Sissystrata

DO ask, do TELL!

Rough version promotional/production video . Enjoy!
(no need to comment about the typos)

"You should go online sometime, it was a viral video sensation!"
-Sissy

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"

Sissy's Journal

Michael Taylor Gray
"Seymore 'Sissy' Strata"
Journal Entry #1
August 11, 2008
11 days until we open!!

SISSYSTRATA is really starting to gel as a "show" and the ensemble/chorus aspects of the production are really starting to sharpen in focus, purpose and urgency.One of the biggest challenges in performing comedic work that is stylized and larger-than-life at times is to keep it grounded, real and in-the-moment. Making what I do all about my "purpose" and the others around me keeps me focused and moving the action of the play forward.

I love working with Michael Matthews as a director. He's so specific, comprehensive and collaborative in his rehearsal process. This past weekend's rehearsals brought such clarity in character and action for me and for the rest of the cast. The scene work that we did has added layers and depth to the work - surprising me to the point where I walked off the stage after one scene in tears. I was completely caught off guard by how emotionally powerful some moments of the play can be.

There are so many classic theatrical elements incorporated in this adapatation, yet it's still grounded in reality and very accessible to a modern audience.The strength, purpose and drive of my character, "Sissy" is such a joy for me to dig into at every rehearsal. And the marriage of voice, body, mind and spirit in doing a show of this nature quite and intense and comprehensive workout. All senses are on guard and in use at all times. I love it.

Sissy has such strength, drive and conviction and yet, he still melts at the hint of being in love. A willingness to be surprised, a hopefullness in the goodness of others and a belief that it is possible for one voice to rise above and affect the world is all a part of what makes up this glorious character and show.
More to come...

Michael Taylor Gray
www.michaeltaylorgray.com