Process: building the first frankenstein
Week 1: The Workshop
Amanda connected with Joanna Harmon, an experienced interactive performer, writer, and director, to lead a 5 day workshop with the cast.
Throughout the 5 days, Joanna introduced basic interactive performance skills, how to rehearse with volunteers, and offered side coaching as Amanda & Jack introduced their text.
Week 2 & 3: The Rehearsal
After Joanna left town, and with Jack living in Chicago, Amanda was on her own to continue rehearsal. She met with the cast to refine the scene work and rehearse with volunteer audience participants. Once each scene was solidified, the team built transitions and clarified timing at Amanda's home.
The show didn't have a proper title then- we just called it:
A Party at Anna's: An Interactive Theater Playtest.
These days, it's called Phoebe's Reign. Not in love with it tbh, email us with suggestions.
Week 4: The Product!
USC's Acapella group, the SoCal Vocals, kindly allowed their fraternity house as a venue. The cast had one afternoon to re-block in their new space before they launched into a 2 show day.
A fantastic full house of 40 USC students, family, and friends packed into the house. The 8pm show was electric- the movement from room to room, the drama, the games, the drinks...
The team was delighted to discover that this idea most certainly had legs to stand on.
