What is this things called Acting?

UPstageWA | 08/09/2006 - 19:23

Perth | Actor | Billboard Bulletins | Director | Theatre

Address:
Large Meeting Room, Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, West Perth

17th October 2007

Seen any theatre lately? Been in a production?
Did you enjoy it? Was some of it, well... y'know.

UPstageWA is a company that wants to raise the bar on theatre. The aim is to provide opportunities for community theatre practitioners of all levels to learn from industry professionals and respected community theatre practitioners including fantastic networking opportunities for people in community theatre.

There will be a series of Discussion Panels and Master-classes i that "tell it like it is" on various topics. You may be confronted, you may not necessarily like everything you hear, but we assure you of the most interesting theatrical panel discussions you will ever experience.

Panel members will consist of industry professionals, respected community theatre practitioners, and people who have experience, background and credibility to shake us up a little. One week later, the panel will be followed by a Master-class which will deal with the issues raised at the panel discussion.

When: Our first Discussion Panel will be on Acting, Tuesday, October 17th at 7.30pm.

Cost: Discussion Panel is $10 per person ($5 for students)
Master-class is $15 per person (10$ for students)
Master-class bookings will be opened at the Discussion Panel – Places limited for the Master-class

Contact: Use the Write to Author link below to request more details.

Further Info Name:
UPstageWA - Refer to this link

http://www.theatre.asn.au/meeting/2006/upstagewa_what_is_this_thing_called_acting

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Looking forward to this

Author: Labrug
Date: 10/09/2006 - 21:46

Want to express your frustrations over theatre in Perth/WA/Australia? Maybe you want to hear what others think? Or maybe you're feeling a little alone out there in the underground movement that is theatre and want to find/meet others who share your passions?

It is time to shake theatre up a little. In Perth at least. I invite you all to come along and hear what respected industry members have to say, then have your own say. I'm going to be there and you can bet your @$$ I'll be adding my buck's worth, or is that 2 cents worth? What is the value of free-speech these days?

Come-on guys, don't be square, chicken, boring, <add descriptive term here>. Come along and make it one of the most interesting nights you'll attend in a long time. I can promise you, it will be different.

Show your support and interest - post a reply - send a message to UPstageWA - Run down the street naked screaming "I'm going to UPstageWA". We'll hear you. Eye-wink

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Are you coming?

Author: UPstageWA
Date: 17/09/2006 - 17:04

As a lead up to this new and ongoing series of events, we at UPstageWA would love to hear your comments of theatre in Australia Today.

What's good about it? What's not? What can be done? Can anything be done?
If you were to attend a discussion on Acting, what would you like to hear discussed?

We have our own ideas, but this is Community Theatre and everyone get's to have a say.
Have your say here, and then come along and see what all the noise is about.

UPstageWA - Raising the Bar for Theatre in WA

The Craft

Author: Labrug
Date: 18/09/2006 - 08:49

Personally, I think the general level of Acting around WA/Perth is pretty damn good. There are a significant number of talented and highly skilled performers.

If there is anything specific lacking or I feel needs to be addressed, it is stage craft. How to move your character around stage without upstaging yourself or other actors. How to make those movements appear natural, fluid and without stiffness. How to appear "Involved" in the scene even though you may not have any lines for the next four pages, etc.

The way an actor moves about the stage, in relation to the set, fellow performers, the lighting arrangements can completely change the presentation of the character. A Director can help to guide the actors through basic movement dynamics, but it is the development of the character itself that these dynamics can have either a supportive or destructive.

In nearly every show, there has been at least one or two performers whom have struggled with these concepts. Masking themselves unintentionally, not confident enough to move into a better position, etc. Common mistakes I have seen include;

Take a step forward, speak your line, take a step back.
Turning upstage presenting your back to the audience while speaking.
Not paying attention to the scene and drawing (inadvertently) the audience away from the main action.
In addition, not being "In The Moment".
Telegraphing Queues - Actively listening for your key line.
Leading with the down-stage foot when making big moves (turns your back on the audience).

