PRACTICAL SKILLS – Cabaret

*The first playlist has a current link of 63 videos which correlate to different rehearsals*

Red- Progress with a particular routine or scene.

Green- My reflection of the rehearsal footage.

Friday 15th March

Tiller Girls Rehearsal

• The following videos below show us rehearsing the opening number of Act Two, specifically videos one through to six. These videos show us experimenting with choreography, groupings and establishing timing as well as small elements of cleaning.
• The first four videos focus on the very opening sequence in which, the Emcee is featured with eight girls performing.
• Videos four through to six show different points within the routine and how the different sections interlink with one another.

I appear throughout all videos from this session ( 1- 6).

Video 1: 0:00- 0:47

Video 2: 0:00- 0:39 1:20- END

Video 3: 0:00- 0:45, 1:25- END

Video 4: 0:51- END

Video 5: 0:00- 0:44, 1:00- 1:04, 1:26- END 

Video 6: 0:30- END

I appear in the right hand corner for the main dance break in this number. Therefore, I am still performing in the routine but cannot always be seen on the video footage for this.

When watching these videos back, I notice that in the opening I am holding myself back with facial expressions and focusing on getting the choreography as accurate as possible.

• A specific moment of this is VIDEO 1, 0:20- 0:40. I think that at this moment I could have been emphasizing much more with my face to bring out the excitement of the number and my character, this also could have been great experimentation if I ever wanted to change my characteristics here.

When we return back to this routine, I am hoping that we all in confidence and bring up the energy levels. Due to this being our act two opening, it needs to be sharp and energetic. The most noticeable feature for improvement here was timing, in which will be developed in time and with dedicated cleaning sessions.

Hopefully we will revisit (using video 1 as an example) and clean the specific sections within: 1-1:30. As the choreography is very demanding and specific to our style, it is very important that all movements are very precise and on point as well as having all dancers in strong correlation to one another.

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Wednesday 20th March

Vocal Rehearsal

We began today’s rehearsal by learning ‘Willkommen’ and ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ with Claire, learning our individual groups harmonies and looking at how the ‘Kit Kat Klub’s’ part correlates to the Emcee.

• The video below specifically shows us completing a sing through of ‘Willokmmen’ once we had finished learning the song with our Musical Director Claire.

I appear singing throughout the whole video.

When watching this back, I notice that all harmonies were in place and we were all on top of what we are doing. I also noticed that the focus is at a very high level, benefitting our vocal performance. Our next stage will be to perform this as soon as possible without our sheet music to improve our facial expressions and bringing our characters out.  To do this, we will need to do extra work at home, listening to our harmonies repeatedly and working alongside the sheet music so this is imbedded.

We also completed some cleaning with our Dance Captain, to fill the remainder of our time as this vocal session finished a little earlier than scheduled.

• The following video shows us completing a run through of ‘Tiller Girls’, our Act Two Opening. We ran this, alongside other numbers with our Dance Captain Izzy.

I appear from 0:23- 0:30, 0:50- END

Looking back at this recording, I can see that I need to be bringing out my selected characteristics more. As soon as I do this, I will begin to let the choreography flow and my character will be tailoring my performance.

I notice that at 0:50 the energy drops. Even though this is a complete change in dynamics and performance qualities we need to keep our energy levels up to portray the contrasting messages in this performance.

I believe that the biggest factor which needs improvement for this number is our ending. As a team, we need a clean and a decisive way to fall which is safe and beneficial to the performance.

In comparison to our first footage of this number, I can see that we have made excellent progress. Immediately we can see that our characterisation is much clearer and we are all connecting more with the choreography and linking our characters to this. This will bring the piece to life for the audience and show them that we are completely playing someone else and not ourselves.

A specific moment of change in performance is at 0:30-0:38. I believe this looks sharper and tidier from clarification on the arm movements and the angles of these. I find this a very helpful way of working through a routine in order of achieving the best outcome.

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Thursday 21st March

Performance and Cleaning Rehearsal

*Video 12- 27 of Playlist 1*

Today we performed what we had covered so far to our director Han as well as completing large sections of cleaning to improve our performance on the whole and give us things to think about as a company.

• Videos 13 and 15 show us performing ‘Mein Heir’
• Videos 12 and 16 show us performing ‘Tiller Girls’.
• Videos 18 onwards show us cleaning and perfecting the accuracy of the Goose Marching and circular stepping section of the routine ‘Tiller Girls’.

