Minutes from Rehearsal Two, Looking Ahead

Well done, everyone! It was an action packed evening at the Central Library last Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm, although folks began gathering around 5.30pm. Thanks to those that brought biscuits and water for our rehearsal.

Rehearsal Two: Allan Bell joined us and took us through a grounding exercise to get us focussed for our monologues. We went through the script with impromptu blocking, making due with the space we had on stage. We organised the chairs in two rows of six on a 'v' formation. We will try to go for two rows of twelve once the stage is cleared and we can see how the space is. Otherwise we will change seating arrangements after the intermission, those in the back moving to the front row and vice versa. We took notes in our scripts for blocking. I will also be finalising blocking with those attending at the workshop on Sat. and email any other necessary notes in regards to blocking to those unable to attend.

Allan and I were able to give constructive feedback for almost all of the monologues performed. Unfortunately, we began running out of time and were unable to get through all of them. Sue, Marisa and Erin were unable to perform theirs. I had hoped we could squeeze them in, but the security guard came knocking and we had to shuffle off in a hurry. Not sure if everyone got their red card for their monologues, I will bring it along again to the workshop Sat. as well as the dress rehearsal next Friday. Carrie and Mags were unable to attend the rehearsal for personal reasons, I stood in for Carrie with Ayanna and Harriet and we passed Mags monologue, do to time constraints. I am confident we will have no problem with the run through on Friday, as we will have time to work on specific monologues with many of you Sat. and will not stop for notes/feedback. I will email those of you tomorrow evening with the feedback from Allan and I which we were unable to share at the rehearsal.

Press: We had the press officer from Islington (I think Harriet's office?) at our rehearsal to take pictures and get a couple quotes. She was planning to pass on her photos and quotes to local newspapers. Sarah Taylor has also sent out press releases and contacted local press as well to invite them to the show and let them know what amazing things we are all doing for V-Day Islington 2007!

Programme: The programme was completed by Sunday evening, thanks to Eli for her article contributions, a friend of mine and his excellent photo shop work and my wonderful husband who helped me with the formatting. It was a sleepless couple of nights, but I think we will be happy with how the programme turned out!

Tech stuff: Noel has returned and is looking forward to seeing everyone Sat. He has been busy getting things organised with Ayanna on the tech side of things, so we will have a full run through with lights and sound equipment next Fri. I will be working on a pre-show slide show which Maria is creating a music soundtrack for. She is also creating a vagina entrance for our show!!!! Isabelle has been working on advertising and spreading the word.

Dress Rehearsal: Although next Friday we will begin our rehearsal at 6pm, I am going to encourage you to come directly after work so that we can have time to have dinner and relax a bit before getting into the run through. Harriet is organising for us to have some food and drink to get us through the evening. I will email an agenda for the night mid-week next week. Just wanted to get you thinking about coming after work so that we have ample time.

Costumes: If you have any costume questions, please feel free to email me or we can talk at the workshop on Sat, for those of you coming. I've just gotten my dress and need to pull together some red accessories!

Vagina Warriors: I still need help with organising the balloons. Anyone?

Post Show Celebration: Harriet and I have been working on finding a place for us to join for drinks after the show on Sat, near to where the Central library is. We don't have a place fully organised yet, anyone know a place, you are welcome to recommend. We have both looked into a couple that won't work. I am now looking into the Alwyne, which seems large enough to host us and Harriet has found a place that wouldn't mind us 'crashing' in as a large group, called the Metro Bar. Again, if you have ideas, feel free to see if they are feasible for us.

Thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication. Will email those notes from the rehearsal performances tomorrow evening.

All the best!

Kara