And this is just the start of the list. Any discussion or workshop on acting I feel should at least cover the basics of Movement and Stage Craft.

I was involved in one production some years back where the male Lead walked like a Thunder-Birds Puppet. No joke! It was monumentally distracting for both the audience and the actors. The story was quickly lost and the focus was his style of walking.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Some of these points are

Author: Kirilee
Date: 18/09/2006 - 20:15

Some of these points are very valid, dear Mr Labrug, but also, we should also exam aspects such as breaking these "rules" of stagecraft.

For example, it can be quite powerful (in my limited, true) experience, that having a back to the audience is a very powerful thing - even when delivering lines.

And depending on characters, sometimes having an awkurd walk or stepping forward for speaking then stepping back, works.

I'm hoping that such things will be addressed in the coming panel.

The rules and how/when to break them.

When Rules get in the way.

Author: Labrug
Date: 19/09/2006 - 08:28

I can't remember where or who, but once upon a time I learned a dialogue that went something like;

All truth/rules have their exceptions; occasions where they are to be broken; A lie is simply a truth with a very large number of exceptions.

The statement "Every Crow is Black" is suddenly false when an albino crow walks past or some wayward youth pulls out a can of spray paint and colours one pink.

This is the same for all rules and guidelines. There are times where breaking them can present a very powerful symbol, and we broke a few rules in Quake. Eye-wink

My specific concerns are more (as Alex mentions) when it is a sign of poor skills or inexperience. Before any actor can effectively break the rules as such, they must know what the rules are in order to understand the best opportunities to break them.

Rules broken in character are rules broken well. Rules broken from laziness, inexperience, poor skills, or pure arrogance are distructive to the performance.

On the whole, I agree with you Kirilee. I just see it as needing to go back to basics first. If you come along to the panel, you can pose these very questions yourself. I look forward to seeing you there.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

I quite like breaking

Author: Alex Milne
Date: 18/09/2006 - 20:50

I quite like breaking theatre rules when its done purposelfully, but i really find it painful when its just a sign of bad acting and staging. As for actors movement, Movement and basic dance and yogic training i think is vital for any serious actor. To be able to move fluidly and naturally in a neutral way is the only place to start from to start buidling character traits apon. Anyone who thinks this is unnecessary is really only grazing the surface of what it is to be a watchable actor/character on stage.

** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

Agreed!

Author: Kirilee
Date: 18/09/2006 - 22:50

Agreed! In my uni course we not only do movement, we do aspects of dance, tai chi and yoga... along with voice training.

All these things allow the actor to center themselves within their body and find the small differences between them as a person and the character they are portreying. Not to mention a deeper understanding of the person/character in the space of a stage.

Oh, how I think how ignorant I was before I started my course.

Its very much a case of

Author: Alex Milne
Date: 19/09/2006 - 07:33

Its very much a case of 'The more you learn, the more you realise how much you have to learn...' its wonderful

** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

Common thought

Author: Labrug
Date: 19/09/2006 - 08:35

Alex, I wish more people thought like you do. 'The more you learn, the more you realise how much you have to learn...' is such a wonderful motto and I feel so very true.

It is sad however that there is a number out there who would believe otherwise. In linking to a poll I posted some time back, the majority of people thought training and knowledge was in continual development. About 20% of those who polled actually felt that there was a limit on how much they could learn and I think I have worked with a few of them.

You can teach an old dog new tricks, but the old dog has to be willing.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

The old dog does have to be

Author: Alex Milne
Date: 19/09/2006 - 10:41

The old dog does have to be willing you are right. But i think any actor working in such a demanding and constantly growing anc changing industry is 'burning bridges..' so to speak if they think constant training, learning and developing is unnecessary. Every month there is something new, whether it be a new sort of work, a new approach, or just a new artist with new ideas... we have so much to learn from eachother!! Even the most 'amateur' of actors can teach older established actors a lot. We all have a slightly different style and approach and by sharing it we will all become richer and more flexible actors as a result.

