Romeo and Juliet
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For my final Nueva production, Romeo and Juliet, I played Mercutio. I was responsible for memorizing my lines and blocking as well as developing a personality (and hair style!) for my character.
I have never played a character like Mercutio. He is crazy, funny, a bit raunchy, written by Shakespeare, and a scurvy knave of the male specimen! I had no idea how to attack this role, so I started with research. I translated all my scenes into modern language so I would know what the hell I was talking about and read what the rest of the world thinks about Mercutio. (Fun Fact: It is rumored that Shakespeare himself said he had to kill Mercutio because he was too funny and would have stolen the show.) |
I also payed more attention to my male friends to try and find the little mannerisms that made them distinctly male. Every time I was onstage, I would try and embody what I noticed about them. In order to make Mercutio interesting and funny, I would prepare for rehearsals by coming up with actions to play in the scenes, no matter how crazy they were. Working with Steven was great because he gave us this creative freedom and helped us elaborate and add to our ideas. This production didn’t affect my academic life too much in Nueva (I would have procrastinated a bit either way). I did struggle with AP Statistics though; I think I was mostly having trouble understanding the chapter and having less time to study didn’t help.
I learned a lot during this production. Since I have never done Shakespeare in a live show before, this was completely new to me. After working with Steven and spending HOURS deciphering the text I feel that I am capable of auditioning for a role in another play by Shakespeare play because I have proved to myself that I can do Shakespeare. Before this show, I would have felt too intimidated to audition for anything with William Shakespeare’s name on it, and I still do, but now the fear is mixed with a lot of confidence and excitement.
I worked hard in and out of rehearsal to do my best to play a believable Mercutio. In rehearsals, if I wasn’t working on my lines, I would be watching Steven and the other actors on stage so I could learn from them. During this show I was particularly diligent with my communication because it was extra important because we had stage combat to do and weapons that had to be shared and placed for the next person to use. As stated above, I took a lot of independent initiative when it came to developing my character, Steven would then help me build off of, add to, and tweak what I had already come up with. For my final production with Nueva I really gave it my all and feel I deserve an A.
If this were a real job I would likely be given a larger role (a promotion). Learning about Shakespeare has made me want to read more of his works. I have learned that I am pretty good at being boisterous on stage. I always thought I would do Shakespeare, but I never thought I would do it this early in life. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.
After completing 4 productions, I feel I have acquired as many skills as Nueva can offer me. These refined skills include but are not limited to theater etiquette, vocal projection, understanding of blocking, and spacial awareness onstage. With this production in particular, I have learned the value of having a cast that really cares about each other and the show. I have learned about motivation and commitment, the importance of respecting everyone in the team and dedicating yourself to them, how to creatively solve problems independently and collaboratively, how to effectively communicate, how to work under pressure, how to improv Shakespeare when you are accidentally on drugs, how to bounce back, and most importantly I have learned to enjoy every moment on and off the stage. I have loved being in Nueva, but the one thing we haven’t learned yet is how to let go of it when your time is up.
I learned a lot during this production. Since I have never done Shakespeare in a live show before, this was completely new to me. After working with Steven and spending HOURS deciphering the text I feel that I am capable of auditioning for a role in another play by Shakespeare play because I have proved to myself that I can do Shakespeare. Before this show, I would have felt too intimidated to audition for anything with William Shakespeare’s name on it, and I still do, but now the fear is mixed with a lot of confidence and excitement.
I worked hard in and out of rehearsal to do my best to play a believable Mercutio. In rehearsals, if I wasn’t working on my lines, I would be watching Steven and the other actors on stage so I could learn from them. During this show I was particularly diligent with my communication because it was extra important because we had stage combat to do and weapons that had to be shared and placed for the next person to use. As stated above, I took a lot of independent initiative when it came to developing my character, Steven would then help me build off of, add to, and tweak what I had already come up with. For my final production with Nueva I really gave it my all and feel I deserve an A.
If this were a real job I would likely be given a larger role (a promotion). Learning about Shakespeare has made me want to read more of his works. I have learned that I am pretty good at being boisterous on stage. I always thought I would do Shakespeare, but I never thought I would do it this early in life. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.
After completing 4 productions, I feel I have acquired as many skills as Nueva can offer me. These refined skills include but are not limited to theater etiquette, vocal projection, understanding of blocking, and spacial awareness onstage. With this production in particular, I have learned the value of having a cast that really cares about each other and the show. I have learned about motivation and commitment, the importance of respecting everyone in the team and dedicating yourself to them, how to creatively solve problems independently and collaboratively, how to effectively communicate, how to work under pressure, how to improv Shakespeare when you are accidentally on drugs, how to bounce back, and most importantly I have learned to enjoy every moment on and off the stage. I have loved being in Nueva, but the one thing we haven’t learned yet is how to let go of it when your time is up.
The Light In The Library
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In this production, I played one of the main characters, Paige Lancaster. I was responsible for memorizing lines, knowing my blocking, developing a character, and making sure everyone felt comfortable with our interactions on stage. I also felt it was important to have a mature attitude towards anything production related. Since I was on stage so much, I wanted to set a good example.
