DEAR SARA JANE REHEARSAL JOURNAL

6PM Tuesday June 2, 2009:

First Rehearsal: We began with a read-thru of the script. Victor Lodato read his play to us in his own voice. It was exciting to hear the playwright read. We learned so much about the play after listening to the writer read his own words. It was very cool to hear the author’s tempo, rhythm and pace… Victor created this story and invented this character…so it was a real treat to just sit back and listen to his voice. I always enjoy listening to a playwright read their play.

After Victor’s read-thru, we discussed the play…asked specific questions RE: his inspiration for the story… the time line of the events etc. Then we did a second Read-Thru with Joey Parsons who is playing the role of Sara Jane. Joey gave a beautiful and heartfelt reading. Then we discussed the play some more…giving the playwright and actor the opportunity to talk and listen to each other.

Wednesday June 3, 2009   Rehearsal #2: Table Work.

We began rehearsal with a four hour Read-thru sitting at the table. We broke the play up into short scenes and I had Joey read each scene…allowing time to stop and ask questions etc. It was a very productive working rehearsal.

After doing table-work we broke for lunch and Victor and I met with Peggy McKowen, the Production Designer for DEAR SARA JANE. Peggy shared her costume sketches and a model of her set design with Victor. Peggy has created an imaginative design that truly supports the “world of the play.” Then we returned to the rehearsal hall for a four hour work session. We staged  the first eight pages.

ABOUT JOEY PARSONS/ Sara Jane: Joey is an actor from New York City with acting credits that include Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theaters, Television and Film. She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.

Ed Herendeen