Rehearsal Notes Summary for The Man Who Couldn't Dance

Teck Sern and I were lucky. Our class ends at 1pm on Tuesdays and Thursday. So we made that time our rehearsals time until 3pm. This went on for the first 2 weeks, during the choosing of the script we wanted to do for our finals.

By the third week, we increased our meeting time to Monday and Wednseday at 2-3 as well. Making a total of 6 hours per practice per week.

Teck Sern is usually on time for practices, sometimes even earlier than me. We would wonder the areas of ADP classrooms in search of empty classrooms for us to practice. Usually on Mondays or Wednesdays, we would actually go and use the experimental theater, but we only managed to use them twice.

Overall, its been a pleasure working with Teck Sern. I find his commitment top notch, although he can get tired pretty easily over rehearsals. But that wasn't something that I couldn't deal with.

The things that I do, to get to know you more, Gail

Oh the things that I did to get to know at least a little bit of what it feels like to be Gail, a mother.

1. I actually borrowed a baby doll, and practiced around with them. I carried the doll in my arms as if it was  real baby.

2. I had to go shopping for cheap baby blanket with my mum, because we didn't have one at home and I couldn't find one from other people. I felt so awkward. Along the way I also shopped for baby toys for my mum's helper's niece. :D

3. I asked my mum to teach me how to wrap a baby with those baby blankets.

4. I asked my mum how to pick a baby up from the crib and how to put them back. I never really handled babies myself, because there's none to handle in my big family. I'm among the youngest among my cousins so yeaaa.

5. I looked around for a nice name for Gail, like how Gail would have when naming Elizabeth

6. I actually watch some pregnancy videos, but only 1 or 2 of them. haha. awkwarddddd..

Yeaaa the things that I do to get to know you more, Gail. I'm glad that you're a part of me now :)

Object Exercise of GAIL

GAIL – Celine Letizia Taslim

Who am I ?

I am Abigail. Abigail Lynn. Gail is my nickname and only a selected few can call me that. I am a mother of a beautiful baby girl, Elizabeth, wife to a banker Frederick “Fred” Young. I am Eric’s ex-girlfriend. We had a serious relationship for 5 years ever since my second year in college. I love having things in order and knowing things are planned out and there’s solution to problems. I hate being disorganized and uncertain. I use to be a party girl back in my college days, but now I have settled down and matured to a fine woman. I love dancing, and playing Pictionary. I am a person driven by emotions and my feelings, and I am very sensitive. I am angry at the fact that Eric left me but still have feelings for him although I’m denying that fact.

Where am I?

I am in the attic, my baby’s room of my house in Hartford, Connecticut.

What time is it?

About just after dinner, roughly 8pm at night.

What surrounds me?

The walls that formed the room, the slanted ceiling of the attic. There’s the baby crib, and other furniture such as the shelves. Inside the crib there’s the sleeping Elizabeth. I’m surrounded by my past; the pain and hurts from the past.

What are my relationships?

I have a mother and daughter relationship with my baby inside the crib. I love her very much and would die for her if needed. I have a relationship with Eric. He was the man that I love; the man of my life that I had missed the chance to actually start a family with. I regretted whatever happened in the past with him and I wished that things would have happened differently.

What are the circumstances?

Eric is now my ex-boyfriend. I am married, and have a daughter. As much as I want to be with him, I have to deal with the harsh reality that he is not mine.

What do I want?

I want Eric to, at least, be a part of my life and Elizabeth’s.

What is in my way?

My feelings, my marriage, my husband.

His stubbornness and lack of consideration for my feelings. He seemed very distant, and seemed to not have cared anymore about me, at least not in the same what that I care about him.

What do I do to get what I want?

I took him to see Elizabeth. This was my first attempt of showing him that I do still care for him and wants him to be a part of my life and Elizabeth’s.

This is Abigail "Gail" Lynn

Name: Abigail Lynn 

Nickname(s): Gail 

Significance of name and nickname: It was a nickname given by my late grandmother. I loved her so much, and I only allow very few people to call me by that name. That includes my parents, siblings, and very close friends. Even Fred doesn’t call me by that name, but I let Eric address me by that name.

