chloeshepherdfugee-blog

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FINAL EVALUATION: 21st MARCH.

The Creative and Media Diploma students and I performed Fugee written by Abi Morgan on the 21st March.  The performance took 15 weeks to prepare for, including planning, rehersals. After weeks of hard work we were able to showcase our performance to some of the Performing Arts students from the college.

The play was based on a refugee named 'Kojo' who accidently stabbed someone. We learnt of his troubled life, constantly referring to the past through flashbacks. When i was first given the script, I thought it was a big eye-opener into the real world. The story was educational but still intersting. The only thing I didn't like was how the characters said to the audience that they were just actors who were playing the chararcter. However, these lines of speech were cut from the script as the whole group agreed that they weren't needed.

For the performance, I had three key parts: a role in the play, a technical role and stage managment. My role in the play was the Street Cleaner - I featured in 4 scenes. I didn't have a big part in the play compared to the main characters, this meant i had a lot of spare time between scenes. Therefore, I volunteered to do stage management with Amy in order to rearrange the set and bring props on and off stage. Me and Amy worked together in order to ensure the correct set was on stage to help the performance run smoothly.

My final role was costume. Along with Becka and Shane, I provided costumes for the entire cast. I made multiple lists for costume that was needed and collected the clothing sizes of all the cast. We searched the costume cupboard for any clothes that would have been suitable. I persoanlly informed all cast members and reminded them to bring in any clothes that they owned that would be perfect for our performance. We were able to achieve the goal of getting all the costumes through good communication. Me Becka and Shane kept updating eachother to what we had found or things we still needed throughout the process. We worked well as a team and this is probably the reason we were able to work so well and get evertyhing sorted. The only problem was when Shane and Becka were away filming or having their photos in the studio. This just meant I had to work independantly, this was no major problem - I was able to continue with finding costumes.

STRENGTHS:

Overall, I thought my personal input was pretty sufficient. I didn't have that much of a role in the actualy play that the audience saw. However, I thought I put alot of effort in with Amy, doing the stage management. Also, the technical role of costume was harder than I expected. There were a lot of cast members who had multiple roles or who needed unique costumes. However, I think i handled it well, especially when other cast members kept coming to me with problems that I had to sort. I think I did well in putting my best efforts into my production role and I tried my best at acting even though it wasn't something that comes easily to me.

WEAKNESSES:

I think I struggled most with remembering the stage management. I had to count on Amy to know what had to be moved where. Also, although I tried my best - I'm not that great at acting so my on stage performance wasn't all that great. 

I also think I wasn't specific enough in costume. I had to talk to everyone individually to find out what clothes they needed to bring in; I think it may have been easier if i was clearer with exactly what we needed. 

OVERALL WEAKNESSES:

The amount of time available for rehearsals was minimal. We had a short amount of time with a week gap in between rehearsals meaning we weren't as clear and as focused on the production as we needed to be. The week gap also meant that people lacked motivation to learn lines, and production roles were less of a priority. Everything seemed to be a bit last minute, meaning our time management needed to be better and we needed more focus and concentration - even when we weren't at college rehearsing, but at home preparing as well.  

Filming was a major issue that had to be done last minute. This was down to a lot of people, me included. The costumes weren't sorted meaning that they couldn't actually film it, test shots needed to be done and we needed the shots immediately for a technical rehearsal. If we were to have the chance to perform again, filming is something that would have needed to be done first. It would mean that the actors would know their cue's better, meaning overall the production could have ran smoother. 

A big problem we had was the running order. We had one running order that was left on someone to do last minute. Luckily, it was finished and stuck up on the stairs. However, this was a major problem. The stairs became overcrowded - people trying to find out when they were on, Amy and me - (stage management), trying to see what scene it is to sort out which set and props needed to be brought on next. 

Joe suffered from this, he was the main character and was in pretty much every scene. With all his lines, some similar to each other and repeated scenes - Joe needed to see a running order. However, he was unable to keep track of the scenes and therefore ended the performance short, by accident. 

If we were to have the chance to perform again, I now know that the running order is KEY! Something that needs to be sorted early on, and each member of the team needs a copy!

OVERALL STRENGTHS: 

Overall, I'd say the play went really well. Considering all the obstacles we have overcome, things ran smoothly and the performance was a success! I'd say this was mainly down to the fact: 

Everyone worked well as a team - I felt that we all worked together incredibly well! Everyone contributed to the production and put in masses of effort, in college and at home in order to get things to run smoothly! I felt that I was able to rely on other people to help with my production role, even people who weren't working on costume or stage management with me - helped to sort things out. 

Everyone took responsibility for their roles - Everyone was assigned roles and everyone fulfilled them! No-one had to make up for someone not completing their role, meaning everyone worked hard and did what they were meant to. 

Everyone supported one another - It was amazing to see people supporting each-other. On and off stage! We all worked hard to make sure everyone was comfortable and at ease. Everyone complimented and constructively criticised scenes in order to boost confidence whilst at the same time, stating how the scenes could be improved and developed. 