Those who think there is a limit to training... its a real shame.
** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

Same book

Author: Labrug
Date: 19/09/2006 - 11:30

It is comforting to know there are others out there on the same page.

I have spent years teaching across various topics including theatre and one rule of thumb I have always lived by is that if I didn't learn something new, then I haven't been doing my job well enough. The students learning is one thing, but to be open to new approaches, points of view, etc is a key step to continually keeping ahead. It helped me to adjust my approach and ideas to accommodate my students.

I find the same philosophy also applies to life in general. To ignore opportunities to learn or develop, you lead yourself to stagnation and boredom. To learn is not just something you do at "school", it's an ingrained part of life.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

However...

Author: Kirilee
Date: 20/09/2006 - 09:18

However, we must consider this. Old dogs learn new tricks when they are willing. Some aren't - quite a number aren't. It's like they reach a point and think they know it all - it's really only when you study the art of acting and drama that you discover that you have to keep learning, and you can never know it all - but you can learn more.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that on a community level, sometimes those people say they've reached the limit because they aren't focused on acting to the same degree as those who have studied it or are very very VERY passionate about it - actually, knowing some people in my uni course, I would say only the latter.

Rising Points

Author: Labrug
Date: 20/09/2006 - 09:35

You raise a very important point; the difference between the passionate and enthusiast. People with a passion will never find satisfaction, will always strive for the next level or next thing. The enthusiast (it is probably not the best choice of words I accept) will be satisifed with a lower level of involvement. Community theatre does tend to be populated by enthusiasts by the very definition of the culture. That is, to provide non-professional (low-budget) theatre opportunities to both participants and audiences.

The nature of Community Theatre would tend to attract more enthusiasts than the passionate while professional theatre draws in the truely dedicated. It is a bit of a black-and-white view and is not entirely true, but is an overall acurate representation. However, even enthusiasts can become empassioned and strive for better.

I personally feel that this enthusiast mentality may very well be one of the key factors that keeps Community Theatre (CT) from developing a wider profile. A lot of general view points would tend to consider CT as a hobbiest's outlet rather than serious theatre. Anyone directly involved of course realise that is not the case, but it is the unrealised community that we are trying to reach aren't we? Or are we content to simply continue in our secret little lives?

There is a vast and rich culture in live theatre throughout Australia that simply is not being as realised as it could be. Maybe a change in the way we ourselves, as active participants in the form, can effect change in the wider community. It happens all the time, everywhere.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Hobby

Author: Na
Date: 20/09/2006 - 12:24

A slight but small point - the Government and business world see an activity as a 'hobby' if there is no expectation of earning profits from the activity, if you do not strive to make that activity a full-time role (as opposed to doing it in your spare time or weekends). I don't think community theatre can possibly lose the label of 'hobby'; in my eyes, it has never been a suggestion of lack of hard work, but rather a distinguisher between professional and amateur - both tough environments.

The Prompt Copy
Networking emerging theatre professionals
www.thepromptcopy.com

Sticky Apple Legs
http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Puppets in Melbourne
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In Government Eyes

Author: Labrug
Date: 20/09/2006 - 13:24

Yes, I am quite familiar with the Govt's distinction of Hobby and Professional having tried to work as a contract trainer for a number of years. In non-government terms, a hobbyist is someone who has an interest, which could range into earnest passion. The government sees them in terms of potential tax revenue. Eye-wink

CT is a hobby, no-one can disagree with that. We are not paid. There is little profit in CT if any, at least in a monetary sense. It's a good thing the Governments of the world haven't yet figured out how to tax Enthusiasm!

