Tuesday, September 29, 2009
- Term 4 Learning Log 2 [Actual Performance] -
Due to the last minute changes before the play itself, most of the actors were unsure of what to do, most were confused, and many questions were asked.
We brought down our props to the music room, where the recording is held. A few adjustments had to be made: we had to inform the teacher that we would be filming from the side instead of the front. The positions were written on the whiteboard and everyone settled down quickly.
Everyone was nervous. This was, of course, easy to understand why. The tension in the music room was so high that smiles were soon gone from our faces. The first to start was the Duke, and I, as Shylock, stepped in slowly.
Our lines started out okay. However, when it came to Portia’s turn, she started to get a little anxious when she seemed to have forgotten her lines. I remembered that Mr Chua said about having to cover for our team members if they happened to forget their lines. After I realised that my line was right after Portia’s, I debated with myself if I should cut in if she stopped for too long. However, our Portia was able to finish the entire speech on mercy, which I found was a great accomplishment, though it was not really that perfect. But her lines were the most difficult to remember, and she also had the most number of lines too, so most of the actors understood her difficulty with the lines.
At one point, the guards seemed to be confused a little. A few of us reminded them about what they had to do, and they quickly went to grab Antonio and tied him up. It was at around this point where I went out of the camera. I forgot that the range of the camera was not wide enough, and I was practically out of the shoot.
The director signalled to me to come in, which I didn’t really notice as he was in my blind spot. It was until he ran to the other side, did I see his signal and moved back into the camera range. I started to get a little nervous at one point, as I was unsure about one of my lines. However, Gratiano helped to confirm my lines by whispering to me, so I went past that part without much problem.
The real problem came near the end. Right after I kneeled down in front of the Duke and said my lines, Portia was supposed to continue and ask Antonio if he would give Shylock mercy. However, Portia skipped that entire part, which caused me to be confused. It took me a while to catch up with what she said, and upon realising that it was my line, I said it out with a questioning look, but tried to hold the questioning tone back.
Then it was Portia’s line again, before it was mine. But I was still lost, so I forgot that I was suppose to say my line. I could hear the other actors calling my name softly, but I was still unsure. However, the Duke kind of saved me by being confused as well, thinking that Portia was signalling to him when she was actually signalling to me… I think…
Anyway, I remembered and said my line after the Duke finished his. I stood up from my place, and I had to walk out of the scene. I walked toward the wrong direction, but Nerissa and Portia corrected me by whispering, and when Gratiano started his line, I walked back in the right direction.
I was utterly disappointed. As soon as I felt that I was out of the camera range, I covered my face with my hands and walked all the way to the whiteboard. The only thing I was worried about was that the camera might have followed me. But when I turned around, it didn’t seem so, so I was a bit relieved.
After hearing that being out of the camera range was not my fault and will not be counted in the score, I felt as if I was saved, as I didn’t cause the entire group to get lesser marks than they should. Most of the team members deserved more marks, and I was in no place to take that away from them.
I can’t really say I enjoyed the entire thing. I was nervous, having to be one of the main roles. After Portia skipped the last part, I committed a lot of mistakes, and I prayed that the long silence I made would create an air of sympathy instead of awkwardness.
After everything, everyone knew that they were in no place to blame anyone of the actors. Instead, most of the actors blamed that director for changing the plan in the last minute.
{809 words}
We brought down our props to the music room, where the recording is held. A few adjustments had to be made: we had to inform the teacher that we would be filming from the side instead of the front. The positions were written on the whiteboard and everyone settled down quickly.
Everyone was nervous. This was, of course, easy to understand why. The tension in the music room was so high that smiles were soon gone from our faces. The first to start was the Duke, and I, as Shylock, stepped in slowly.
Our lines started out okay. However, when it came to Portia’s turn, she started to get a little anxious when she seemed to have forgotten her lines. I remembered that Mr Chua said about having to cover for our team members if they happened to forget their lines. After I realised that my line was right after Portia’s, I debated with myself if I should cut in if she stopped for too long. However, our Portia was able to finish the entire speech on mercy, which I found was a great accomplishment, though it was not really that perfect. But her lines were the most difficult to remember, and she also had the most number of lines too, so most of the actors understood her difficulty with the lines.
At one point, the guards seemed to be confused a little. A few of us reminded them about what they had to do, and they quickly went to grab Antonio and tied him up. It was at around this point where I went out of the camera. I forgot that the range of the camera was not wide enough, and I was practically out of the shoot.