People learnt their lines - After a bit of motivation from Sara, everyone seemed to take it more serious and put more effort into learning lines! It became much easier to rehearse without scripts. It was amazing to see the play coming together so early, just because they were able to act with their movement and gestures as well as voice, due to the fact they didn't need a script 24/7.

In conclusion, the production of Fugee went amazingly well! The final production was a success! The process was really enjoyable and I've loved getting to do this project. We had to overcome so many obstacles, but I think that made the final production much more rewarding. 

If we were to have the chance to ever re-do this project, or something like it - I have learnt a lot that would possibly make it run much easier and successful. Things are better done sooner than later - the running order is a necessity; rehearsal time is the most important; effort and dedication needs to be high - in and out of college and most of all... It's much easier to perform something if you enjoy it! 

I've really enjoyed this unit and learnt a lot from it, in terms of what has to be done in order to put on a performance! Well done to everyone on the Creative and Media team for an amazing performance and a tough 15 weeks preparing! 

[chloeshepherdfugee-blog]

hi chloe

hey Beckaaaaa! :D

[chloeshepherdfugee-blog]

WEEK FIFTEEN: 21st MARCH.

PERFORMANCE DAY

- Today was the day we finally got to perform Fugee! First of all I collected all the clothes that the cast had brought in and organised them into separate piles, including the clothing found in the costume cupboards to ensure we had everything we needed and that anything we still needed could be found immediately! 

- We ran through the entire performance, technical and costume run through. It went pretty well and it was the last chance we had to perfect any problems we had previously encountered. 

- Our performance started at 3o'clock. It was time to perform in front of an audience and show everyone what we've put together over the past 15 weeks!

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Well done to everyone today for their performance!

It’s been so much fun working with you all. 

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WEEK FOURTEEN: 14th MARCH.

During the morning, we rehearsed the play. I took on my stage management role, planning with Amy what we were taking on and off. I also worked on my two scenes, trying to improve my acting and become more confident with my lines.

As a group we then decided to cut some scenes that weren't necessarily needed. It meant we could perfect more scenes and we reduced the overall length of the play.

Then I started looking for any other costume that was needed, asking every individual what they have and what they need, I then created a list and emailed it to Tom. 

I think my acting has definitely improved, i'm much more confident and understand my role better.

The problem i faced was with costume, i was unable to find everything i needed and therefore we have some items that still need to be found/bought.

[chloeshepherdfugee-blog]

REMINDER FOR CAST:

Costume needs to be brought in for Wednesday! Don't forget shoes/trainers that will suit your character's image! 

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WEEK THIRTEEN: 7th MARCH.

Today we found out that our performance had been postponed for a couple of weeks and that we were going to be taking part in workshops and watch a play for the day.

‘Splendid Productions’ came in, we spent the morning taking part in workshops, learning new acting techniques and improving our confidences. We then watched them perform in the afternoon, it was really good to watch and overall, a real good day!

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WEEK TWELVE: 29th FEBRUARY.

Today, Becka, Shane and me went to the costume cupboard to re-find any costumes we've previously found and look for any others. We took a few of the cast up to check sizings and ask their opinion on what we've chosen and encouraged them to input any of their ideas for how they want their character to look like. 

We also spent time updating our Tumblr's and i worked with Alex to come up with ideas for imaging, sound and lighting on multiple scenes. We had a variety of ideas for each scenes and we discussed them with the group.

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*This scene is set in the hotel which kojo has been transfered to in Croyden. The visuals in the background could be the neon welcome sign of the hotel. One of the letters lights probably wouldn’t work, or even there’s a letter missing. As each scene goes on, the sign could progressively get worse...

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IDEAS FOR SCENE THIRTEEN:

ALEX & CHLOE'S IDEAS.

Image of underground. Video?

Possible still images:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=inside+train+carriage&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=np&tbs=isz:l&tbm=isch&tbnid=PrYU1iQRAZkO6M:&imgrefurl=http://ctzan.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/our-glacier-express-miss-adventure/&docid=yP8XLzvU7XEIdM&imgurl=http://ctzan.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/dscn3341.jpg&w=1600&h=1200&ei=oAROT5a0HcXn0QGpxdj_Ag&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1622&vpy=166&dur=2150&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=170&ty=132&sig=115874467496239614871&page=1&tbnh=100&tbnw=136&start=0&ndsp=53&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0&biw=1920&bih=872

http://shizuokagourmet.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/ten-hama-3.jpg

ALSO, LOW BACKGROUND NOISE OF TRAINS PASSING AND MUMBLING CROWDS.

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WEEK ELEVEN: 22nd FEBRUARY.

This week I wrote up an official shopping list and reminder of what items the cast need to bring in next week, with Becka and Shane. I then went to each cast member and got them to write down what they need to bring in. I also posted the list on Tumblr to remind everyone what they need to bring in.

After bresk we did a run through, i familiarised myself with the set, bringing on and off props and pieces of set. We ran through the first few scenes a few times trying to improve the start of the play.

