With only 4 weeks left in the semester, we are moving full speed toward our spring projects! Our ensembles are putting new skills (and new technology) to the test and we can’t wait to see what we create.
Click the images to learn more about each project.
Close Up
Both projects rely on on-camera acting, so this week, our ensembles put those skills to the test!
In addition their written short stories, for O for a Muse, our adult ensemble members will also each film short monologues from Shakespeare about our 5 objects - the crown, the ring, the lantern, the handkerchief, and the skull. Our adult ensemble focused on getting camera ready. We played several games to hone our on camera acting skills including setting ourselves up in different frames, entering and exiting the frame (seen in the video below), and using our facial expressions to communicate emotions.
There are 5 Acts in the story of Comedy of Errors, and there will be 5 episodes of our webseries. Throughout the series, each actor will play 2 different characters, allowing them to show off different skills and different sides of their own personalities. After spending several weeks, first in person, and then online, learning the many characters in Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, this week, actors auditioned for their two favorite roles. We saw many great interpretations of all the characters and a lot of the clear favorites - the silly servant Dromio of Syracuse, the loud and pushy kitchen maid Nell, and the strange conjurer Dr. Pinch. On Saturday, our teaching artists had a long casting session. There were some hard decisions. Dr. Pinch is a highly coveted role, but he’s only in one Act of the play. Same with Nell. Our team focused on trying to give everyone equal screen time and the opportunity to play at least one of their favorite roles.
Roles and scripts have been sent out, and we are ready to start filming this week!
Your turn!
Try your hand at this week’s A.B.L.E. at Home game - Leading Sticks!
Teaching artists Lawrence and Katie (in their very sunny apartment!) explain teach you how to play one of our favorite partner games. You will need a stick - a curtain rod, broomstick, or something similar - and a partner. This game build teamwork, physical awareness, nonverbal communication, and leadership skills. We also show you a way to make the activity more challenging, and deepen trust between you and your partner.
We believe staying connected in the face of coronavirus is DO-ABLE! That's why A.B.L.E teaching artists and facilitators have created a video series featuring some of our favorite A.B.L.E. games. You can play them with your family or housemates while you’re at home during this time.
