Theater Insider with Amy Rowland


Theater Insider with Amy Rowland: Warm-ups
At 3:20 each day after school, all members of the theater production gather in Allen Theater for rehearsal. Before we begin, we take about 10 minutes to relax and get ourselves focused on theater. This is what we call “warm-ups.”
We take warming-up in two stages: In the first, we take time to physically warm up, similarly to how one warms up for sports. We loosen up our hands, legs, neck, shoulders, etc. This allows us to move about flexibly and relieve any tension.
The second stage consists of warming up our minds. We close our eyes, take several deep breaths, and think of something from our day that has been bothering us; something aggravating that would not benefit us in rehearsal. We take a deep breath and leap into the air, as we reach up and “release” our burden we chose to let go. Then, we repeat this process- however, this time, we think of something that WOULD benefit us in rehearsal. We all take a deep breath, jump into the air, and metaphorically grab whatever it is we need, whether it being confidence, patience, or concentration. We take a moment to reflect on what we need, as take a moment to find some joy. Not only do we find joy, but it helps to put aside any negativity from the day, and replacing it with good vibes.  
Warming-up truly sets a good tone for rehearsal, and an overall better day. 

Cristiena's Weekly Wednesday Walkthrough

Follow Christiena Auguste on a tour of the workshop where the sets are made


Ready Set Improv


Ready Set Improv
This play is unlike any other Berkshire has ever put on. Right now the cast is up against the challenge of improvising scenes, and developing the storyline of the play. For example when we first got the scrip one of the character’s storylines was that he wanted to be an artist when he grew up but his dad wanted him to go to college because his sister was “the one artist in the family”. Now the cast and Mr. Howard have decided to make the same character have a new storyline. Denis is now a successful businessman, but wanted to be a professional baseball player when he was younger.

The progression of the script is a very time consuming but rewarding task. Especially for the actors because on show night the audience will not know what parts were in the original script but the performers will. Mr. Howard is the improvisation teacher at Berkshire School so this is right in his wheelhouse. Be sure to ask the cast after the show if your favorite part was in the original script. 

Theater Insider with Amy Rowland: Line Read Through


Theater Insider: Line Read Through
One of the very special traditions we all enjoy to kick off the theater season is the first official rehearsal, a.k.a the “Read Through.” As the cast list comes up, each member of the cast and crew receives their script, and we all begin the first rehearsal.
Now, first, let me explain a little bit what this “Read Through” is.
It is exactly what it sounds like. In short, we basically “read through” the entire script. We all sit in a circle on the stage and read aloud the lines as our characters. This allows each member of the cast to get a feel for how their lines are said. This often leads to visions as to how the play could be performed on stage, or picturing possible quirks to help form our characters.
And, last but not least, there is my personal favorite part of line run… Cake! To initiate our script read through, we all get to devour the delicious milk and cake waiting for us in the center of the circle. What better way to start the fall play season? 

Christiena's Weekly Walk Through

Get a close look at rehearsal with senior Christiena Auguste


Back At Berkshire with a new Fall Play


Plans is an original heartfelt comedy created and written by Mr. Howard's past students at Berkshire Country Day. The play is still in production and the cast is improvising and constantly changing the script. This process is very interesting because we are still changing the script and will be for a few more weeks. On performance nights some of the scenes will be slightly improv. The production follows the lives of three middle age neighbors whose sixteen-year-old selves come back and give them grief because their lives are not the way the sixteen year olds had imagined. The neighbors live in a world where past memories and experiences shape their behaviors. There is another level of comedic commentary from an untraditional Greek chorus full of geeks. There are many realistic sad and funny moments that are a lot like ones that you might have with your friends and parents. This is unlike any play that Berkshire has ever put on, and is the don’t miss play of the year. So stay posted for the dates and times of the show and keep up to date with its progress by following the theater blog.