Yet I think there would be a few CT Thespians would be offended to be labled a "hobbyist" with the belief that their hearts are more into it than that Eye-wink

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Hobbyist

Author: Logos
Date: 20/09/2006 - 13:35

Why should "hobbyist" attract any sort of negativity. In astronomy most of the odder but valid discoveries made every year are made by hobbyists. Much of the early twentieth century developments in our art were made by hobbyists.
The level of dedication and commitment made by many hobbyists makes professional enthusiasm pale into insignificance sometimes. I am actually quite glad that the Tax ffice considers me a hobbyist as far as my writing goes. I don't pay tax.

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au

Point Taken

Author: Labrug
Date: 20/09/2006 - 14:06

Again Logos you have highlighted a very good point. Yes hobbyist as a general term is probably as negative as Amateur, which is to say, diddly-squat. Many hobbyists and amateurs of their respective fields have been the movers and shakers.

I gladly concede defeat on this one. I think I dug myself a hole without adequate forethought. LOL

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Possibilities. . .on many levels

Author: Tari-Xalyr
Date: 19/09/2006 - 16:37

Thanks for the email Jeff.

I agree with most of what yourself, Kirilee (I spelt it right!!) and Alex have said above.

Rules are made to be broken. Yes. I break the "rules" of basic acting myself - purposely. But to be able to break them you must first understand there importance and what they do exactly to fulfil maximim benefit from breaking them. Really most of what was mentioned is high school drama! lol. So it's drilled into me 4 days a week!

People forget the importance of the basics (and that goes for alot more then acting).

In honesty I cannot think of anything much to add to what's been said. My excessively limited experience in community theatre isn't much of a help, I'm afraid. But I shall be keeping track of the thread.

~ Tari

The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Keeping track of the thread is a good idea but....

Author: who cares
Date: 19/09/2006 - 20:13

I would suggest that apart from keeping track of this thread, it might be a better idea to write down the date of the panel discussion and to be there. From what I know of this, the panellists are going to be amazing and the discussion is sure to be lively, informative and certainly very interesting.

Then of course, a week after the panel discussion, is the master class. This will be run by one of the panellists. What a fantastic opportunity for people in Perth. Not only to hear from these people but to have the opportunity to be involved in a master class on acting for only $15 ( $10 for students). If you were in London, Sydney or anywhere else a master class like this would cost far more than that.

Don't miss it!

Kerri

Clarification

Author: Tari-Xalyr
Date: 20/09/2006 - 17:43

Kerri from what I recall I'm sure mentioned you teach drama in highschools. Then i'm sure you would have realised exams are drawing quite near.

The day of this panel discussion I am sitting my mock exam - it's dead in the middle. I am trying to find a way there - as I told Jeff already - but it is going to be difficult.

~ Tari

The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Psycho-analyst

Author: Labrug
Date: 20/09/2006 - 09:43

As an off-shot from another thread, I have a query for anyone who has had to portray an intense of meaty character. What process did you use? Did you delve into the psychological history or just play the here and now? How deep is too deep when immersing yourself?

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Old and new dogs

Author: Logos
Date: 20/09/2006 - 09:56

I haven't previously bought into this thread as I live in adelaide and will not be attending discussions or master classes. However as an old dog I thought I would speak. I deal on a daily basis with people from the world of professional theatre and community theatre and students from a great amny differnt backgrounds. I have met a great many old dogs who probably haven't learned anything new from formal training since Stanislavsky who are extrardinarily gifted and grace any stage they are on and who have developed through osmosis. I have also met a large number of young dogs who because of the extraordinary education drama students rceive these days belive they have nothing to learn from the experience of soe of us older ones. Look, some people will learn grow an develop their whole lives. Some will not. it's not unique to ur industry but it does tend to be more bvious in sme ways.
With regard to amateur or community theatre. Some people do this as a hobby. They are often very good. They don't wish to change he world and the entertainment they get from what they do is probably more important to them than the entertainment they give. Some people in the amateur world get obsessed. Does it do them any favours, I don't know. I do know that we don't want to destroy the enjoyment that Joe Blow gets from doing this in the name of "raising standards". I mean who are we to criticise the honest and worthy work of a journey man if he and his audience enjoy what he does.
Not really any of my business.
Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au

An Actors Jog

Author: Labrug
Date: 20/09/2006 - 10:48

Although you live in Adelaide, your feedback is always welcome.