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My biggest academic challenge was staying on top of my math homework. It wasn’t necessarily because of production. I seem to have a problem of over extending myself to the point where homework feels like trying to climb Mount Everest while dragging a 50 ton sack behind me. Perhaps the most valuable thing I learned from this production is that it is okay to not try and do everything. It is really easy at the beginning of a new school year to think, “I can take 8 classes and a JC class two nights a week and be in an extra orchestra and have a job during break and lunch. I will totally be able to do all of my homework and hang out with my family and friends.” I think I have finally learned I am insane. I need time to sleep, be a human, enjoy life, and practice/rehearse the things I need to on my own time.
I have certainly gotten better about talking to directors (or bosses) about problems I may be facing. In the past, I struggled with this because I felt it was my responsibility to master everything without asking and I that should be able to figure it out on my own. Now it is easier for me to see that is part of the reason directors exist. Same with teachers and bosses. They are there to help us and make sure things go smoothly.
I came in ready to work and offered to stay after school a few different times to help Danielle learn the blocking she missed. Camden and I also stayed after to work on a scene that we always laughed during. I think I put in my best effort during rehearsals and deserve an A. I was on stage working almost the whole process and if I wasn’t I was usually trying to get my lines down. I also stayed after school on a few separate occasions to help set and tech. I think all of the main characters did a really great job collaborating with each other and the storybook characters. We all had to depend on each other and figure out what our relationships were with one another. I think the best collaborative effort I had in the show was with Colleen. If we were near one another and weren’t being given instructions, we would have a good time adding to our background story and the experiences we might of had as sisters growing up. The one time I missed a rehearsal I let the director know as soon as I knew. I talked to people when I needed to and passed any helpful info along. The only thing I think I could have improved on was getting my lines memorized sooner.
If I were working for a professional theater company, I think I would be asked to be in their next production. I didn’t learn anything new about myself; I have always had a passion for theater and being on stage. I did, however, realize that there is a lot to learn about acting and many different ways of doing things. This experience has helped me become conscious of the things I should start doing now if I wish to pursue a career as an actress, which I do.
I have certainly gotten better about talking to directors (or bosses) about problems I may be facing. In the past, I struggled with this because I felt it was my responsibility to master everything without asking and I that should be able to figure it out on my own. Now it is easier for me to see that is part of the reason directors exist. Same with teachers and bosses. They are there to help us and make sure things go smoothly.
I came in ready to work and offered to stay after school a few different times to help Danielle learn the blocking she missed. Camden and I also stayed after to work on a scene that we always laughed during. I think I put in my best effort during rehearsals and deserve an A. I was on stage working almost the whole process and if I wasn’t I was usually trying to get my lines down. I also stayed after school on a few separate occasions to help set and tech. I think all of the main characters did a really great job collaborating with each other and the storybook characters. We all had to depend on each other and figure out what our relationships were with one another. I think the best collaborative effort I had in the show was with Colleen. If we were near one another and weren’t being given instructions, we would have a good time adding to our background story and the experiences we might of had as sisters growing up. The one time I missed a rehearsal I let the director know as soon as I knew. I talked to people when I needed to and passed any helpful info along. The only thing I think I could have improved on was getting my lines memorized sooner.
If I were working for a professional theater company, I think I would be asked to be in their next production. I didn’t learn anything new about myself; I have always had a passion for theater and being on stage. I did, however, realize that there is a lot to learn about acting and many different ways of doing things. This experience has helped me become conscious of the things I should start doing now if I wish to pursue a career as an actress, which I do.
ERROR 147
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Error 147 is the first Nueva production I have ever been in and I thoroughly loved all of it. My main focus for the show was music. Several times I went home and played my violin for a few hours trying to come up with some ideas. For about 2 weeks, all I listened to was Beats Antique, Black Violin, and Lindsey Stirling. I did this because I really wanted to make the choreographers’ (and Frenzel’s) imagination come to life. In addition, I made a frequent habit of checking in with them to stay updated on the sound they wanted, then do my best to create it.
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Academically, I have been struggling with finding time to do my school work as well as properly manage the time I do find. This is mostly because I was moving, I missed a lot of school due to surgery and sickness, and I am taking 9 classes plus I am in a Youth Orchestra. If I were to do it again I would have tried to buckle down and complete more work when sick at home; I think that really would have made a big difference on my report card.
As far as production goes, that is where I thrive. While I adore being in stage performances, I still struggle with confidence in my ability to perform. For instance, I don’t think I am bad at the violin, but I definitely don’t think I am great. Several times people came up to me and told me that I was amazing, or that I should be on America’s Got Talent, etc. I would be very flattered and respond with something along the lines of, “Thank you, but I am not that good. I messed up a lot. You are very sweet.” Finally, by the second or third night, I realized that so many people were saying kind things that there must have been some truth to it. It was hard for me, but I finally began to respond with, “Thank you! I’m so glad you came to see the show,” and no other strings attached. (Pun intended)
When we initially started working on the soundtrack, writing songs and improving was a pretty new concept for me and I was very nervous about trying to create the sound desired by Frenzel. I am so glad that I got the chance to have such a big part musically because I feel 100 times more confident about playing soloistic music and improving; both I have been wanting to get better at, but never really took the time to focus on. In fact, I had a violin lesson completely dedicated to it; something I never would have done otherwise.
