Hey there. My name’s Dennis North, one of the actors in the Williamston Theatre’s production of Additional Particulars, and Tony’s asked me to blog a few thoughts, so here goes…the production is now moving at that pace that actors love and are terrified by. We’re to the point where we’re truly starting to trust each other, our director (although I’ve done that from the beginning…please cast me again) and the material. It’s that point where you start losing the original work, and thoughts and perceptions and start giving yourself over to the new life that’s being created on stage as an an ensemble. You of course never know what the outcome will be, it’s like wrapping a gift for month and then finally allowing an audience to open it…hoping that they’ll love the present. You also realize you’re moving very quickly to that point where you need that last element to make it art, and that is the audience.
Speaking of audience, and what we’re really talking about is community…the community of Williamston has been nothing but loving, supportive, giving of their time and energy. You wouldn’t believe the amount of new faces you see every time you show up for rehearsal. And of course, the regulars who’ve committed to this from the get go. It’s such a great town and reminds me very much of the small town in Indiana that I came from. It also makes you feel very good and part of something much larger, to see this creative adventure begin in an area that has never had a theatre before.
Each rehearsal brings something new now…risers built and painted, the set being constructed, chairs in, lights hung, sound system set up and working…this for actors is a gift. It’s like a new home being built. Sorry if that sounds like “actor speak”, but for me at least, that’s true. Theatres are like a home. And with the support from this community, you can easily see how everyone involved will get to claim this as part of their creative home.
So, to finish off, from an acting standpoint here’s where we are. Still struggling with lines but not afraid they won’t be there. Still discovering the characters within ourselves and enjoying the ride they’re taking us on and finally, still working for the truth that we all can relate to.
I have absolutely no idea who’s reading all these blogs, but whoever you are, please join the Theatre in this first production and help keep art alive in Michigan…(that’s a whole other blog) Later, Dennis
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2006