Every year, All saints’ has held a production. Wether its a musical or a play, I have always enjoyed the theatrical arts. This was why I was so excited to be in one of the productions, this year’s being Mamma Mia!
I did not have a major role, rather i was in a three in one role as; an ensemble member, a drag queen and the priest. I was nervous at first, as you could say i was one of the more inexperienced as a main cast member as most of the roles i had done previously were ensemble. But those fears were diminished as soon as I walked in the room. The whole cast were amazing to be around and were always open to giving me feedback on either my makeup or my performance.
Like always we always make mistakes, but i always tried to improve on them and I always voiced my ideas on problems in the scene, usually always problems with my own character. I always tried to present at as many of the rehearsals, even when i was not needed, but I always loved being there seeing the other peoples progress on their own characters and scenes.
Someone who I give a lot of credit to for helping me improve on my voice performance was Mr. David Harries. I had a singing role as part of my drag queen part. I was in choir, but other than that I haven’t really had one on one vocal training. When I was practicing my song, he pointed out things i could improve on, like slides, volume, and the twang that musical actors have. I owe it to him for my singing to be improved, and that was one of the big skills i had found while the production was in process.
COVID
Then, lockdown.
It was what we were all dreading. We had not had one in almost 6 months, than another one appeared. It was really hard, and it made quite a lot of the cast and crew embers nervous. But, we found our ways.
Some of us kept in tough online, having zoom calls, talking to each other about what their life was like staying at home