This is how I envision O'Trigger dressing, however I feel that he would be much dirtier and poor looking than these models.

Lydia is 17 years old, she would be considered a gentry, which is an upper class.  I would guess that her family owns land and she has quite a bit of money coming in from that.  It is explained that she is wealthy and should not marry below her class.

Here are my costume ideas for Lydia.  I would combine these pictures into one costume.  I think that Lydia would wear grey and rose pink.  I love the two colors of the bottom dresses, including their style.  Even though she desires to have a fantasy life of marrying someone below her class, she enjoys the upper class life she lives.

Absolute costume idea

Absolute is a bit of elegance and I feel like blue can be an elegant color for this time period and it does show a little bit of a younger gentle man look. The idea is to have a look that is elegant yet a gentleman for this time period. Having some good looking black shoes will really show the well manners of this character. (image from google I don't claim or own this picture it is for educational purposes only)

Creative questions

Range of movement:  Range in movement physically, mentally and emotionally can be unlimited. Anything can be done with one’s ability. It can be limited by an image as to one can see one can only see so much. Some ways to be available are to know what it is that can be done in terms of movement.

Seeing others: Movement can be interpreted by others in a different way. What may be normal others may be unique to others. Movement is free anytime that there are no restrictions. It may not be appropriate during work unless it must do with acting.

Relating to others: I can move like a normal person and show that I’m serious and productive. Having straight posture can show confidence. Some ways of moving that show distance are moving away from someone fast. Some ways to produce communication are eye contact and simply moving close to the person.

Body awareness: The parts of the body I’m familiar with are hands and arms. Some I’m not familiar with are stomach neck and spine. Body movement can relate to feelings and awareness and emotions and possibly intentions.

Flexibility: In my mind, I’m flexible by thinking about what I’m I going to do now and how will it affect me latter. In my body, I’m flexible by stretching out my muscles.

Spatial awareness: For the most part I’m able to be comfortable in space but maybe not externally. I can say that I’m able to make space when appropriate and when necessary. It can sometimes be hard to make choices with space when others are around.

Sensitivity: It is easy to know when to stop doing something by looking at others. It can be hard to know when to back off in certain situations.

Openness and availability: I like to open my mind to new ideas and try them out. When I find out the new idea works I may tell others about it and open a world of opportunities.

Engagement and follow through: Depending on the activity it can be a little hard to focus if I have distractions. As far as committing to an activity depending on it it will be hard to stay on top of it but it will get done eventually.

Creative problem solving and imagination: I look at scenarios of what can happen and envision what I can do along with following the rules. I use my brain and look in my mind with some possibilities that can potentially work.

Creative play: I like learning about myself as well as learning about others. Sometimes it is interesting learning about what people go through in life.

Spontaneity: I’m stuck in acting like a normal person. It is kind of hard to act like someone else if I’m not in their shoes.

Adventurous and daring: I do what I have to do to get what it is needed and will do new things. I’m somewhat of a risk taker and learn what I have done to get there.

Expressiveness: I probably express myself in a negative way and it is not good. The way I walk can kind of tell what mood I’m in.

Musicality and rhythm: My rhythm is mono. If I adapt to a different tempo I will study it to better mimic it.

Tension and release: I’m holding and it has gotten me in trouble.  In my mind, it can be hard or tight to know why it happen and how to move on with life.

Breath: I’m pleased to say that I do breathe freely. When I get angry though it is very hard to breath and control myself.

Application: Learning about my bod is a great way to tell where I’m heading in life it can tell others my story. Arts can help better tell a story and help me stay in line with life and keep me out of trouble.

Who is Captain Jack?

Except I could NOT resist, as a Doctor Who fan, posting this pic of David Tennant as Captain Jack Absolute. I mean.... SQUEE!

Period Clothing Reminder

Hi all,

Two reminders actually:
1) your reading responses need to all be posted here. Catch up with those by this Friday, please and thank you.

