The Rehearsal Process, Part One

Welcome "Woyzeck"

Willamette University Theatre began rehearsals for it's upcoming production of Georg Büchner's last work, Woyzeck on the evening of March 9.

Franz Woyzeck is an impoverished soldier in a small town. Bullied by his captain and subjected to bizarre medical experimentation by an army doctor, Woyzeck’s nerves are already strained when he begins to suspect that his common-law wife, Marie, is having an affair with a drum major. Through a series of vignettes, the play charts Woyzeck’s increasing distrust and anger until, overcome with jealousy and despair, he is driven to destroy the only thing he has ever loved.

As is customary for our blog, we send a weekly questionnaire to designers, director, and other members of the production team to hear first hand about the progress of the show. For the week of March 16-20, director Jonathan Cole, department co-chair and theatre history/directing professor, had many positive things to say about the process thus far, stating:

1. What were your goals for the week?
We attempted to get the entire show on its feet in rough form, and to begin to flesh out transitions. And we did it! I'm so very proud of my actors and production team... the actors particularly have been kicking ass and taking names in terms of work ethic, responsibility and professionalism.

2. What challenges did you face?

We've had a little trouble moving from a totally open structure (text) to a linear one (telling the story). We're now on the same page, but it was a little difficult getting there.

3. Did anything turn out differently than your original plan? Any good

surprises?

Yes! Some of the vignettes/image work that we had talked about really didn't seem like it was going to fit once I saw the play on its feet. I'm delighted to say I was totally wrong: we added some of them back in, and they're AMAZING.

4. Was there a student that contributed largely to this week’s

progress?

Sooo many: Britt Lauer, Sarah Lydecker, Geoff Suthers. . . and Bob Alsman has really stepped in in terms of leading the cast.
5. Were there any new materials/techniques that you were excited to

incorporate this week?

Not so much.

6. Did you have an “ah-ha!” moment this week?

Just #3 above.

7. What can students do next week to help with progress?

Have a great break and come back ready to hit it hard!

8. What did you accomplish this week?

We got the show staged (in rough form), and we're able to run off book. By the END OF THE SECOND WEEK. My actors are mighty and fierce!!!

9. What are you looking forward to for next week’s work?

The break will hopefully give things time to steep and deepen for the actors. We start stylistic work and coaching the first week back from break, so that will be the next big task - and I'm VERY excited!

Be sure to check back next week for rehearsal shots and more progress updates on the Willamette University Theatre production of Woyzeck.

The show runs April 17-May 2, check www.wutheatre.com for showtimes and ticket prices!

Congratulations to "Beauty Queen of Leenane!"

On Saturday, March 7 Willamette University Theatre's production of Beauty Queen of Leenane closed, following a successful three-week run. Congratulations to the company for a thought-provoking and excellently executed piece of theatre! As with each Willamette University Theatre production, strike for Beauty Queen... was held the following day, with all company members pitching in to sort props, dismantle the set, and prepare the Kresge theater for it's upcoming production of Woyzeck, written by Georg Buchner and directed by department co-chair and Directing/Theatre History professor Jonathan Cole.
Following are a few pictures from Beauty Queen... strike, thank you to Technical Director Rachel Kinsman Steck for the submissions!

Be sure to check back next week for updates and progress shots of the upcoming production of Woyzeck, which will run April 17-May 2, with a preview on April 16!
Well deserved congratulations once again to Beauty Queen of Leenane, and we so look forward to sharing the process of Woyzeck with you in the coming weeks!