Peter Pan- Week 2: Characters, Scenes and Still Images

After the fun of last week, we were excited to get back for our second rehearsal this morning. Since we had an introduction to the story that the group would be adapting in the first session, this week our focus was all about characters and looking at different ways we could tell the story. 

We first got the group warmed up with a variety of physical games. Our favourite was the shape game, where the group have to work together to create a shape or image using just their bodies. We started out simple, with shapes like a square or a triangle, before getting more complex (create an underwater kingdom or an evil forest). The group did very well working together to create different pictures.

We then did a longer exercise which involved acting out a walk. Everyone has to pretend they are walking to the shops, but on the way things happen that change the way you walk. For instance, it starts to rain but you don't have an umbrella. Next there is a thunderstorm, followed by strong wings, followed by heavy snow and finally complete darkness. The purpose behind the activity was to get the group thinking about how they walk and how what might be happening affects that. This will be useful for them in a few weeks when we work on characters. 

During the break today we recapped what we had learned last week and went over the story again for those who weren't able to be there. We also tested everyone to see which characters and important plot points everyone could remember. Again, the group expressed how desperate they are for their characters, but it's still not time for that just yet! 

After the break we played a quick game of 'what are you doing?' to get everyone warmed up and ready to perform. We had some funny scenes this week ranging from deep sea diving to trying to catch the moon. After that it was time for some acting! 

We split the group into two teams; each was given a scene to work on. In this scene, Wendy meets Peter Pan for the first time when he comes looking for his shadow, which she kindly sews back onto him. Both groups made very different versions of the scene and it was fun to feedback on each other afterwards, saying which aspects of the other scene each group liked. 

Finally, in the same teams we created a series of still images, or tableus, which told the story of Peter Pan. The teams were given one minute to create a still image of a given section of the story and had to freeze in whatever position they were in once time was up. There were some very lovely still images created, from meeting Peter Pan, to Wendy telling the Lost Boys a story, to the adventure through the forest and the final showdown between Peter Pan and Captain Hook. 

Once again, we had a fantastic time with the group. This week it was great to see them get stuck into some more acting exercises and coming up with some wonderful ideas. Next week we are going to be looking at some physical theatre and how some of the different characters, especially the non-human ones, move. It should be lots of fun! Bring comfy things to wear! As always, please enjoy some random snaps from the session:

Peter Pan- Week 1: A New Adventure Begins

WE'RE BACK!

After a long and lovely summer, our fantastic Chameleon Group returned this morning for a brand new term of fun at our new home in Thornlea Studios! A massive thanks to the Drama department at Exeter University for agreeing to have us. We've had Peter Pan on the idea's board for a while now and have been putting it off until the time was right and we had some good ideas and the right venue for the performance. Well we've had plenty of ideas and have been lucky enough to acquire the Cygnet theatre for the show, so the time has come at last! We could hardly wait for our Neverland adventure to kick off this morning. 

It was wonderful to see some new faces join us as the group grows even more. With every newcomer comes a new character and it's fantastic to see the group interact with each other through the games and activities we get up to. This week we kicked off with a few name/ball games. Aside from highlight who has difficulties catching flying objects (namely, us) the ball games are a good way for everyone to learn each other's names and have fun doing it. Everyone throws the ball and says their names, then in round two the person throwing the ball has to say the name of the person they throw to. Once everyone has had the ball once, the sequence repeats itself. 

We then brought out a classic; Captain's Coming. What would a project be without that game? Especially one where the show contains pirates. For those who don't know, the game involves giving the four walls of the room a name and everyone has to rush to the correct wall. On top of this there are other actions that they must perform; such as 'scrub the deck' where you pretend to wash the floor, or 'captain's coming' where you have to salute the captain. It is always a laugh. 

We then played a round of Boal, as we call it. The game came from theatre practitioner Augusto Boal, Everyone walks around the room and has to 'go, stop, jump and clap.' These instructions are then swapped around and everyone has to do the opposite of the action; such as 'go' for 'stop' and 'jump' for 'clap.' It is always a brain teaser but gets everyone focused and thinking. 

We all got together after that for a break and a talk about Peter Pan and what we know/ what we can expect from the performance we'll be making. Everyone had a good working knowledge of the story already and were full of brilliant ideas for what we could do. As always everyone was eager to know what parts they will play, but that bit comes later (much to the cast's dismay). 

When we returned to the rehearsal room we played a good game of 'What are you doing?' The game always features in our work as it is a good low stakes activity for those who may not have done acting before or those who are still finding their feet. It is always a good laugh as well, that's a bonus. In the game the group sit in a circle and someone will stand in the middle, doing an action. The next person goes up, asks 'what are you doing?' and the first person has to then give them an action. The actions can be anything from simple to completely absurd. Today we had everything from 'looking at the ceiling' to 'being chased by a tiger.' It was nice watching the group portray each other's actions and to see them so keen to play. 

Finally we performed a 'speed run' of Peter Pan. This is a must for all first weeks. The cast must perform a super-fast version of the story as one of us narrates it. It gives everyone a chance to get stuck into the story, try out some acting and have a lot of fun. As always it was completely mental, but the cast embraced it and we got to the end without too much confusion. 

So another project begins. We're so thrilled to be back and had a lot of fun this first week. Next week we are moving onto creating characters, now that we are familiar with the story elements. Expect more games and laughter. As always; here are a few snaps from the rehearsal. 

Alice in Wonderland- The Final Chapter

THAT'S A WRAP!
So here we are. Where have the past eight weeks gone? It's been a series of strange but undeniably wonderful rehearsals as the Chameleons prepared their production of 'Alice in Wonderland!' and today saw that production unveil itself to their waiting audience!

Before it all kicked off there was time enough for some final games together. Over the course of the project the Chameleons have all become experts at the games we play and so today we gave them the choice of what they wanted. They opted for shapes and party quirks. We have a number of funny guests (including water and a bee) and some brilliant shapes, such as the creation of a chess game.

Then there was just enough time for a final dress rehearsal with the lights and sounds. The effort everyone had put into learning the play and their characters really showed and it was great to see the show before the audience arrived.

And thus, the hour came. The audience were sat and the show began. We were immensely proud of all the Chameleons. Everyone got up on stage and performed the play they had worked so hard to create. There was laughter, suspense and wonder as the show played out and when the lights finally fell upon Alice's return from Wonderland a well-earned applause could be heard.

There was just enough time to give everyone out their Arts Award, Over the eight weeks the games and activities the Chameleons took part in were recorded in their log books, each contributing to everyone's Arts Award. It was our pleasure to be able to hand these out after the show and give another very well deserved applause.

Overall, it has been an amazing project for us and we have enjoyed every minute of it. Again I must write that we are lucky to have such dedicated and talented young performers working with us and we cannot wait to get the next adventure started! Next up we have a brilliant week-long summer school show at Exeter Phoenix in August: 'A Pirate's Tale' follows the adventures of young Jude who unexpectedly ends up on the quest of a lifetime! Meanwhile the Chameleon group will return with another Saturday project in September. What will that be you ask? We suspect we might know; but will maintain the suspense for now and enjoy what a lovely ride this project has been. Until next time; take care!