The name “Abigail” itself means, Father in rejoicing. I am a daddy’s little princess. I am the only child, therefore making me the one and only daddy’s little girl. I get a lot of things from my dad when I was young. Now I’m leaving separately from him, but I still do keep in touch with him.

Age: 36

Exact birthday: 29^th April 1955

Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut

Astrological sign: Taurus

Significance of birth details: People born under the sign of Taurus values order, security and self assurance. I don’t like things to be out of order. I like things to be in order, and in terms of future, I need to feel certain about my future. I need to know that things are going to be fine, and we have plans, and backup plans, if the main plan was to fail. I need to know that when I start a family, my husband will be able to provide me with the finance, love and assurance.

Period and Culture: “Me Decade” of the 1970s. This was a significant time of my life. For the youngsters of that time, it was the time of hippie culture, disco etc. I was about the age of 20 at that time. It was the time of my life. I met the love of my life, and finally knew how it felt like to be in love.

Place: New York, New York

Social class, politics: An average middle class citizen. I Live in a small, comfortable semi-D house in Connecticut with my husband and new born daughter, Elizabeth. Not much into politics, but she’s intelligent and is aware of what is going on around me.

Historical events that affect your character: I used to have a relationship with Eric Evelyn Cooper, it was serious to the point we nearly got engaged. We talked about how it is like if we were together, and already were starting to think of starting a family together. That is until he bailed on me and left on a boat to Saint John.

Family:

Parents: Ethan Lynn (father), Mia Lynn (Mother)

Sibling(s): None

Other significant family: Frederick “Fred” Young (husband)

Biography

Significant events in:

Teenage/Young Adulthood: Entered university at the age of 18, that was the first time I left Connecticut to go to New York to study communications and theatre arts. It was in my second year that I met Eric. He was a working in my favorite coffee shop. It was almost like one of that love at first sight. I gave all of myself to him, because I knew that this relationship was something that was going to go far.

Adulthood: My relationship with Eric lasted for five years. We were serious, despite the young age. But I never knew that he was going to bail on me. He left me when I was 24, without saying goodbye. From then on, our communications were completely cut off.

I was 28 when I met Fred. He was a young man, working in a bank. He moved in to the apartment next to mine in New York. Gradually feelings grow for each other, though I knew that my feelings for Fred are not as strong as my feelings for Eric. But I have grown tired of waiting, and I gave up waiting until Eric comes back. I decided to give Fred and I a shot. It was not as eventful of a relationship as when I was with Eric, but I can see a future, a stable future for Fred and I.

At the age of 32, my parents were already urging me to get married. Though part of me don’t want to get married just yet, I realized that I won’t stay young forever. I am an only child, and the only hope of producing off springs to continue the Lynn genes. I, of course, didn’t say anything of this to Fred; I wanted to make sure that he was ready, though I know somewhere inside me I don’t want to get married to Fred.

By the time I was 33, Fred proposed to me, and we got married later that year. We moved from New York, back to my hometown, Hartford, Connecticut, just so that I can be closer to my parents. Conveniently, Fred’s parents lives in Hartford as well.

I was blessed with a beautiful daughter, when I was 35. I named her Elizabeth Young.

Education events: Grew up and spent most of my earlier years in Connecticut. I moved to New York when I got into university. I attended New York University, majoring in communications and theater arts.

Relationship and sexual events: I got into a couple of relationships in high school, but were never serious with it. Eric was the first serious relationship I got into. It lasted for 5 years and ended unexpectedly. Fred came later on and the relationship lasted for about 4 years, and I ended up marrying him.

I gave my first time to Eric. It felt right at that moment and I thought we both could go far. So I gave him my first.  

Career and work events: I have always loved the theatre since young. Hence why I chose to major in communications and theatre arts. After, my graduation, I went for auditions and was casted for a few productions.

Travel, dislocation, relocation: Age 18, left Connecticut to go to New York. Age 33, moved back to Connecticut, and lived there eversince.

Marriage events: Married Frederick “Fred” Young, out of convenience.

Specific places: Hartford, Connecticut. New York City, New York, New York University.

Physical Characteristics

Describe your character’s body from his/her point of view; from another’s’ point of view.

From other’s point of view: Slender. Not fat, not skinny, just the right proportion of fat and muscle. Gail’s hips are bigger than her shoulder, giving her the apple shaped body.