The director signalled to me to come in, which I didn’t really notice as he was in my blind spot. It was until he ran to the other side, did I see his signal and moved back into the camera range. I started to get a little nervous at one point, as I was unsure about one of my lines. However, Gratiano helped to confirm my lines by whispering to me, so I went past that part without much problem.
The real problem came near the end. Right after I kneeled down in front of the Duke and said my lines, Portia was supposed to continue and ask Antonio if he would give Shylock mercy. However, Portia skipped that entire part, which caused me to be confused. It took me a while to catch up with what she said, and upon realising that it was my line, I said it out with a questioning look, but tried to hold the questioning tone back.
Then it was Portia’s line again, before it was mine. But I was still lost, so I forgot that I was suppose to say my line. I could hear the other actors calling my name softly, but I was still unsure. However, the Duke kind of saved me by being confused as well, thinking that Portia was signalling to him when she was actually signalling to me… I think…
Anyway, I remembered and said my line after the Duke finished his. I stood up from my place, and I had to walk out of the scene. I walked toward the wrong direction, but Nerissa and Portia corrected me by whispering, and when Gratiano started his line, I walked back in the right direction.
I was utterly disappointed. As soon as I felt that I was out of the camera range, I covered my face with my hands and walked all the way to the whiteboard. The only thing I was worried about was that the camera might have followed me. But when I turned around, it didn’t seem so, so I was a bit relieved.
After hearing that being out of the camera range was not my fault and will not be counted in the score, I felt as if I was saved, as I didn’t cause the entire group to get lesser marks than they should. Most of the team members deserved more marks, and I was in no place to take that away from them.
I can’t really say I enjoyed the entire thing. I was nervous, having to be one of the main roles. After Portia skipped the last part, I committed a lot of mistakes, and I prayed that the long silence I made would create an air of sympathy instead of awkwardness.
After everything, everyone knew that they were in no place to blame anyone of the actors. Instead, most of the actors blamed that director for changing the plan in the last minute.
{809 words}
-{ these words were written at 3:55 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
- Term 4 Learning Log 1 [Preparation] -
Like all other groups, our preparations consisted of rehearsals, meetings, costume preparations, props, and all the like.
I'll start off with the rehearsals. We did not have many rehearsals till the days near the performance date, which made most of the actors unhappy, as both directors did not really do their job. The first combined rehearsal we had was at one of the actor's house, during the September holidays. As it was extremely close to the performance date, we didn't really have time to go through many things, and everything was rushed. Most of the actors were uncertain about the actions that they had to do, and the emotions they need to show through their expressions and the way they say out their lines.
Meetings are only during the end of school days. It was usually to decide or change the roles each person is suppose to do, and the place to meet up for the rehearsals (this was on the last day of school). Other than that, there were no other meetings, except for the renting of the costumes.
This will bring me to my next part, the renting of the costumes. As we were following the original time the play was set at, instead of a modern setting, we decided to rent the costumes. We met up and went to Orchid Park Secondary School, where the costumes were rented at an affordable price.
Preparing the props was interesting. We lacked many things needed for the scene, such as a fake knife, the balance, fake money, and the bond. We were unable to find a fake knife, so we decided to use a real knife covered with aluminium foil to make sure no one cut themselves, and also keep the silver colour of the blade.
The solution to creating a balance was creative. We used a pen holder for the base, a paint brush for the stand, a wooden stick, nylon strings and paper plates for the main balance. Though it was difficult to balance it properly if you are not careful, it was still the best solution we managed to come up with. We soon fixed the balancing part by pasting double sided tape on the base.
The fake cash papers from the board game Monopoly was used for the money Bassanio planned to use to redeem Antonio. We originally planned to use a silk cloth bag containing keys, but we decided to use the fake cash papers instead.
The bond was created by using tea bags to spread over two A3 sized paper, before burning the sides to make it look more olden-like. It was only until a while later did we realised that there was no need to burn it. The two papers were then pasted together, and the text of the bond was written on one side with a black marker, with fake signatures of Antonio and Shylock.
Of course, we also had more rehearsal. The entire group was a little confused on the day itself concerning the acting as we were told to act according to a real movie on The Merchant of Venice, which is generally different from the ones which we had planned. Most of the actors were angry at the director for changing the plan at the last minute, causing everyone to be unsure of what to do again.
