Hey it’s Kiley and today I’m  going to talk about proper audience etiquette, volunteer opportunities, and the tragic play In The Blood.

The truth is audience members behavior have an effect on the performances of the actors and actresses.

Here are some don’t s:

• Don’t smoke:this should be common sense, but trust me there’s always that one person.
• Don’t be “that guy”. You know the fool that leaves their phone on exposing their embarrassing ring-tone of some cheesy or bubble gum pop song. Trust me the other audience members will indeed roll their eyes.
• Don’t pop your gum.
• Don’t bring food.
• Don’t sing along.
• Don’t wear the largest hat you own. Just don’t wear a hat at all.
• Don’t side-talk. Who knows a parent or friend of a performer could be behind you.
• Don’t fall asleep. That’s just rude.

Here’s what you should do:

• Turn off your cell phone. Keeping it on disrupts the sound quality of the mics.
• Have tissues and cough drops ready.
• If in doubt, ask the usher.
• Come early.
• Be an active listener.
• Clap even if you hate it. These performers deserve respect, even if they don’t meet your high expectations.

Volunteering

I ushered for In The Blood: Thursday and Friday. It’s great that I can get Honors volunteer hours by volunteering in something that interests me.If you would like to volunteer in the future contact Ann Winters. Keep in mind the blood drive is coming up!

IN THE BLOOD

This play is not your typical screwball/ slapstick comedy.This show leads the audience to a dark place that many dare not think about. This is not a show with a yellow ribbon ending. This play is real grit: it’s life. This show does not allow the audience to escape from their troubles, but to think not just individualistically. To think about others who have it worse off then yourself and give back.Our individualistic society is full of me,me,me and are often stuck in their safe one view perspective. This shows purpose was to open the audiences mind to something personal and uncomfortable that is happening across the globe.This show is not placed at a linear time-frame (in order sequence of events) it is non linear meaning it jumps around. The audience must be aware of this and follow the visual and verbal cues:staying engaged to the unfolding story.This play set in New Orland’s post Katrina. This is a great setting because people have seen the devastating affects of this natural disaster through the news and other multimedia. This is a story of a woman and her family’s  day by day struggle to survive against all odds. Facing scrutinizing characters and the wrath of their judgment by every poor choice.These characters in their confession show their own true ugliness and hidden skeletons. These confessions parallel reality TV and how it is in-bedded in our culture.This play gives social commentary on the subjects of homelessness and mental illness. Too many times you hear people say, “they” should help themselves or  it’s “they’re” fault for getting themselves in the situation.  Is this kill or be killed Darwinist society we live in.Who is “they”. I feel like many people just turn people in need shadowy and faceless-almost dehumanizing them. Does being poor and unsuccessful make you a “bad” person? Of course not, but some people ignorantly shy away because of this.  When do you feel a person deserves help? Could you ideally watch someone hit rock bottom without reaching a hand? Did you ever think of how and why this person got into the financial struggle? What would your breaking point be? This play leads the audience to question society and their efforts in these issues.  The acting was very believable and I felt as an audience member I was looking in on the inner tragic world of this woman’s life. The modern dance in the beginning was the prologue that visually depicted the story from start to finish.The cast put six mounts of work into this show and deserve respect for their efforts. The cast and crew should be proud of the phenomenal job they did!

“Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you’re not
really losing it. You’re just passing it on to someone else.”

— Mitch Albom

Hey it’s Kiley giving you an update.

So today I couldn’t hit a C, but I could hit a high F.I haven’t truly sang in awhile, so the break in my voice is ridiculous. Confused? Ok, I will break it down for you. A singer has a chest voice (low singing range) and a head voice (high notes from C to F usually), but in-between a singers range is their break. This is a weak part of their voice they must smooth out.

So this is my vocal obstacle at present. Hopefully since I am taking a music class that offers vocal coaching I will fix that issue. Another constant battle with a singer is breathing . If you don’t sing you are thinking um..isn’t that automatic? No, a lot of singers tend to sing from their throat and you can hear a significant sound of tension in their voice. This is why it’s important to sing by using your diaphragm. So I am trying to make personal voice goals, so I can truly be the best that I’m capable of.

 

 

 

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

— e.e. cummings

So last night was a mark to the start of our show: Blood Brothers. The rehearsal started like any typical new club or group coming together on a common objective and interest by going around and introducing oneself. Its important to know every person in the cast and their role in the show.  Every actor must break the ice with one another and form bonds throughout the process of getting a show together. I know the majority of the cast, so I felt pretty comfortable.I kept a positive attitude and tried to not get discouraged due to rough notes or lines.

The read through was rather interesting. Some small parts were not casted: therefore we went with the flow and substituted parts as we went along. At times I read Mrs. Lyon’s while Emily (double casted as Mrs. Johnstone) read Mrs. Johnstone’s  lines. I felt by reading these lines I got a better understanding of my characters relationship with Mrs. Lyons. In general full read throughs-including music are important to every cast member. This is where the overall theme is projected: think would you read only parts of a book?  If so you would miss the underlining themes, this is why a read through is necessary.

Our director, MaryAnne Arena, said it was important to research some of the themes. How genetics and environment plays a role in how a child is brought up shown in twin studies and how economic status and mental illness (in the family) plays a role  in someones life. I have taken a psychology and sociology class, so I have a relative understanding of these topics and the controversial arguments on both sides.  We as a cast has a lot to do, but it’s part of the process. I am excited to start acting, dancing, and singing on stage. We made made up a schedule from now until February. Due to In The Blood opening in February we do not have as much time as we normally do, so we must work extra hard and overcome this obstacle.  Overall this first day was the start of something and with hard work this will be the start of something great.

On a separate subject: transferring. I just found out I got into Canisius College and Medaille. I am realy excited to find out from the other three colleges I applied to. It seems that every thing is coming up roses and I hope it’s here to stay.

 

-Kiley-

 

“Tell everyone what you want to do and someone will want to
help you do it.”

— W. Clement Stone