Amatuer Theatre HELP!

Hey there Rannon, I've done a similar thing to you (you could say) last year a few of my friends create a small theatre group. Since creation we've managed to produce a public stage show about a boy band and a number of short web series on film. We've had a great first year and learned a lot- especially from Na- the person who posted above, who is a cofounder of a puppetry company. For our first year celebration we're performing a new stage show- about a crazy circus in which every act seems to go wrong. We've set aside three weeks of rehearsals (we have about one week left) but we've been planning since November (mind you we've also gone through three different plays to get to this one- but it's ok because we write our own work and don't need to worry about purchasing rights etc.) We have been rehearsing for a few hours a week (on Wednesdays usually) but have used other days throughout the week to build set and create costume as well as market the show to our friends and families. Although Na has mentioned it and you're confident (which is great!) don't neglect time. Bringing together a cast of friends and people you know can be great (we do it) but I find a lot of time being wasted by mucking around, joking, eating dinner etc. I'm not saying it's not achievable, but will help is having a planned structure for rehearsals- even if it's just a rough guide- but have it on paper. For instance 5-6pm work on set 6-6.15- warm up 6.15-7.15 rehearse play etc. This will really help your time management and help your target time be achievable. Other advice- have fun! Our first public stage production had a pretty shoddy matinee performance where we were under-rehearsed, had a small audience, and didn't really have as much fun as we could of. That night we came back to the theatre and put on a great show because we relaxed and enjoyed the ride- oh and we had a rehearsal in the middle! Listen to others- there is always going to be someone with greater knowledge than yourself- blowing off other's constructive criticism can be bad- I recently saw someone who got lots of criticism about his drama solo for school but decided not to take ANY of it. They went into their solo and didn't go very well at all, losing lots of points. This isn't a marked piece of theatre obviosuly, but take everyone's ideas on board, listen, read any reviews you might get so you can improve on things next time. That's what it is all about, learning a new skill and improving on it next time. There's always something new to learn. I think it's great to see a seventeen year old doing something like this- normally the posts we get that start with "I'm Seventeen" are usually people trying to get into an audition or something, so I was pleasantly surprised when I read on. I cofounded my group when I was seventeen- don't let your age get in the way, you CAN put on a show at 17, I put on a school production when I was 16 against great odds- so never let someone tell you that you can't because you're young. Because with careful, well thought out, well used time, management and talent you CAN do it. Best of luck Rannon. And if you'd like any more info about my group, or how we've done stuff etc feel free to message me or visit www.myspace.com/lazycreationsgroup ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: 'Locked In' a short play based on a real life experience For more details visit: www.freewebs.com/lazycreationsgroup