Pippin: 5/12-5/16

*Again, forgive me for the length of the post; I have been very bad in keeping up with the blogging

          In reflection of this past week, I have truly seen how different this show experience will be compared to the shows I have been in at ISU. The director and choreographer work through the show little by little during rehearsal, setting up blocking and creating the "pictures." This is different than any experience I have had before, for all the shows I have been in (or directed), I have always come to rehearsal knowing what we are working on. I don't know if I like this style of directing right now, but what I do know is that I have to be patient, and let them work through the show in their own way.
          I have gotten a few opportunities this past week to create some movement for the show. However, I was asked rather last-minute, and because of that, the dance moves I came up with were made on the fly. I don't really like doing that, especially for such a big show; I wish I would have been asked earlier in the week, so as to give me time to prepare some really good material. What I came up with wasn't bad, but I may use some time later to make it even better.
          While doing some additional research for the show (to better create my choreography), I realized that much of the choreography given to us thus far seems to be taken directly from a full version of the show found online. Though this is a great resource when starting, I honestly don't like taking a lot ideas from the original show - it feels unoriginal to me. One of the things I have begun to learn in theatre is how to make a show truly original. While I am totally accepting of "stealing" some ideas from the old show, as well as other places, taking too much from the original show  could make it feel like a copy of the old one, and I don't want that; I want the audience to see our show as fresh and original, a brand-new show.
          We begin work on Act II later this week, and we continue to review the music as well. It still feels very choppy, but it will come together soon.