{558 words}
I'll start off with the rehearsals. We did not have many rehearsals till the days near the performance date, which made most of the actors unhappy, as both directors did not really do their job. The first combined rehearsal we had was at one of the actor's house, during the September holidays. As it was extremely close to the performance date, we didn't really have time to go through many things, and everything was rushed. Most of the actors were uncertain about the actions that they had to do, and the emotions they need to show through their expressions and the way they say out their lines.
Meetings are only during the end of school days. It was usually to decide or change the roles each person is suppose to do, and the place to meet up for the rehearsals (this was on the last day of school). Other than that, there were no other meetings, except for the renting of the costumes.
This will bring me to my next part, the renting of the costumes. As we were following the original time the play was set at, instead of a modern setting, we decided to rent the costumes. We met up and went to Orchid Park Secondary School, where the costumes were rented at an affordable price.
Preparing the props was interesting. We lacked many things needed for the scene, such as a fake knife, the balance, fake money, and the bond. We were unable to find a fake knife, so we decided to use a real knife covered with aluminium foil to make sure no one cut themselves, and also keep the silver colour of the blade.
The solution to creating a balance was creative. We used a pen holder for the base, a paint brush for the stand, a wooden stick, nylon strings and paper plates for the main balance. Though it was difficult to balance it properly if you are not careful, it was still the best solution we managed to come up with. We soon fixed the balancing part by pasting double sided tape on the base.
The fake cash papers from the board game Monopoly was used for the money Bassanio planned to use to redeem Antonio. We originally planned to use a silk cloth bag containing keys, but we decided to use the fake cash papers instead.
The bond was created by using tea bags to spread over two A3 sized paper, before burning the sides to make it look more olden-like. It was only until a while later did we realised that there was no need to burn it. The two papers were then pasted together, and the text of the bond was written on one side with a black marker, with fake signatures of Antonio and Shylock.
Of course, we also had more rehearsal. The entire group was a little confused on the day itself concerning the acting as we were told to act according to a real movie on The Merchant of Venice, which is generally different from the ones which we had planned. Most of the actors were angry at the director for changing the plan at the last minute, causing everyone to be unsure of what to do again.
{558 words}
-{ these words were written at 3:26 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
Friday, September 18, 2009
- Term 4 Week 1 Learning Log -
As there is suppose to be 10 learning logs of Term 3 to be completed, I decided to fill it in for week 5, where Mr Chua was absent on both lessons because of the H1N1 incident...
The two lessons were both filled with rehearsals, so there really is not much to talk about. However, as our actual performance was later the week, it really helped us in confirming what we have to do, and also allow us to gain more confidence, as well as understanding for our own roles.
As most of the lines for The Merchant of Venice was confusing and difficult to remember, especially Portia's, the entire group helped each other to remember their lines, and the actions required. However, the bad thing was that the rehearsal was nothing better than the previous ones as everyone was still not serious.
Some of the group members began to get a little anxious because of it. But some still did not comply, and the rehearsal did not really give us must progress with the acting.
I actually find that having the entire week filled with rehearsals is actually quite beneficial, since it allows us to have more time to work on the play, especially when it covers 70% of the final mark.
It will also decide if I will be able to take up Literature next year. The thing is, though, I'm not very confident with my essays. If I can get over that, I will definitely take up the subject.
{252 words}
The two lessons were both filled with rehearsals, so there really is not much to talk about. However, as our actual performance was later the week, it really helped us in confirming what we have to do, and also allow us to gain more confidence, as well as understanding for our own roles.
As most of the lines for The Merchant of Venice was confusing and difficult to remember, especially Portia's, the entire group helped each other to remember their lines, and the actions required. However, the bad thing was that the rehearsal was nothing better than the previous ones as everyone was still not serious.
Some of the group members began to get a little anxious because of it. But some still did not comply, and the rehearsal did not really give us must progress with the acting.
I actually find that having the entire week filled with rehearsals is actually quite beneficial, since it allows us to have more time to work on the play, especially when it covers 70% of the final mark.
It will also decide if I will be able to take up Literature next year. The thing is, though, I'm not very confident with my essays. If I can get over that, I will definitely take up the subject.
{252 words}
-{ these words were written at 3:12 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
Saturday, September 5, 2009
- Term 3 Week 10 Learning Log -
The first lesson was a school holiday due to Teachers' Day... Hopefully the great teachers can have a good rest on this day... Even though they can only enjoy the peace for about 14 hours...
Well, the second lesson was another in-class essay. Practically there is nothing to talk much about for lessons with in-class essays, as we don't really learn much but only go through what we had learn. Like some kind of a revision.