Gail’s perspective: Just normal. I think that my hips and stomach are a little bit too large.

What words describe your character’s movement? Use images as well as adjectives.

Graceful, soft, but also can be hard and thrusting when needed to be.

Energy center

Chest. I am a very emotional person and the chest is where my heart is. I am driven by emotion hence by my energy center is on the chest.

Power focus.

What part(s) of the body is the focus of your character’s power? vulnerability?

My hands. They are used to intimidate and get my points across, when I’m talking to someone. My hands are used to hold people that I hold dear, and to throw those that aren’t.  

What parts of the body are attractive? unattractive? Shameful? Open? Locked?

Attractive. My eyes. I believe the purity of a person’s intention can be seen through the eyes, and I am a very genuine person.

Shameful, would be my stomach. Since I was pregnant, my stomach will not return to the original size it was. I try to hide them and tie them in using belts etc.

Imagine your character’s body in detail

Hair and face: Short hair, kept neatly in a bob hairstyle. This is easy to maintain and doesn’t get in the way when I work. Small, petite face, with gentle features. I look very motherly.

Torso and groin: Apple shaped body with bigger hips than my shoulder.

Arms and hands: medium. Not too fat, not too skinny. But they are strong hands meant for work and handling kids.

Legs and feet: A nice ratio of muscle and fat. They are strong legs that had held her for years through the ups and downs.

Movement:

Generally, how does your character move? Describe in adjectives and images.

Light, Direct, Sudden. I’m a dab character.

Name an animal physically like your character? Be specific as to why and how.

A cat would behave like me. A cat is very light, but direct in her directions and move very suddenly most of the time. A cat is driven by what it feels interest her at the time, much like I am.

Voice and Speech:

Generally, how does your character speak? What tone and volume?

I usually speak in a very commanding voice, though not loud in volume, and still gentle in nature

Generally, where does your character place his/her voice?

On my throat. I would say this is because when I am calm, there’s still control. When I am not calm, there’s a tendency for me to go loud and pitchy. This shows the occasional need of self-assurance  

Dress

How does your character dress? Why does he/she choose her/his attire? Be specific from undergarments to outer-garments, from casual to formal.

I choose to wear loose clothing such as dresses as they are easy to move around in. Usually I would wear them with a shawl or a cardigan. Undergarments would consist of a normal bra and granny panties.

What are your character’s colors?

Red, which signifies strength and passion as well as flaring emotions

What style or period?

I love the style of the 1950s. I think they are very feminine, and shows character. Knee length dresses are very feminine at the same time somewhat shows freedom that I want.

How does your character groom him/herself? Hair? Make up? Scents?

I don’t put on a lot of make-up. Usually when I get out, I would put on lipstick just to add color to my face. I usually wear my hair down, swept to one side.

Accessories?

A simple necklace and a wedding ring will be my everyday accessory

Relationships/Marriage

Is your character married or involved with someone? When and how did that happen?

I am married to Frederick Young for about 3 years now. I married him on the 26^th October 1988.

Who does your character have to care for? Children? Old parents? Pets?

I have to care for Elizabeth, my daughter.

What are the pleasures and satisfactions?

Taking care of the little bundle of joy I have

What are the sadnesses, problems, and fears?

I know deep inside my heart that I still love Eric, and that I don’t love Fred. I do have the fear that one day this feeling can be a hindrance in our family.

What is your character’s relationship history?

I use to have a relationship with Eric. But that took a turn for the worse. I had a relationship with Fred and now I am married to him.

Other aspects

Create a list of your character’s likes and dislikes regarding anything: food, people, quirks, sports, activities, reading, music, entertainment.

LIKES	DISLIKES
Animals	Disorganized
Pictionary	Uncertainties
Order	Loud noises
Peace	Fights
Reading	Getting left behind
Theater	Lies
Performances
Order

Books and magazines your character reads; movies and TV shows; music.

Books

• ·        Pride and Prejudice
• ·        Of Mice and Men

Productions

• ·         West Side Story

What are your character’s physical habits?

Nail biting

What are your character’s secrets? Who knows about them? What secrets does only your character know?

I don’t love my husband. I didn’t want to marry him. I married him out of convenience

What music would you play on your ipod to “get into character”?