 

• Video 12: 1:00- END
• Video 13: 1:46- END
• Video 15: 1:43- END
• Video 16: 1:12- END
• Video 18: 0:00- END
• Video 20: 0:00- END
• Video 21: 0:00- END
• Video 24: 0:00- END
• Video 25: 0:00- END
• Video 26: 0:00- END
• Video 27: 0:00- END

When watching these videos, I can see that the cleaning is showing us what will work and what will not. This is a very trial and error process due to what we are looking at. I feel that this is something that we should have never held back on. However, this is unavoidable due precautions with injuries and safety on the whole.

Looking back at the other videos of this, I feel that specifically the walking section, where we are all in close contact, can be very hard to correlate which arm moves forward at each time. As soon as we have a cleaning session on this, I feel that this will improve how we move as one. I personally think this is not accurate yet due to us all having to move at the exact same pace and time. Looking back at video 25 at 0: 55 I can see that when we are all placed and take our time with the positioning and what comes next, giving us a very clean and successful result at the end.

Specific moments to look our for in Videos 13 and 15 are: 2:40-2:50 and 2:17-2:25. I have picked out these moments because they are moments that may look more effective when in sync with one another. This will benefit the effectiveness of the number when in correlation with the style and pauses before hand.

Looking back at videos 12 and 16, I notice that parts 1:20-1:25 and 1:40-1:45 are out of sync and being performed in different orders. These would be much more effective when performed all together. However, watching this back means that we have goals to work for when recapping those routines again. Due to the partner work here, this will not be clean until the timing is clarified and vocals are set. As well as this, timing and counting is going to be a crucial factor when looking at part 2 as this is something very specific and bold (executed on the beat).

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Monday 26th March

Don’t Tell Mama Dance Rehearsal

*Video 30 of the first playlist*

I appear from 0:00- 0:30, 0:42- 3:48

• The video shows us completing a run through of ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ with Rob. Specifically, we are running the number to ensure that all choreography is accurate and in order.

When watching this back I see that at points I am focusing on the choreography and not singing full out. It is very important that we are balancing both equally from now on as they are of the same importance on stage. I also notice that at times we can find it easy to lose character, specifically in a change of tempo or dynamics. It is very important that this does not happen as the audience may lose the purpose and meaning behind this specific number.

I also think that at times we made need to look at spacing to improve the feeling for where this routine is set, a bar. We also need to portray the differences between the time periods and how this would have been executed in 1920’s-30’s. A specific moment which I notice when watching this footage back is 1:20-1:40. This is a moment in which is slower to the rest and shows a different vibe to the rest of the number. As well as timing being set, we also need to focus on the placement of the choreography and angles, this will provide a different feel as well as set out how this number develops the storyline.

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Tuesday 27th March

Vocal Rehearsal

Today we had a vocal rehearsal with our musical director Claire in which we learnt ‘Tomorrow belongs to me’, ‘I don’t care much Reprise and ‘Money, Money’. We learnt all our vocal parts and performed the vocals for these as a company.

• The first video listed below shows the alto part. Specifically this video shows Claire teaching us our parts for the song ‘I don’t care much’ as she works through and plays our part for us whilst we pick up our harmony lines.

I am singing through my part as Claire teaches it throughout the whole video (0:00-1:11).

• The second video shown below shows us completing a sing through of ‘Money, Money’ after we had finished learning this. All members of the Kit Kat Klub are singing here alongside our Emcee.

I am singing throughout but appear specifically at 0:46- 0:52, 0:54- 1:12, 1:27- 1:36, 1:44- 2:42.

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Monday 1st April

Cleaning Rehearsal, Receiving Feedback

Today we held run throughs of some numbers in the show to the principals in the cast who had spent this time blocking. We received feedback from them to see what could be improved and worked on for a better outcome. Additionally,  Rob also worked with us on the ending of ‘Mein Heir’ and the running of this so it could be in its best place before half term.

Video 3: 1:42- 3:28 (running ‘Mein Heir’)

Video 4: 1:42- 3:28 (running ‘Mein Heir’)

Video 5: 0:00-3:47 (running ‘Don’t Tell Mama’)

Video 6: 0:15- 1:46 (working through the ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ Choreography).

Vide0 7: I appear in little snippets throughout (working through the ‘Tiller Girls’ choreography with the new music).

Video 8: 0:40- 1:00, 1:08- END (working through the ‘Tiller Girls’ choreography with the new music). 

Video 9: N/A (in the audience)

Video 10: N/A (in the audience)

When watching this back, I can see that we have a very solid routine which has been developed over the course of a few rehearsals. However, I notice that I need to be more confident with my selected positions, this will show my character more and bring our the roles of the Kit Kat Klub dancers in the very early 1930’s

I can also see that we have a smoother transition between the sections of the two groups which has been developed alongside our characteristics with our pairings over the previous rehearsals. The routine has definitely improved visually as we are connecting more as a cast and beginning to unify and dance as one.