However, I am sure I didn't do well for it. My mind was a complete blank when I wrote down the words. Probably because Mr Chua said that it was different from the 3 points essay we always do, and having to write something in a format which I have no clue of and on a topic, though interesting to me, I am still unsure of, made me a little panicky. I couldn't really think properly despite looking at the worksheet and my file. I just jotted what came to my mind, despite knowing that they were all crap and a too general view of things. I didn't think about the situation deeper enough, and I was disappointed with myself when I passed the paper up.
For sure, I'm gonna score badly for this one.
{211 words}
Well, the second lesson was another in-class essay. Practically there is nothing to talk much about for lessons with in-class essays, as we don't really learn much but only go through what we had learn. Like some kind of a revision.
However, I am sure I didn't do well for it. My mind was a complete blank when I wrote down the words. Probably because Mr Chua said that it was different from the 3 points essay we always do, and having to write something in a format which I have no clue of and on a topic, though interesting to me, I am still unsure of, made me a little panicky. I couldn't really think properly despite looking at the worksheet and my file. I just jotted what came to my mind, despite knowing that they were all crap and a too general view of things. I didn't think about the situation deeper enough, and I was disappointed with myself when I passed the paper up.
For sure, I'm gonna score badly for this one.
{211 words}
-{ these words were written at 2:05 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
Saturday, August 29, 2009
- Term 3 Week 9 Learning Log -
For the first lesson, we were given a worksheet where we had to fill in the blanks for the setting of Prose Passage 2. Mr Chua commented that some of us might have already read it before, and that was a clue telling us that it was from a famous book. The next thing that confirmed my guess was the words "Company of the Ring", which said straight to me that it was from Lord of the Rings. Surprisingly, the scene written was the scene right before the scene of the movie which I had watched on TV once, so it was interesting to find out what happened to them before they were attacked.
The worksheet, however, was kinda tricky. I was almost unable to find the answers to them. The most unlucky thing was that I lost my highlighter, so when we had to highlight, I had to borrow from someone else (but I managed to find it later on anyway). The way the things were described was amazing. Now I know why the novel was so famous (maybe I should try it someday...).
Moving on, we were given back our test papers on the second lesson. But before that, we were given three examples of the work of our classmates. It was interesting to see other people's works. After going through the first one, I started worrying for my marks as I didn't go by that format.
Luckily, I managed to pass the test! Yes! I was so happy, especially since my previous essays all failed terribly. I guess the June Holidays really did fry my brain...
Hopefully I can score better next time as passing by just 1.5 marks is not really a good thing... Plus I'm aiming to take Literature next year. I must really revise my previous work now and see my mistakes.
{308 words}
The worksheet, however, was kinda tricky. I was almost unable to find the answers to them. The most unlucky thing was that I lost my highlighter, so when we had to highlight, I had to borrow from someone else (but I managed to find it later on anyway). The way the things were described was amazing. Now I know why the novel was so famous (maybe I should try it someday...).
Moving on, we were given back our test papers on the second lesson. But before that, we were given three examples of the work of our classmates. It was interesting to see other people's works. After going through the first one, I started worrying for my marks as I didn't go by that format.
Luckily, I managed to pass the test! Yes! I was so happy, especially since my previous essays all failed terribly. I guess the June Holidays really did fry my brain...
Hopefully I can score better next time as passing by just 1.5 marks is not really a good thing... Plus I'm aiming to take Literature next year. I must really revise my previous work now and see my mistakes.
{308 words}
-{ these words were written at 1:50 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
Saturday, August 22, 2009
- Term 3 Week 8 Learning Log -
Well, we had our in-class essay on the first lesson, as promised. I felt that I didn't really put in much effort, as I was unsure about how to 'debate' about my view points. I guess the June holidays seriously messed up my head.
As the essay was nothing much, and we did not learn any... much... from it, I will just continue onto the next lesson.
The next lesson was more interesting... probably only to people like me.
This time, we were given a lecture on settings in a story. It had four aspects: time, place, physical environment, and social environment. I was confused about the last two as I always thought that they were the same. However, physical environment referred more to the non-living things in the surrounding area, such as buildings, tables, benches, and such (as well as some living things like plants and animals). Social environment referred to the people in the place, like your parents, your friends and everything. These are usually important as they often help to represent a character's personality. And example that we were given was a picture of Snow White and a little green bird. Mr Chua said that if it was a bird of prey, wouldn't it look strange? I started to giggle when I imagined Snow White standing with a vulture sitting on her arm.
