Simplify

The blocking we need (iron bell)


The blocking I'm doing (Byzantine bell)

I have, I am discovering, a habit of Byzantine blocking -- ornamental, detail upon detail, tiny windows scryed in tiny houses. I developed that habit over years of luxurious time -- having three hours to block a 2-page scene.

It does not work well, in this leaner swifter environment of three hours to block (and rehearse) a 10-to-14-page scene.

I need to lose several levels of detail. Build fewer, simpler, bigger shapes, and let the actors fill them. It's an order-of-magnitude change, not a linear one.

Okay. Off to Driftwood Players with the Costume Designer & Set Designer. Driftwood is a community theatre which is beloved by Seattle theatres, for a) having a vast collection of props, set pieces, and costumes, and b) being willing to lend, at a very cheap price, whatever you need for your show. It costs $35 to pull up to 25 costume pieces (to be returned cleaned), and $35 to borrow props & set pieces. If you borrow a lot of props/set pieces, there is an additional $35 charge.

LATER
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Got some gorgeous set pieces. A lush, pristine orange, cream, and blue carpet that's never been used -- which in a blackbox theatre is a source of light. A spidery secretary and equally delicate end table. A green velveteen robe, cut so classically it would work for the 40's, the 50's, or the 80's.