• Throughout the runs of ‘Mein Heir’, it is very clear that running the number is beneficial to our kick line. Due to the requirements of this, we need to all be moving in correlation to one another. It is very clear at 1:40-50 that we are starting to grasp this and move in a way which is both safe, comfortable and effective.
• Throughout the whole of video 6 we are cleaning and working through our set choreography. Watching this back is very helpful for both recapping what has been set and reflecting on our given performance. A specific moment showing us receiving guidance and notes on our performance is 0:50-1:00. This shows us working through and developing the choreography with our choreographer, as well as reflecting on how we work with feedback.

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Wednesday 3rd April

Cleaning Rehearsal

We ran rehearsals ourselves today with our dance captain Izzy as Han and Claire were both absent. However, one by one we had costume chats with Helena throughout the session so that these were confirmed and decided.

• These videos specifically show us running through the number ‘Mein Heir’ as a company.
• We run this twice through.
• With our dance captain Izzy, slight changes were made in today’s session.

Video 1: I appear late due to a costume chat with Helena. However, I appear from 2:30- 3:32.

Video 2: 0:27- 1:08. I am present throughout, but cannot be visually seen until the listed times.

When I watch this video back I notice that at times we are not always executing our movements full out. This is something which I think unless we set the routine to be marked, should be avoided, to personally benefit our progress.

Our changes are evident between the two contrasting videos. The changes were made from 0:45 onwards. The ending is the major difference, we set positions and added a dew movements to fill time. The added steps and changed position as well as button movement are very effective. I feel that this was a good decision and is going to benefit the routine and add the impact of characterisation and connection with the audience.

Looking back from 0:45 onwards, comparing to our previous performances, it is clear that our fluidity has improved and we are forming a cleaner performance (especially moments just before the kick line). Our next steps are to clarify what happens after this and to fill any gaps eg. just before the Kick line there is a long wait which can be avoided.

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Thursday 4th April

Blocking Rehearsal (1st)

Today we did some blocking with Han of ACT 1 SCENE 12. This scene is the party scene, in which all company are involved. This was a chance for us all to develop how our characters would stand an interact with one another. This also gave me a higher understanding of the scene as I had the opportunity to take in how this was performed and how our interaction behind adds to the storyline.

When watching this scene back I notice that we are all interacting very well and different characters are coming out. Additionally, we are all taking different movements upon ourselves and adding small dance features where necessary.

I also notice that we took direction from Han very well, especially on moments that needed a change (reactions). One major reaction was the reveal of a Nazi in the room, it was key that everyone had their own character perspective on this. It is apparent that this has happened at the time stamp 3:35-40. It is very pleasing that the smaller details are being portrayed at this point in the process as it means that we will have the opportunity to address anything new which occurs further on in the process.

I appear from 0:32- END

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Thursday 25th April

A rehearsal running all of our content with Claire

I appear from 1:52- END

Today we began to run everything that we had learnt so far with Claire’s accompaniment. This was in place to give us a feel for what we would have for our performances as well as to develop our progress. The video below shows the second performance of this number due to an unsuccessful first run (vocally).

When watching this recording back, it is immediately clear that our cleanliness has improved. As well as this, the vocals are being executed with strength and conviction (adding another element to our performance). Additionally, our transitions are noticeably cleaner with more fluid movement. Also, our interaction is beginning to develop as we are understanding and further grasping what the atmosphere would’ve been in a Kit Kat Klub.

In comparison to previous videos, it was clear that this run was lacking energy. This led to a few of us marking the routine in the end. This was clear at 3:20 onwards. However, I feel that confusion with choreography choices may have impacted upon this for a few of us.

New occurrences which may be useful to experiment with in cleaning sessions are moments 2:50- 3:08 and 3:35-3:45. These are moments in which are left empty or without a clear setting for choreography. Filling these will immediately benefit our routine and keep the ‘full’ and ‘busy’ effect. Due to the meaning behind this number, we are dancing in a specific style and the characterisation is key. This is something that will be developed with interaction and once the routine is fully cleaned.

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Friday 26th April

Staging of ‘Money Money’

I appear from 0:00- END

Today we staged the Money song with Rob, working through and developing all choreography in one session. We managed to both complete this and leave time for run through’s of the number. The video below shows one of our final performances before the end of our session.