We were also taught about the atmosphere of a scene, and how the setting affects it. It was interesting to know many other professional stories as well, amazing ideas there, and I found it an inspiring topic. Actually, I was more interested to know what every was the plot for every story than the lesson itself! But I suppose that is interest plus curiosity, so I couldn't help myself (and curiosity killed the cat, I know).
Overall, it was another interesting lesson which I enjoyed. Now, I'm getting kinda worried about my play. Hopefully my team won't mess it up somehow.
{327 words}
As the essay was nothing much, and we did not learn any... much... from it, I will just continue onto the next lesson.
The next lesson was more interesting... probably only to people like me.
This time, we were given a lecture on settings in a story. It had four aspects: time, place, physical environment, and social environment. I was confused about the last two as I always thought that they were the same. However, physical environment referred more to the non-living things in the surrounding area, such as buildings, tables, benches, and such (as well as some living things like plants and animals). Social environment referred to the people in the place, like your parents, your friends and everything. These are usually important as they often help to represent a character's personality. And example that we were given was a picture of Snow White and a little green bird. Mr Chua said that if it was a bird of prey, wouldn't it look strange? I started to giggle when I imagined Snow White standing with a vulture sitting on her arm.
We were also taught about the atmosphere of a scene, and how the setting affects it. It was interesting to know many other professional stories as well, amazing ideas there, and I found it an inspiring topic. Actually, I was more interested to know what every was the plot for every story than the lesson itself! But I suppose that is interest plus curiosity, so I couldn't help myself (and curiosity killed the cat, I know).
Overall, it was another interesting lesson which I enjoyed. Now, I'm getting kinda worried about my play. Hopefully my team won't mess it up somehow.
{327 words}
-{ these words were written at 1:30 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
Saturday, August 15, 2009
- Term 3 Week 7 Learning Log -
Mr Chua did not come for the first lesson, so I will not linger too much on that day.
For the next lesson, though we were suppose to have an in-class essay, it was pushed back due to his absence for the previous lesson. Instead, we were brought to the Indian Corner on the 3rd floor, where we were given a briefing about things we need to take note of during the play. It was interesting to know about all these things as it would be best if we could do the play to the best standard that we could.
Soon, we were seperated into our groups for our rehersals. It was a bit of a mess, as some of my team mates were still unsure of their lines, how to pronounce certain unfamiliar words, and all of the other team mates will have to correct him or her. It was also extremely noisy, making it hard to hear our team mates' lines.
We were later gathered together again, and Mr Chua wanted to show the teams doing Romeo & Juliet how to act out the kissing scene. Since I am acting the Merchant of Venice, I won't explain about it. However, it was hilarious when he got Sean to be Juliet and the entire class was cheering and laughing their heads off. That was most probably because we are all 'dirty minded'... Yes, kids at our age are like that. But many people from other classes were watching as well, expecially when the bell rang and all the students came out from the classes, and sees Sean on the stage with a male teacher practising a kissing scene... Well, okay, no more on that topic.
For now, I will just have to say that was the best Literature lesson ever because of the late comedy at the end. But of course, we also learnt some important things to take careful note of while acting.
{325 words}
For the next lesson, though we were suppose to have an in-class essay, it was pushed back due to his absence for the previous lesson. Instead, we were brought to the Indian Corner on the 3rd floor, where we were given a briefing about things we need to take note of during the play. It was interesting to know about all these things as it would be best if we could do the play to the best standard that we could.
Soon, we were seperated into our groups for our rehersals. It was a bit of a mess, as some of my team mates were still unsure of their lines, how to pronounce certain unfamiliar words, and all of the other team mates will have to correct him or her. It was also extremely noisy, making it hard to hear our team mates' lines.
We were later gathered together again, and Mr Chua wanted to show the teams doing Romeo & Juliet how to act out the kissing scene. Since I am acting the Merchant of Venice, I won't explain about it. However, it was hilarious when he got Sean to be Juliet and the entire class was cheering and laughing their heads off. That was most probably because we are all 'dirty minded'... Yes, kids at our age are like that. But many people from other classes were watching as well, expecially when the bell rang and all the students came out from the classes, and sees Sean on the stage with a male teacher practising a kissing scene... Well, okay, no more on that topic.
For now, I will just have to say that was the best Literature lesson ever because of the late comedy at the end. But of course, we also learnt some important things to take careful note of while acting.
{325 words}
-{ these words were written at 1:15 AM }--{ the soft replies came from 0 strangers }-
