The Wonderful Wizard of Oz- Week Two: 'What are you doing & what's in the box?'

Welcome back! It was week two for our Chameleons this morning and following last week's introductions it was great to get stuck into some acting and scene work. Joining us for today's session was the lovely Emma, Anthos's long time (and ever mysterious) team member and guardian angel, and Gaia; veteran of the Anthos Young Company- whom recently appeared in the AYC's 'H' at the Bikeshed theatre and 'Sherlock Holmes- The Red Inheritance' as John Watson. Ben was absent today, busy organising events for the Pride festival, but the show must go on!

So to kick things off we had chair games- where one person stands in the middle and has to try and claim a chair from someone else in the group. The others must communicate silently and agree to swap chairs without the middle person stealing either chair. It is quite a lot of fun and a good way to get everyone moving. Then we had the counting game. The group had to count up to three, repeatedly, moving around in a circle. However, every time the numbers went around one would change to something different; so for instance number three became a clap. Instead then of saying the number everyone had to clap. Then number one changed to the work square and number two become banana. It is a good concentration exercise to get the group thinking.

Then the Chameleons played the shape game, and had to work together to create different shapes. As always they made some interesting shapes but we also, for the first time with the game, hit a snag. One of their shapes fell apart as the group were in debate about how best to create it. We paused the session for a few moments here to talk about the concept of working together and, importantly, believing in their own ideas. The shape had crumbled because the group had second guessed themselves; which in a performance can be a disaster. The Chameleons were told that they needed to believe in the work they create in order for it to succeed and be the best it could be. Once we had talked they were asked to create the same shape again and sure enough (see picture above- it was a pyramid) they created a very good piece of work, with everyone involved. Sometimes these snags happen and we feel it's important to explore the problems, since there is probably a lot to learn.

Next we had a break to unwind before diving into some of the acting elements of the session. It's important sometimes to have some down time where the cast can breathe before we launch into more work. When we returned we played a favourite game of mine, 'what's in the box?' In the game each person has to pretend that they have a box, and inside the box is an object which they must then mime out. It is brilliant seeing what is inside everyone's box- as there is usually a colourful variety- from large cinema screens, to binoculars, to snakes, mice and even a unicorn. The game serves as a gentle way into physical theatre and acting for those who may be unfamiliar with it.

Next we continued with the themes of circle activities and played another favourite- 'what are you doing?' This is a brilliant acting game which has featured in our work many times before- one person will stand up in the middle of the circle and perform an action. The next person comes up and asks what they are doing, to which the first person says any action but what they are doing. Then the second has to perform that action and so on. There are always a variety of actions, which is why it is so much fun to play. From walking a tightrope, to mowing the grass and reading a book (for three hours specifically) to being chased by a T-Rex. It's a good chance for everyone to get a bit silly and have some fun.

Once the games were done the scripts came out. We had some extracts from the final script which the cast had to stage in groups. Each group had a different scene which they had to bring to life. Some featured Dorothy, some featured the Wicked Witch, but it was a good chance to see everyone's ideas for how the scene should look. Obviously we have ideas of our own but we like to see what the group comes up with, since this can lead to new ideas completely. As I've said many times, they are a very creative group and this creativity comes across in their work.

Lastly we played one more group game in preparation for next week's physical session. The cast have to work together to create a machine, but they cannot talk to one another. One by one they must go up and become a moving part of the machine, joining and connecting together to build the complete machine. It was a very cool creation by the end, primarily being a rather elaborate juice maker (and custard machine too).

At the end of the session we talked about next week- which we are planning to be a physical theatre and puppetry week- two elements that will feature in the show. With that another week comes to an end. The group are very passionate about the show- which is just wonderful- and excited to find out who they will be playing. Next week we shall reveal all, though there's so much talent that casting this show is going to be no easy task. Until next time however, enjoy further snaps from this morning!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz- Week One: "We're off to see the Wizard!"

IT'S SUMMER! Welcome back; we were thrilled to get started again this morning after a lovely month off- and it seems the sun decided to join us for our first week on a brand new project! If that wasn't exciting enough- we set off on our latest adventure with our largest cast to date! Lots of new faces have joined in our madness- and what madness awaits us this time (we have loads of cool plans for this one). 

So we kicked the morning off with some introductions. With so many new people we needed to first learn some names and get to know one another. Once we had done a quick round of names (and a catch up/introduction from each person) we launched into the first game. This week we wanted to ease everyone in- since we again have newcomers and it has been a while for our returning group. We played 'the sun shines on,' a fast-paced, easy to join game where everyone sits in a circle and someone stands in the middle. The middle person calls out a fact about themselves and if that applies to anyone else then they have to try and swap seats with anyone else in the circle. The game is always a nice easy way to get the group started and comfortable working with one another. 

Next we got up on our feet and started moving. The game we played has got many names, but we call it the 'Space Game.' The group have to walk around the room and, when we count down to zero, use their bodies to fill as much as the room as possible. Now the room was big, but with a group this size they managed to do a decent job! By the end everyone was using arms, legs and any available limb to fill more and more space. 

Of course, no session would be complete without our favourite shape game. Ben had some cool ideas to throw at the chameleons this week; from simple shapes such as circles to more elaborate settings, such as asking them to create the setting of a zoo or a forest with a river running through it. The group were very creative in their approach to the tasks and some lovely scenic pictures were made.

A new team exercise was next. Titled 'the string game' the group are split into three teams and each team has a ribbon that they all hold. One person at the end has to be the leader and pull the others in the group along, moving like a snake or a worm while the rest of the team try and follow behind them. Everyone had a turn at being the leader and, though each team got faster and faster, experimented with moving in different ways- which was great to see, as we will have sections of the show which require physical sequences and movement (this was good practice).

During the break we asked everyone what they knew about the Wizard of Oz, discussing the characters and story. Everyone seemed to have quite a good knowledge of the tale already and all the Chameleons were quick to throw out answers to our questions. The cast are all very excited about the show (and as always keen to know their parts- but not yet).

After the break we performed a speed run of the story, where the cast acted out a fast version, each jumping into various character roles. This is a traditional game that we play as it gives everyone the chance to try out different parts and practically explore the story. It is always a ton of fun. Unexpectedly Toto ended up being the most popular character- their minds work sometimes in confusing ways.

To wrap up we talked about the term and the process behind the show, which some of the cast are familiar with already. We talked about things we will be doing, such as puppetry and physical theatre, which will help us create the show (and of course talked about costumes). The cast are very excited and it was a lovely first week back- the Wizard of Oz is a project we have wanted to do for a long time and are excited that the time is finally here! As always with the blog I will end with some of the rehearsal photos from today- next week we have some physical theatre and scene work planned! Excitement awaits- roll on Saturday!