We proceeded to review Act 1. We’ve been working through the act in detail over the last few days, looking at what the engines of the characters are, and where their turning points occur. We now have very clearly drawn characters. Next we’ll be honing in on the central story lines and really clarifying the action for each character. We are getting clearer and clearer about what the relationships really are.

In the afternoon we concentrated on Act 2, and then capped it off with another invigorating session with John Stead, our fight director. What an exciting way to end 2009!

Happy New Year!

John Stead demonstrating fight moves

Yesterday most of the cast got to play rough with John Stead, fight director extraordinaire.  It started off with Ann-Marie (playing 9-year-old Edward) getting the brunt of it, tussling with Evan over a doll and then receiving convincing slaps from both Evan (as mother Betty – note the ever-present heels) and Megan. Then it was David’s turn to give Ann-Marie a nice smack across the head.

Ann-Marie MacDonald and Evan Buliung rehearsing

Ann-Marie MacDonald and David Jansen practicing

The best was saved for last, with Evan and Megan (as Mrs. Saunders) giving “cat fight” a whole new twist. Blair finally got into the action, trying to tear the two of them apart.

John Stead supervising Megan Follows and Evan Buliung's cat fight

Time to pull Evan and Megan apart