SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

"Singin' in the Rain" rehearsals have taken a huge leap forward since my last entry. Set pieces are almost fully constructed, lights are hung and focused, and publicity photos have been taken (I'll post those as soon as we have them).

As I'm sure I've mentioned and/or you've deduced, this production is of a magnitude that none of us have ever seen here on the URI Stage. Among other things, this means that we as actors have to take a backseat to the production elements at times. There is no room for calling "line" or missing your blocking. This could mess up cues and you could get run over by a set piece.

Aside from the tangible production elements that the audience gets to enjoy, there is a lot of work being done off-stage by students, guests artists, and faculty that will never be showcased on stage. However, these are crucial to  the success of the production. Something I would like to feature here is work being done by student dramaturg and Assistant Director Kira Hawkridge. Kira is a senior double concentrating in both Acting and Directing. She is talented in both fields, and her dramaturgy for this show is so thorough and well-executed that it is a reflection of how well she understands the need for research. For those who don't know, a general definition for dramaturgy is: research surrounding a show. This can be historical fact such as the political climate or social movements, research on the playwright, information on past productions, structural play analysis - the list goes on. All Directing concentrates are required to be the student dramaturg for on production. Kira's dramaturgy has taken on a much different format than I've seen before. She has it posted on Facebook!

Singin' in the Rain Dramaturgy

It can be viewed at the link above. It is an extremely comprehensive resource for all involved in the production. A great benefit of having this online source is that videos and photos can be easily shared. This Facebook group resource will go along with the "paper" dramatrugy assignment that we are required to turn in.

If you haven't yet, listen to the interview on WCRI with Paula McGlasson (our Department Chair and Director of this production) and Andrew Burnap (playing Don Lockwood). The show features a sort-of talkback about our production and music from the show.

Listen Here

Andrew, who won the Region 1 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Competition (that's a mouthful) is traveling to Washington, D.C. next week to represent the region and URI. It is such an honor for our department to be represented on the national level. Andrew will be participating in workshops and a scene presentation. We wish him the best of luck, and I know he will represent us well!
I think that's all for now. The production photos should be available soon, and I know they're going to be fantastic. Remember, if you haven't purchased tickets yet you can do that either online, over the phone at 401.874.5843, or come in and visit us at the Box Office. We are open now MWF 10-2 and TTh 10-4.

Til' next time,

JULIA