2) Period Clothing rehearsal clothes:
MEN:
bathrobe

tight pants/tights
shoes w heels
button-up shirt
vest
(hanky)
belt than can handle a sword
scarf/tie/ruffles

WOMEN

as many and as long skirts as you can bring
(corset)<--I will bring some the department owns, too
low heels/character shoes
athletic bra
shawl
fan/hanky

Here are some examples of previous class' approximations.

Don't forget to concoct your character image collage w/ a brief explanation here on the blog by Friday's class. The year is 1775. Know the social standing, class, age, etc. of your character and search from there. Again, try not to use production photos or costume designs from other productions of The Rivals.

~Prof. Jenn

Image 1
Image 2

Creative writing question

Kelcee Covert

Stage Movement

Creative Writing Questions

1. Range of Movement: I think range of movement really depends of our openness to change, exploration, and creativity. Opening up to more possibilities of movement and boundaries allow us to explore the possibilities of our own bodies and potential.

2. At this point in our class, I feel like any time we are all observing each other, we are still holding back. I don’t think our movement is entirely free yet because we are still getting used to each other and the idea that we are in a space where exploration will happen and to not feel strange about it. I think we are getting a little freer and open when the activity is more fun and light.

3. I think exercises where we are using different character features allow us to attract people who are doing similar movements to us. In turn, I think they distance us from those who are doing opposing movements and character styles. It creates a really interesting contrast. 4. I feel like I am more comfortable with the lower half of my body. I use my legs more solidly than my arms and upper torso. I’m a little still and unyielding to expression in those areas. I feel like I’m maybe not as emotionally open in those areas as well. 5. I’m reasonably flexible in my body, and working to increase that. I’m also working to increase flexibility of the mind so I can allow myself to explore more boundaries and movements. 6. I feel like I am pretty comfortable with my special awareness and use in relation to others. 7. I think I am very acute to the appropriate timing of movement and expression. 8. Right now, I am working to be more open and available to new experiences and possibilities. My insecurities get in the way at times. But I think I will be able to move past that successfully in time. 9. Creative play- I love being able to find new boundaries for myself. I also get frustrated when I can’t do the things as well as I anticipated, but I like find different ways to do things.

10. I think I am a little locked in habit for sure, but I am wanting to be able to explore more. 11. I usually feel okay about looking for new opportunities in movement and exploration. 12. Being expressive in my movements is something I am working very hard to do. I thinks it’s one of my biggest struggles and I hope to find a way to overcome it by the end of this class. 13. I am very good at finding musicality and rhythm in my movements. 14. I am usually very stiff and unsure in movement. I need to work on being more free flowing and loose. 15. I think I tend to hold my breathe with the tension in my body. If I release my body more, my breathe will follow in a way that allows me to move more freely. 16. I think that being able to be more flexible in my movement and confident in my gesture and style will really open up more potential acting opportunities and expression I have been suppressing in the past. I want to be able to move without as many insecurities and second guessing.

Nicole Carlson's Creative Questions

Range of Movement: Physical range of movement is how far you are able to actually move your body parts.  Emotional range of movement to me would be how far your emotions will allow you to move your body parts.  For example, you might have a fear of something that is keeping you from moving your arm a certain way because of a past injury.  I’m not really sure what mental range of motion is but I’m going to guess that it is the ability to think you can or can’t do something with your body.  Range of motion in all areas can definitely be blocked by fear or emotional concerns that related to the movement. 

Seeing Others:  I believe that societal pressures bind human movement.  Most of us move in the same ways and are afraid to look different and do different things with our bodies because we are afraid of acceptance.  Movement would be free when we are alone or around people we feel most comfortable with and trust.  Being out in public would be where we are not allowed to have free expression over our movements.  I think words can definitely hinder our movement, words such as stop, no, you look silly, and even laughter.  Even just simple walking is done like everyone else, we may have a few slight differences but overall we all walk in a certain pattern going forward, and facing forward.