When looking back at today’s rehearsal footage, it is clear that we all picked up the choreography exceptionally well as well as having and grasping a high understanding for the meaning behind the number ( linking to our facial expressions when performing). We were all very flexible throughout this rehearsal, as shown through the vast range of movement and use of us all throughout.  It is also shown that we are performing with a high level of energy, which is benefitting the style and comedy behind the routine.

Specific moments in which required high levels of team work and focus were 1:30-1:40 and 1:44- 1:50. These were points in which were discussed and worked with to ensure that all cast members were comfortable and executing the movements right so that our choreographic intentions came across. These are moments in which (as well as the dance all together) strong foundations were created to build upon.

Our next stages are to clean the routine, incorporate anyone who may have been missing from the following rehearsal and determined how we can execute any difficult group movements so that the fluidity levels are high.

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Wednesday 1st May

‘Don’t Tell Mama’ Cleaning

I appear throughout the whole video and I am located in the left hand corner.

Today in a session of ‘Directed Study’ all members of the Kit Kat Klub came together with our dance captain Izzy to clean the routine ‘Don’t Tell Mama’. We worked through this in great detail, looking at specific movements and used the whole session for this(1 1/2 hours).

When looking back at this footage,  I believe that we are all working very well as a unit. We are starting to move as one and perform with individuality. Our movements are sharper and carried with more intensity. Additionally, we are starting to really perform, singing alongside strongly and reacting in terms of our characters emotions and personality traits.

When comparing and contrasting with previous rehearsals of this number, it is shown that we are performing with conviction and style (portraying the idea of a 1930’s Klub in Germany). As a group we are creating a defined atmosphere and working to connect with one another through this.

I notice time stamps 1:04-1:14 and 2:04-2:11. These are very strong moments of synchronisation and accuracy. This creates an impact, showing us all supporting Sally’s choice of working in the ‘Kit Kat Klub’ as well as who we are as a dancer. The contrast between the fast and slower moments show how intriguing and controversial life in a Klub is. From now on, it is very important that our conviction is carried through here to show the audience who we all are distinctively as characters.

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Wednesday 8th May

Party Scene Blocking

I appear from 1:20- END

The video below shows us refining, developing and cleaning our blocking of ‘Act 1 Scene 12’. We worked through our original content with our director and received direction on additions to make and ways to improve our performance.

When looking back at this video, it is very clear that our synchronisation and accuracy is at a very high level, towards the end of the recording. This shows that we all worked in a very focused environment to be executing these movements at such a high level. It is also clear that our interaction is varied and that we are all grasping our individual characters. This is beneficial to the performance as it adds diversity and realistically shows how everybody’s opinions and outlook’s varied at this time in history.

Contrasting to our first adaptation and video recording of this, it is clear that our character development is progressing as well as our professionalism. We have all maintained the information from when this was set, upholding the atmosphere and small changes that Han had asked for as well as remembering our initial setting.

New moments which stand out when watching this clip are 4:20 and 4:50. These are moments in which change is inflicted from the ensemble to reflect feelings behind the text of the principal characters. If our execution of this remains strong, the powerful meaning will be reinforced.

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Wednesday 8th May

Finale Setting

I appear from 2:48- END OF CLIP

In our Season Rehearsal today, our show finale was blocked. This was a process in which required full flexibility and attention, so that time was not wasted. We worked by taking direction from Han and performing this on a trial and error basis. This is a scene in which carries several powerful messages. The whole company is used to reflect the messages told and to end the show on a very powerful note.

When watching this back some features that are very noticeable are: focus, accuracy, power and meaning. We are all performing in this clip in a very different manor to the rest of the numbers in the show. There is a sense of complete focus in the room as well as a reflective meaning behind each of our movements. The contrast in characters is something in which we will be building upon, reflecting upon answers on our research page.

Specific moments in which change or power are inflicted are: 2:38, 3:15, 3:47, 4:27, 4:36 and 5:38. These are all points in which reflect the change in music and atmosphere as well as create an ending to the story we have told. The very end, in which the Emcee reveals his final costume, is the most powerful and overwhelming. This is an ending in which understanding is necessary to benefit the conclusion of the performance. It is our job as performers to uphold this level of focus and portray the differences, as well as realistic individual feelings (from this time and place).

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Friday 10th May

A Cleaning Rehearsal of All Dances

• Video 1 shows us performing and running the number ‘Cabaret’, appearing in the show towards the end of the final act.
• I am not present in the second clip. However, this shows three company members performing ‘Two Ladies’.
• The third clip shows all cast members performing the opening to our show (Willkommen).
• The fourth video shows us running ‘Don’t Tell Mama’, which appears towards the beginning of Act 1.
• Both the fifth and sixth video show us performing a run of ‘Mein Heir’.
• The 7th clip shows us performing ‘Money Money’ all together.
• Finally, the last clip shows us dancing and performing or act two opening.

