from Benno Nelson, Floor Manager

We had a lot of fun today. We spent Earth Day inside, completely dedicated to incorporating the special effects into the climax of the play. Hilariously though, since a lot of the effects include blood, and we’re not ready to clean up that kind of mess after each try, we’ve started by just using water. It makes a blood bath seem a lot more like just a bath…but with yelling.

Days like this take a lot of patience and coordination, but are completely crucial to the success of the play. We were lucky to have both Steve Tolin, the special effects master, and Nick Sandys, the fight choreographer, at hand to give advice and monitor everyone’s progress. (Incidentally, Nick’s also an actor around town and is featured in Remy Bumppo’s production of Old Times which has its dress rehearsal later tonight. Break a leg, Nick!)

Tomorrow is our last rehearsal before the grueling Tech weekend begins, but we’re in a very good place: we’re feeling comfortable about the special effects, and we’ve been able to spend a good amount of time already in the performance space. Also, tomorrow the Fire Marshal will be coming by the Theater to make sure that all of our effects are safe for indoor use and all of our exits are clear, this should just be a routine inspection, but keep your fingers crossed!