This show really improved my confidence level in playing the violin. I have wanted to play with the Santa Rosa Youth Orchestra (SRYO), the top level nearby, for about 5 years. Richard Loheyde, the conductor, has asked me several times this year to play with them, but I did not believe in myself enough to actually do it. Now, I feel a lot better about playing difficult music, like Crystalize by Lindsey Stirling and am accepting the promotion to SRYO. Many students that get to this level proceed to play with real symphonies. I hope that this newfound certainty can lead me all the way there.
After reading 7 Elements of a Strong Work Ethic, I feel it is safe to say I have a strong work ethic. I am always positive, trying to be inclusive and respectful of others, doing what is asked of me without any attitude, and generally dedicated inside and outside of school to making the show as good as it can be. During production blocks, I spent most of the time practicing to try and come up with some stuff, watching the choreography to get an idea of the show and what was needed musically, or trying to help others. I wasn’t very helpful, but I did attempt to assist costumers. I had more success lending a hand to set to hang hats and strings.
From the beginning, I was extremely excited to be creating the show, so I felt very motivated and driven to research music and other things that would help me do all I could for Error 147, although I probably should have been doing my homework… Overall for production, I would give myself a high B or an A. The only reason I would give myself a B is because, I think I could have tried to aid the other pods more and made more of a contribution with the little things that needed to be done.
Had this show been an actual job, I would have stayed on the same level or possibly been offered a small promotion due to my hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to the show. If nothing else, I got significantly better at solo improv and would consider increasing my rate. It is so fascinating to me that 8 weeks ago when asked to “play something, anything!” I did it but didn’t really know where to start and it was kind of crummy. Now, barely 2 months later, that is practically all I want to do! Today, I was upset because I wanted to listen to our soundtrack for Error 147, but it isn’t online. As an alternative, I took out my violin and just played. I would never have done this before.
As far as production goes, that is where I thrive. While I adore being in stage performances, I still struggle with confidence in my ability to perform. For instance, I don’t think I am bad at the violin, but I definitely don’t think I am great. Several times people came up to me and told me that I was amazing, or that I should be on America’s Got Talent, etc. I would be very flattered and respond with something along the lines of, “Thank you, but I am not that good. I messed up a lot. You are very sweet.” Finally, by the second or third night, I realized that so many people were saying kind things that there must have been some truth to it. It was hard for me, but I finally began to respond with, “Thank you! I’m so glad you came to see the show,” and no other strings attached. (Pun intended)
When we initially started working on the soundtrack, writing songs and improving was a pretty new concept for me and I was very nervous about trying to create the sound desired by Frenzel. I am so glad that I got the chance to have such a big part musically because I feel 100 times more confident about playing soloistic music and improving; both I have been wanting to get better at, but never really took the time to focus on. In fact, I had a violin lesson completely dedicated to it; something I never would have done otherwise.
This show really improved my confidence level in playing the violin. I have wanted to play with the Santa Rosa Youth Orchestra (SRYO), the top level nearby, for about 5 years. Richard Loheyde, the conductor, has asked me several times this year to play with them, but I did not believe in myself enough to actually do it. Now, I feel a lot better about playing difficult music, like Crystalize by Lindsey Stirling and am accepting the promotion to SRYO. Many students that get to this level proceed to play with real symphonies. I hope that this newfound certainty can lead me all the way there.
After reading 7 Elements of a Strong Work Ethic, I feel it is safe to say I have a strong work ethic. I am always positive, trying to be inclusive and respectful of others, doing what is asked of me without any attitude, and generally dedicated inside and outside of school to making the show as good as it can be. During production blocks, I spent most of the time practicing to try and come up with some stuff, watching the choreography to get an idea of the show and what was needed musically, or trying to help others. I wasn’t very helpful, but I did attempt to assist costumers. I had more success lending a hand to set to hang hats and strings.
From the beginning, I was extremely excited to be creating the show, so I felt very motivated and driven to research music and other things that would help me do all I could for Error 147, although I probably should have been doing my homework… Overall for production, I would give myself a high B or an A. The only reason I would give myself a B is because, I think I could have tried to aid the other pods more and made more of a contribution with the little things that needed to be done.
Had this show been an actual job, I would have stayed on the same level or possibly been offered a small promotion due to my hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to the show. If nothing else, I got significantly better at solo improv and would consider increasing my rate. It is so fascinating to me that 8 weeks ago when asked to “play something, anything!” I did it but didn’t really know where to start and it was kind of crummy. Now, barely 2 months later, that is practically all I want to do! Today, I was upset because I wanted to listen to our soundtrack for Error 147, but it isn’t online. As an alternative, I took out my violin and just played. I would never have done this before.