I tried to improve my acting, worked on my confidence to try and perfect my lines. I also wrote down any stage directions on my script so i will be able to remember them for the next rehersal.

We then looked through the costume cupboard for the items of clothing that had been put back from the previous week. I then wrote up another offiial list of things we need to buy and marked the ones we could possibly get from the costume cupboard.

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SHOPPING LIST:

OFFICIAL SHOPPING LIST!

BECKA - Sandles

LIAM - Sandles & African looking shirt- (COSTUME CUPBOARD?) & Khaki shorts.

JOE  - Old trainers - (COSTUME CUPBOARD?) & Hoodie

SHANE - Football top & Joggers.

MATT.C - T-shirt(?) & Trainers & Army uniform - (COSTUME CUPBOARD?) & Hoodie

MATT.F - Hoodie & Army uniform (COSTUME CUPBOARD).

BETH - Headress & Hoodie

KATE - Hoodie.

ALEX - ...

ZACK - Blazer

CHLOE - ...

AMY - Oversized coat & Fingerless gloves

SOPHIE - Blazer(?) & Pencil skirt(?)

CHARLEIGH - ...

ROB - Black tank top(?)

KERRY - Casual blouse

REECE - Checkered t-shirt & Jumper & Mucky shirt & Old trainers

CHRIS - Ticket collector hat & Coat(?).

[chloeshepherdfugee-blog]

COSTUMES: REMINDER LIST FOR ALL CAST!

THESE ARE ITEMS OF CLOTHING THAT CAST MEMBERS NEED TO BRING FOR NEXT WEEK. WEDNESDAY 29TH FEBRUARY.

BECKA - Black trousers/skirt & Shirt/blouse.

LIAM - Jeans & Shoes/Trainers & Casual top.

JOE - Trainers & old tshirt.

SHANE - Casual t-shirt (possibly childlike?) & Trainers.

MATT C - Trainers & t-shirt.

MATT F - Joggers & t-shirt & trainers.

BETH - Jeans (work/old looking - if possible) & trainers.

KATE - Jeans (work/old looking - if possible) & trainers.

ALEX - Long cardigan & casual shirt/blouse? & Jeans & flat shoes.

ZACK - Black trousers & 2x White Shirts & Black shoes.

CHLOE - Boots & Black trousers

AMY - Jeans & Boots & Jacket.

SOPHIE - Casual top & Jeans & Flat pumps & Blouse & Pencil Skirt

CHARLEIGH - Jeans & Coat & Flats/Uggs.

ROB - White shirt & Black trosuers & Slim black tie.

KERRY - Casual top & jeans & flat pumps & Casual blouse.

REECE - Jeans & t-shirt & joggers.

CHRIS - Black trosuers & White Shirt & Jeans & Plain top & trainers & coat.

ALL THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE BROUGHT NEXT WEEK, IF ANY ITEMS CAN NOT BE FOUND I CAN ADD THEM TO THE SHOPPING LIST.

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SCENE SIX IDEAS.

- set in a park POSSIBLE IMAGE BACKGROUNG: http://blog.refreshaccomodation.com/storage/Hyde_Park.jpg?_SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291304861114 The image is 2048 X 1536 pixels so it is fairly big so we would be able to stretch it to the drop down screen. Sound effects: rustling trees? Children's voices? Birds?

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GENERAL IDEAS FOR KOJO:

KOJO (Joe) is on stage constantly, he needs some kind of costume change to show that he is, in fact, better off but he has no time to change.

To compromise, the costume team (me, Shane & Becka) have decided that it'd be a good idea for Kojo to change his old trainers for some fairly new ones and give him a hoodie to go over his ruined shirt whilst he's on stage. We could fit this in when the refuge manager is welcoming him to the refuge. She offers him fresh clothes and shoes in the scene, so he could quickly put them on whilst she's explaining plans for tea and the film that is playing downstairs.

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WEEK TEN: 1st FEBRUARY.

Firstly, we updated our Tumblr's made sure we had done enough research and caught up with any sessions we had missed. Then we blocked the final scenes. I got to practice my scene (scene 35) and wrote down some stage directions on my script.

We ran throught the last few scenes a few times so we were familiar with the ending of the play. It took a few run throughs as the final scenes are quite clever and we wanted to get it right and make it look as good as possible.

Then we continued with researching. I looked into reasons why Abi Morgan could have written Fugee and her motive behind it.

I think i had improved with my acting, i felt more confident and i think my performance had come across better. Things to work on for next time would be my timings on scene 35, to ensure i have enough time to get back to my place ready for the next scene.

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WEEK NINE: 18th JANUARY.

Today we blocked some of the remaining scenes of Fugee, i got to practice bringing props on and off stage so i know my timings better. 

Me, Becka and Shane then looked through the costumes to see if we could find any suitable costumes for the character's. We found some suitable outfits in correct sizes so i crossed them off our shopping list.

I think my strengths were remembering which scene i was putting props on for and getting the timings right.

My weaknesses had to be my acting, i'm not very good at performing but i do see my self improving every week and i aim to improve even more before the final performance!