem that stood
out to me, but Alex, Sam and I gave all gave them feedback after this preform so that they could
improve on it for the show. Overall, I was happy with their performance and I feel like the story
works well within the rest piece because it questions people's views and I feel it makes the
audience think about what it must feel like to be in that vulnerable position.
I agree and I don't agree with the my audition feedback. I was shocked at some of the comments
the panel gave to me because the person they were describing wasn't me at all. For instances, I got
told that I have had a bad attitude. I actually tired my best with the amount of time that I was given
but, I suppose a panel wouldn't know or care about that. Another comment I got from the panel
was 'cold personality'. I'm guessing that's what they interpreted from my body language in the
audition. I didn't feel like I was, I felt like it went well considering what happened with my
monologue but clearly it didn't. To be honest, I now hate the thought of having an audition and I
think this whole audition process has been over complicated. I know I'm not ready acting wise
because I have very little experience and obviously personality wise I just wasn't what they were
looking for. I can't help the way I am because it's not everyday fake a smile. They either like me or
they don't, I'm not going to change myself for them. Personally, I think it's a lack of experience
and a confidence issue for me. I don't believe it's a personality issue because, if I was confident in
Lorum Ipsum Dolor

UNIT 68 THEATRE DIRECTING/ UNIT 44 OUTREACH DRAMA

30 November 2014

what I was doing then I could be comfortable in being open about myself in my interview. I
believe it all has a knock on effect. Therefore, I need to seriously work on my monologues, if I
want to become more confident and open in my interview. I think will let my personality shine
though naturally rather then faking a smile or showing them what I think they want to see.
Although I hated this audition process and nearly lost all self-believe, the only positive thing that
I've taken from this experience is that, I now have a better understanding of what an audition panel
is looking for. I think I need to try and be more open and willing to show off more of my
personality in an interview rather than being a closed book. As a person, I find it hard to open up
to people I don't know and talk about myself. Therefore, I feel like I have a lot personal
development to do in these next few months.
Talking with Innes about monologues was a helpful. I now know that, I need a minimum of 5
diverse monologues. Three classical and two contemporary, to be able to show off a wide range of
skills. Taking a risk and going for something that is the complete opposite to your personality is
what really suck with me throughout this meeting. It made sense to me that the bigger the contrast
in personality between you and your character, the more interesting you become to a panel who
don't know you. I think this shows skill and potential as an actor. Therefore, this is something I
would like to try and do in the future.

Lorum Ipsum Dolor