Sissy's Journal

Michael Taylor Gray
"Seymore 'Sissy' Strata"
August 12, 2008
Journal entry #2

This was our first full rehearsal in the actual performance space. It was time to run through all of the dance/dream sequences and work out any spacing/blocking issues and then work our way through the show from "top to bottom" - so to speak.

Rehearsals like this one are always a challenge for an actor because you don't want to drop all of the character and scene work you've worked on as you adjust to a new staging environment and the addition of set pieces and other technical elements.

This is a kind of show that is collaborative at every level and incorporates everything an actor can bring to the table: a full representation of mind, body, voice, spirit and conviction. As Marvin Tunney (our illustrius movement guru) tell us, "You are painting the story with your body. You're not a flat surface...you're body is 360* present at all times - active, involved, alert and above all, available to the performers around you and your audience."

My greatest challenge at this point is to maintain focus and balance. Focus on the story, characters and matters at hand - be in the moment...and balance the addition of all of the technical elements that are being incorporated into the production as we head towards our opening night.

It's challenging work, but I truly love every moment of it.

"Sissy"