♕ |[76]| And away they all flew like the down of a thistle

[had_not_lived]

Somehow it always comes as a surprise that Christmas ends as quickly as it does, when you've spent so long waiting for it and getting ready, finding gifts and making plans and everything. I'm not really complaining-- it wouldn't be much fun if it lasted forever-- it's just strange.

I was thinking about last year, when we had a Visitors' Day after Thanksgiving... I remember because it was the day me and Todd went to get our Christmas tree, and our friend Charlie showed up and went with us. It's the only time anyone's ever come from home to visit... It's hard to believe that was more than a year ago, now... It still feels like yesterday.

There's a lot I want to do-- mostly, I can't wait to start casting and rehearsing for Todd's play-- but I think it's safe to say we won't be getting anything done until after New Year's.

I hope everyone's had a Merry Christmas, and that the rest of the year is good, too.


[ooc; everyone Neil talks to somewhat regularly can assume they got some sort of gift, great or small; I wish I had the presence of mind to make a list but I barely got my own shopping done! T_T Also, though I have yet to actually backtag in feel free to assume you saw him at the holiday ball. <3 Happy Holidays, all!!]

Comments

[raisedroyal]

My! There's going to be a play?

[had_not_lived]

Well, sooner or later! We've put on a few, but it's been a while since the last one... You know, curses keep getting in the way, or we've been busy, and this one took quite a while to write.

[raisedroyal]

Yes, it seems as though curses occur at the most inopportune of times...

[With an effort she brightens.]

I do hope it will be soon. Would you mind telling me a little about it? I'm quite fond of the theater!

[had_not_lived]

Well, it was written by my roommate, so of course this will be the first time it's performed. It's-- I'm not sure how much he wants me to say before it opens-- it takes place in the City.

Have you ever been involved in putting on a play, or do you just like to attend?

[raisedroyal]

I see, so the play is about this place... [Natalia considers this for a moment.]

It's quite all right, however. I understand that he may not wish to divulge too many details about his work before it has been viewed by the public.

And no, I'm afraid there aren't any opportunities for someone such as myself to put on a show, but I do enjoy watching them.

[had_not_lived]

Well, if you're interested in trying, we're always looking for more cast and crew. This show or the next.

[raisedroyal]

And you truly believe it would be all right if I auditioned? [Oh, but she has no personal experience. Still, the thought of playing a valiant king or a beautiful mistress of disguise is tempting...]

[had_not_lived]

Of course! This one, I think, will be a smaller production, but I promise it won't be our last, either.

[raisedroyal]

I'm pleased to hear that.

Although I must ask, what tasks are completed by the "crew" and [There's a note of sheepishness.] what is the audition process like? Are we expected to memorize a full script and arrive dressed in costume?

[had_not_lived]

Well, crew includes all sorts of things-- working on the sets and props and costumes, or running the lights, or really anything that happens behind the scenes.

And-- auditioning, it always depends a bit on how many people are interested, but you certainly don't have to do anything that complicated! [He laughs a little.] You could... maybe, memorize a short scene from something to show your skills-- a monologue, or something like that-- and then we'll figure out how many actors and actresses we need, and start working with the actual script.

[raisedroyal]

I see. It's a bit of a shame, however. I feel certain there must be a great deal of work involved in the background, and yet the audience only sees the performers.

[Oh. Well then. Natalia supposes the notion was a bit silly, but how was she to know?]

Yes... I see. A favorite scene - or a poem perhaps? [She knows "Lady Thief 001" by heart. Maybe that would work?] I believe I'll be able to manage something.

[had_not_lived]

A poem might work, but a monologue is... well, it's as much about how you bring the scene to life-- it's not just reciting, it's moving and knowing when and how to say things, and just... how to be another person. But there are some poems which might work, I'm sure.

I'll put up an announcement on the Network when we've set dates for auditions, so keep an eye out!


[ooc;eta; never mind that-- dreamwidth won't update threads so i guess we'll just finish off here.!]

[raisedroyal]

"How to be another person"... [Natalia considers this, thinking of the mannerisms and habits of the people closest to her, how they speak, how they carry themselves. So there's more to theater than simply pretending to be someone else and putting on a show.]

So then it's not merely about playing a part, but feeling what a character feels and thinking in a way that the character thinks. In effect, temporarily becoming that person.

Thank you. I'll be eagerly awaiting the announcement.

[[OOC: Not automatically, but I think you can import a journal a second time and it'll update threads without deleting anything new from the DW side. I'm fine with anything/anywhere, though. /o/]]

[had_not_lived]

I hope my explanation made some sense.

[He sounds somewhere between faintly amused and faintly embarrassed. That's always been how he looks at it, anyway.]

I'll keep an eye out for you. My name is Neil Perry-- I don't know if I introduced myself.

[ooc; o, i know it's not automatic-- i tried re-importing a few times, got 'successful' notifs, but the new comments just didn't come. it might just be busted. i didn't want you to have to wait til DW started working right again tho so, no worries]

[raisedroyal]

Yes, I assure you it did. I believe I now have a clearer understanding of the process involved and the mindset required to act to one's best.

[She sounds confident, at least.]

Thank you, Neil. You may call me 'Natalia'. And I do hope the play will be a great success.

[had_not_lived]

Well, Natalia, thank you. I'll see you at the auditions!

[raisedroyal]

Indeed. I wouldn't miss it.