Gravity by Sara Bareilles

Rehearsal Notes - Labor Day, NOT

Labor Day, Yippeeee~!!!

Not for us. We're laboring. We're working. HAHA.

Majority of us arrived at around 10am, and we were down to work.

Rey was looking at the theater 101's show first. After what happened yesterday, looks like they really bucked up :)

Then it was our turn. We were one of the groups that he wanted to see. So we went back in, set up the stage and got started.

But before we got started, Rey told us that he wanted Teck Sern to be a lot more dramatic, almost comical in fact. Rey wanted him to move more, add some more exaggerated hand expressions and be a lot more crazier.

So we did. He acted a lot more, "bitchier", more comical and exaggerated. When I said Pictionary, he acted as if he got hit by some bullet and fell on the floor. He acted like a little kid. It was hilarious. I couldn't help but let out a couple of giggles when I acted next to him. Because it was just so silly! It really brought in the once nonexistent humor into the play.

But of course, the most important part of the play was the break down. We didn't work on that much because he already did worked with us on that part. But we did work on it.

Because of the shortage of time, we had to move out to allow other groups to work in the theater. Teck Sern and I moved out somewhere else and worked on our beginning bit.

Later on that day, we had a full dress rehearsals too. Laced in the end with a curtain call where all the casts and crews comes out to take a final bow.

Oh one more thing! When Teck Sern and I were doing our play, the ceiling light broke. It broke right above us, when we were doing our last scene. OMG it was scary. I thought a balloon popped. HAHA. You couldn't see if there's any glass shard, because there was only one piece on the floor. I immediately took action, and got those wearing shoes to get the shoes for those who are barefoot. Phew Thank God nobody got hurt. It'll be a disaster. But of course, there goes some of the plays. We have to now either with the yellow lights and the ambient lights or the working lights.

OBVIOUSLY, it'll be the yellow lights :D

Rehearsal Notes - Weekend Rehearsals

When people are sleeping, here we are ready to work.

Theater is never easy work. It has always and always been hard work.

SATURDAY

So by around 3pm we had the theater to ourselves on Saturday. We straightaway allowed those who wanted to work on stage work, and the others worked by themselves outside. We also arranged the backstage so that its easy for people to move around in. Preparation, preparation for the Ms Pat's 101 and ours as well :D See what we do for you 101 people?! hahahahaha joking :)

We didn't exactly have the chance to practice this time. We were busy cleaning up offstage, and setting up the backstage for the running crew.

Then at 4pm, we had our full dress rehearsal. I actually forgot to bring my shoes along. SMART. This went on all the way till about 7pm and then we cleared up the space for the 101 to practice

SUNDAY

I got to college too early. My slot was at 2 and I was there at 12. Heck, and I was already driving slowly.

We had to share the slot with David and Vhina because there weren't enough slots for everyone. But we ended up taking up Filza's and Wei Lim's time. Sorry about that.

But Rey helped us get some blocking points and we got practicing. He helped us through the confessions bit. He told us that we were too fast when we speak and that we need to speak slower. Much, slower and enunciate more.

PRONOUNCE EVERY SYLLABLE.

By 6pm everyone was done and we went on to do our second full dress rehearsals. We went through the whole entire program and we were done for the night.

Worst part was that the changing room's door got locked and we couldn't get inside. The security doesn't have the key to open them. Thank God Donovan was there and he climbed over and opened it from the insides.

Phewwww.. Eventful day.

And more to come *dies*

Rehearsal Notes - Enunciation

Enunciation.

Something that I have a problem with. So the this practice, on Thursday after the previous class, was dedicated to enunciation.

Teck Sern and I listened to each other, without the script and see if we could understand each other.

Teck Sern helped me with one of my lines. I kept on saying "absolutely" instead of "absolute". And I had problems saying "quintessential". Dude the first time I read of that word was when I read that play. I don't even understand what it meant until I looked it up.

But pronouncing it, was hell. I couldn't get it right, and Teck Sern seemed to be doing it pretty easily. Not fair :( But I tried and Hallelujah, finally I got it :DD

Teck Sern doesn't have much problem with enunciating. He just needs to be louder and opened up his mouth more. :D