I’ve been long in writing, noble readers. My sincerest apologies. The road to the The Iron Stag King is one fraught with peril, and chances to write are few and far between when danger strikes. I am happy to report, however, that our noble heroes carry on tirelessly in their quest. The latest development? Designer run.
With their designs finalized and even beginning execution (stay tuned for pictures of the set!), the designers are ready to take another look at the needs of the play. Luckily, they have a whole cast of actors who have been rehearsing it.
At this point in the process, designers of a show will come into a rehearsal and the cast will run through everything they have so far. Essentially, it’s the first draft of a performance (and its often in an incredibly rough form). What does that look like? Take a look at the Flickr account for some pictures!
The actors, at this stage, are mostly fully memorized. Things get dicey with script updates and rewrites, and so they are allowed to call “Line” in rehearsal. Throughout rehearsal, stalwart stage managers Sarah Hoeferlin and Kelly Claussen have scripts in front of them, reading along. When an actor calls for line during a scene (simply by calling out “line!”), Sarah and Kelly chime in with the first couple words to remind our heroes.
The designer run is just that—a performance for designers to see a slightly more finished product and a chance to take a look at the work happening in rehearsal. Props and major costume pieces are either mimed or temporary stand-ins are being used (does Casper’s birthright hammer look familiar?). It’s a great opportunity for them to generate new ideas and start solving problems. Afterward, they came together with Nate and the team to meet for the final time before they embark on the final leg of their journey: tech.
The conversation that followed designer run touched all sorts of bases. How to construct a certain prop, how comfortable the seating is, how awesome Hap’s hat is, etc. You know, the usual. The House Heroes aren’t letting a single detail slip through their fingers.
I am sure you are wondering how this show is shaping up. Since I read/saw it last, the play has improved upon an already successful foundation. Nuanced characters, magical moments, and a healthy dose of humor are helping to round out an already incredible piece. See it for yourself when The Iron Stag King: Part One comes to the Chopin Theatre August 31st!
