by Janine Sobeck, dramaturg Friday night, The Servant of Two Masters entered the newest phase of rehearsal: tech. Technical Rehearsals (most commonly known as "tech") is when we leave the classroom we've been rehearsing in and move on stage. One by one, the technical elements of costume, make-up, lights, sound, and props are added, and every night we get a little closer to having the full show on stage. For this show, the first order of business was spacing. With the nature of the set, the cast needed time to see how blocking they've been practicing worked with the backdrop (with its door and shutters), the fountain, the ropes, and the entrances and exit. Once the cast felt comfortable with the space, the second element added was props. While the cast had access to "rehearsal props" during the first few weeks (items that resemble or stand in place of the actual props), the transition from rehearsal props to real props can always be a little tricky. Some items don't work the same way, or are a slightly different size or shape, and so the cast, director, stage manager and prop designer have to work together to make sure that everything is perfect. Tonight we start to add two more elements: lights and costumes. Since lights and costumes can have a major effect on each other (just imagine what would happen if you had a beautiful red dress put under a dark green light), lights and costumes are being added together to make sure that both designers (as well as the director) are happy with the results. With each night we are getting one step closer to the final look of the show! And just to give you an idea, here's a little sneak peak at one of our publicity photos...
