Week 10: The Shows, and the last Class

So first, my show. Realism was a challenge. But I think it was fitting that the first time I tackled it was after taking the plotting and composition classes last quarter. I couldn’t make huge, bold gestures of light. Instead, I had to take what I learned and apply it in a much more subtle way. Understanding sculpting and composition allowed me to have (according to Lonnie and Jaymi) good composition without (my own conjecture) relying on bold colors and varying angles. Everything stayed within a tight pallet.

Speaking of angles, like I said in my last post (I think?) I really enjoyed using the high sides. I think it really allowed me to use them as an emotional tool without compromising my source.

I unfortunately could only see two other shows on campus. The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon-Marigols, designed but Naomi, was so beautiful. There were a couple of moments I didn’t totally understand, but I loved it when light would come through the windows. There was one moment in particular that was really stunning. During a scene transitions the only light on shone through the DSR window that was boarded up with newspaper. The way it fell upon the set was amazing.

I also saw Bare Bone’s Tea for Two or Three. It made me really excited to get back to designing for dance. I had a really great experience with Pizza Man. I love theatre people, trying to fit everything together (sound, scenic, direction, ect) and getting to know more people in my major. However, seeing the Bare Bone’s showcase made me really, really excited to get back to dance lighting. It’s really where my lighting designer heart lays. To me dance is pure expression. It’s one of the reasons why as a performing artists I have gravitated towards dance. And of course it’s fun getting to know people from a similar, but different discipline.

One awkward thing was that one of the pieces I will be designing next quarter was in the showcase. It was a little weird to see another designer’s vision on something I will be designing.

It is a little sad that I have designed what will most likely be my last play at UCI. I’m designing so much next quarter, but none of them are plays. I also hope that these last shows next quarter aren’t the last things I ever light. I’m not really sure how to crack into the lighting field (especially for dance lighting), but I’ve started making connections here at school so I’ll just have to wait and see where it goes. And hopefully I’ll be better at plotting!

The Dramatic Imagination is, in an unfortunate way, still extremely relevant. It’s unfortunate because we’ve only shifted minor-ly into the world Mr. Jones imagined. Realism does have touches of heightened truth within it now, but realism dominates theatre. I’m probably going to end up coming back to school to watch shows. Realism theatre is great, I don’t hate it. But I think the university setting is the best place to see more experimental theatre because it’s safe to do that here.

I hope I can take this class and eventually use it outside of school, and try to apply it possibly to film.