Relating to Others: Staying away from others and keeping eye contact away from others definitely will keep distance.  If you are looking to communicate with others, eye contact and movement toward the individual will work.  You can also use gestures to catch someone’s attention, like snapping and waving.

Body Awareness: I feel most familiar with my upper torso.  Even though I’m a dancer, I tend to use less of my lower body during day to day relations.  My legs definitely are less expressive than my arms and upper body.  Body awareness can relate to feelings, emotions and intentions by expressing certain emotions.  When we are sad we may hunch our shoulders down and hang our heads and when we are happy or excited about something we may be upright and moving in at a fast pace.

Flexibility:  I believe I am extremely flexible with my body, mind and spirit.  I practice relaxation techniques and yoga.  I’m also a dancer, which helps with body flexibility.  But mind and spirit flexibility come from trust and openness and the ability to believe that you can do more than you think you can.

Spatial Awareness:  I am completely comfortable with space externally and internally.  I do believe that I can arrange my body in a way that feels safe, appropriate and conscious to me.  I am not afraid to use the space around me and inside me to create what I want.  I am not afraid to make choices with others and with objects and have no problem sharing those choices.

Sensitivity: I feel that I have a great intuitive self and can quickly make decisions on when to be close or back off.  I listen to the sounds around me and I also read others faces and body language for indications that I might need to make a change.

Openness and Availability:  I love when others give me new ideas.  I like to people watch and get many ideas from that.  I am open to other points of view and have no problem letting them share their ideas.  I usually don’t believe that there is a wrong or right way in movement, we are all just different.

Engagement and Follow Through:  I am fully engaged with any activity and will take risks and allow others to take risks as well.  Theatre should always be a safe place for us to try new things.  I will always commit to an activity and see it through. 

Creative Problem Solving and Imagination:  When a problem arises, I am usually able to create a new movement or change the way I am doing something.  If I struggle with it, I will do research and that will help me to create new ways of moving my body.

Creative Play: I loved class last week.  Learning about the different planes was so interesting to me and I have no problem experimenting with different movements and also encouraging others to do the same.

Spontaneity: Most of the time I react freely but sometimes I do get stuck in the same movements and shapes with my body.  I think Dance has helped me with freeing my body but sometimes-old habits are hard to break.

Adventurousness and Daring:   I have no problem moving where I need to.  I am not afraid to share with others or do what I need to do.  Sometimes I even dance while I’m walking to class or in the grocery store.  My kids get embarrassed by I don’t.

Expressiveness: Once again, I think dance really helps with expressive movement.  Being able to express your feelings in how you move or relate to others can be very helpful in acting and in human contact.  I am extremely expressive in movement and most of the time people can tell how I’m feeling without even talking to me, just based on my body language.

Musicality and Rhythm:  My rhythm is habitually quick.  I move fast, but I can change it based on need.  I have no problem adapting my rhythm with pulses, phrasing and tempos.

Tension and Release: I typically hold tension in my neck and shoulders, however, I have been consciously working on this and it has been helping.  I used to get headaches based on this tension but since I’ve been conscious of it, and trying to keep my upper body more relaxed, I haven’t been having headaches.  I think in all movement we must make a conscious effort to be relaxed, even when dancing.

Breath:  My breath is very low and my breathing rarely troubles me.  I imagine breathing into certain muscles and body parts when I feel them tense or start to hurt.  That really works well.  I don’t feel that my breath negatively affects the way I move.

Application:  Knowing my body and the way I move is extremely important in my personal and professional life.  Body language is a real thing and being able to cover how you’re feeling from others is sometimes necessary.  It’s also important to be able to share and not cover that body language as well.  Movement is so important in performance because it’s what differs between a good actor and a great actor.  Great actors use their entire body and you can feel how they feel just based on their movements.  Sometimes we don’t have spoken language to share our feelings and we must use our bodies.  Being able to be flexible with your movement and try new things is also important in performance.  It’s as important as experimenting vocally with a character.  I think sometimes actors forget that their body is also a way to channel that character.