First Tech for Cloud 9

Tonight is the first technical rehearsal for Cloud 9. I've just stepped out after watching almost an hour. Cynthia, the director, has decided to run this first one as a cue-to-cue. It seems to be going smoothly. Meanwhile, A Midsummer Night's Dream is rehearsing across the hall on the Strayer-Wood stage. Now we are entering a time when all involved must be aware of the needs of the other show as well as their own and point out any potential conflicts or problems in the shared spaces.

Rep prep week has been going well. I've heard reports from both the costume and scenic studios that much has been accomplished. I've stopped in the studios numerous times throughout the week and have witnessed the heightened level of activity. Electrics and paint work has been successfully scheduled on the stages right along side the scenery construction work. I mentioned in the last post that an alum, Eugenia, had showed up on our door step Monday afternoon. Many thanks to Eugenia as she has spent the last four days helping with the painting of Cloud 9 and plastering walls for Midsummer. The paint charge for the shows, Jenny, has been excited to work with her.

I've spent the last three days putting together the program for the show, despite two days of computer problems. But that's a whole other story. While typing the lists of students (and faculty volunteers) who have worked on scenic and costume construction, I've noticed that several students have moved beyond the roles they have usually put themselves in and helped in other areas. The teaching philosophy of the UNI Department of Theatre has long included an emphasis on training a well-rounded student, exposing all majors to various areas of study within the program. It's nice to see that so many of the students are willing to make the choice themselves to expand their horizens.