I appear from:

1. 2:40- END
2. N/A
3. 0:00- END
4. 0:00- END
5. N/A
6. 2:00- END
7. 0:00- END
8. 0:45- END

When watching these videos back, it is very pleasant to see our progress from when these routines were first started. We have developed our characters and background as well as cleanliness and understanding of our performances.

When watching video 1 back, a moment in which visually stands out is 3:10 onwards. This was due to the uncertainty with choreography and where to place ourselves. However, this is something in which Han has wishes for of changing in production week. Therefore, the cleanliness of this can be developed when all choreography is set for certain.

Looking back at video 3, It is very positive to see a vast range of distinctive characters. As the opening, this is something which should stand out to an audience as they grasp an understanding of where the show is set. However, a moment in which is very intriguing is 6:00 onwards. This is a point in which all characters come together to greet the audience, breaking down the 4th wall.

2:03 in video 4 is a very interesting moment. This is a moment in which there is a dramatic change in tempo and choreography. This brings an element of excitement to an audience and shows all contrasting characteristics to the girls and boys in the Klub.

The ending to ‘Mein Heir’ in the 6th recording is very stylistic. This grabs the attention from the audience with the button and shows our characters individual preferences and personalities from their final pose.

Throughout ‘Money Money’ there are many intriguing choices of choreography and movement. However, a moment in which is always very pleasing to see is 1:20-40. This portrays teamwork within the characters and adds to the comedic meaning behind the number.

The ending to ‘Kick line’ is one in which is placed to shock and please the audience as the comedy within the Kit Kat Klub’s views on politics are revealed. This is shown at 2:15 onwards.

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Wednesday 15th May

A Run Of both acts

The video below shows a partial amount of our casts run, of the end of act one and start of act two.This was ran today as a part of the refinement process with our director, helping us to set any props and to grasp the running order.

The ensemble are always dressing the stage. However, I appear in a scene or dance at: 16:10- 18:45, 36:00- 37:22.

When watching this video back, it is very clear that this has been a very beneficial process to our understanding of how the show will run. From this point, it is visual that our confidence grew both with the order and with where we need to place ourselves. This can happen now due to the full blocking of all scenes and dance routines (meaning we can work from our start and end positions whilst dressing the stage).

A specific number in which we have developed greatly is ‘Money Money’, Since the original blocking of this we have developed pauses and continued to work on and finalise set choreography. These are aspects in which are evident at 17:23 and 17:53. These are additions in which all contribute to the crazy and comedic style we are aiming for.

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Wednesday 15th May

Lunchtime Rehearsal of ‘Willkommen’.

I appear throughout the whole video.

The following video shows us carrying out a cleaning session in our spare time. This specifically shows a run of our opening number with counting from Maddie Beckett to help us place this correctly. We do not finish the whole number in this clip. However, approximately 3/4 of this is shown.

When watching this clip back, it is clear that our characters have developed. We are performing on the whole with more conviction and individualism than before. Additionally, we are performing very well timing wise, especially with the help of Maddie from approximately 6:30 onwards. This meant that we held a secure rhythm and synchronisation for the group section in this routine. However, Maddie held a great demonstration for what our timings should be for future references.

Our next stages are to perform this without the help of anyone counting and to know these timings ourselves. However, this routine looks very strong and we will be seeing further character development on the set with all costume, hair and makeup completed.

The following playlist shows all videos from our Production Week. This includes are technical and dress runs as well as all four nights of performances. I appear throughout all videos as cast members are always dressing the stage when not performing  a scene or dance number.

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The following videos present our opening night, following a course from start to finish. I appear throughout all videos due to the company never leaving the stage. Therefore, I am either dressing the stage on the set or partaking in the action centre stage.

Opening Night, Act 1:

Opening Night, Act Two:

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Practical skills UAL definition: the ability to use practical and technical skills and knowledge to explore, adapt and effectively communicate ideas in the realisation of identified goals

Fail Limited range of processes demonstrated, judgement and execution of techniques is poor.

Pass Adequate range of processes, skills and knowledge demonstrated. Competent execution and application of techniques used to develop ideas.

Merit Consistent and appropriate processes, skills and knowledge applied to extend enquiry and develop creative solutions.

Distinction In depth understanding and aesthetic awareness, imaginative and flexible processes, skills and knowledge applied in extensive enquiry to develop creative solutions.

The above statements show how evidence for this final unit will be assessed.