Workshop!!

So I'm one of those people who LOVES, THRIVES, ADORES "the process." I love insanely long rehearsal periods, I love when directors try and implement techniques and exercises (IF they know what they're doing). I love if there is incorporation of new skills (circus? wires? fight choreography? bring it on). I love that first day you are off book and you challenge yourself to get through the whole play without calling line. I love scoring your script and research on productions. I love dramaturgy and design presentations. I am such a nerd. 

So imagine how thrilled I was when I found out I would be involved in workshopping a new play with huge-equity-movement-based theatre company. Then imagine the smile on my face when I found out the workshop was a week long! Five days of diving into a play, doing movement exercises, improv-ing, working with the writer... I'm going to take time off of my day jobs and just play! All day! Like a kid! Woo!

Then the butterflies start to creep in.

This is a fantastic theatre company that prides itself on creating new ways of storytelling through dynamic use of space and body. The male lead who plays my love interest is a FORCE. This man is chiseled out of rock with the grace of Baryshnikov. I've been going to yoga once a week (ish), and since my shoot ended two weeks ago, lets just say I haven't been the most vigilant about my diet. Baryshnikov's equal, I am not.
Even though I'm absolutely not a trained dancer, I really love movement onstage. I totally believe in acting out of your toes, which means that even your toes should be in the shape they need to be to tell a story. So it is hard core training time. 

I'm not going to be intense about my diet like I am for on camera work-- that is simply about slimming. I want to build my strength and flexibility. I want to be able to move like a cheetah, float like a gazelle, fly like a.... am I getting carried away??

Regardless, I have two and a half weeks to build a workout regimen and get in tip top shape. I will not be out graced or out moved by some male lead. If anyone has good ideas on how to add to my strength + flexibility outside of my normal routine (kickboxing, yoga and rock climbing) please let me know.
Ill be keeping a steady track of how my preparation is going as well as blogging workshop week! Im so excited!

-- Sharina Martin