Logos, I think you point toward more the exception to the rule more so, and also raise important considerations. There are different aspects to training; Training to learn and develop skills, and training to hone and finely tune what skills you have.

I have also had the honour to learn from old and young dogs who have in a technical sense reached the top of their field, and yet these same said individuals are also engaged in regular refresher courses, making sure their skills do not become encrusted and stiff. While they have learnt all they can, they still acknowledge that closing yourself off to continual training can prove detrimental to their personal performance. Their dedication to ensuring their skills we always finely tuned was an inspiration to me.

People like Geoffrey Rush who after winning an Academy Award for Shine was next seen attending acting workshops, people at the top of his game who still see the need to train. It is not a matter of if the training is needed, it understanding that without continual challenge and direction, skills can become flabby. They need regular testing and exercise.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Learning

Author: Tari-Xalyr
Date: 20/09/2006 - 17:50

Someone said to me that "life is a classroom . . ." forget the rest lol. The point being though that you never stop learning and there are those who wish they had never stopped learning and then there are those who wish they would finish learning and get on with it.

Theatre and the entertainment industry is one of those places where people cannot stop learning. The industry becomes stagnant and all that will be produced are cheesy cheap musicals with a stereotypical love story playing to a small audience.

Logos I am happy to say I do not see myself as unwilling to learn from those who have more experience then myself - and lets say that's just about everyone here so far.

Sure people may become arrogant enough to believe they don't need to learn any more - whether it be formal training or otherwise - but there are those who will refuse to cease learning and thus bring the industry forwards and develop the world in general.

~ Tari

The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Live to Learn

Author: Labrug
Date: 22/09/2006 - 09:16

Many years ago, I participated in a debate on the topic "Is there life after School?". Our team won and we were the negatice team. We based our argument purely on the fact the learning does not end, and therefore schooling as a generic term rather than an institution, did not end, ever. It was done in a "Big Debate" format and was heaps of fun.

Mind you, I felt I had a few good and convincing arguments had I been on the other side.

To learn is to live, to live is to learn.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

In terms of delveing into

Author: Alex Milne
Date: 20/09/2006 - 11:20

In terms of delveing into meaty and often very difficult characters i really believe that you have to be careful. i shy away from 'method' acting... i personally just dont believe in it. I think you are running a huge risk with your emotional and physical health doing it that way, and personally i believe an actor needs to act. the audience needs to feel and see everything the character is experiencing.. but the actor doesnt have to to the same extent. However, dont get me wrong, i dont think the actor should be detatched, and the actor should certainly find empathy for the character and all that. But people who dredge up all teh crap from their past to pull of a highly emotional scene i think are running an incredibly high personal risk... which i believe is very unnecessary.

With difficult characters it would be my opinion that a lot o fresearch and thought and improvisation around the character is very necessary to find where you can fit into it and play within a character very far stretched from yourself.

But i certainly believe you can delve to deep into your own crap for acting, but i dont think you can really delve to deep into the character.

** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

Lost in the Darkness

Author: Labrug
Date: 21/09/2006 - 09:28

Personally, as I am sure is true of most of us, I find the darker characters - cruel, emotional, depressed, manic - to have the greatest impact on me personally. They can take a big emotional toll on you, so yes, I agree Alex, you need to approach such characters with care. Most characters are what I call superficially available in that they do not ask a lot of the actor performing them.

Then there are those rather unique characters that require some deep soul searching, or involved research, that have experiences that are simply beyond the everyday experiences of the performer. I have never killed anyone either intentionally or through accident. Playing a character who has or has the desire to so so, is something rather alien, requiring something extra from me personally.

On those odd occasions where I have to play such a part, I have attempted to create the memories of events that have shaped the character. I have had to create a complete fictional history and the add emotional qualities, a bit like a novelist writing in the first person. How would you grab the reader and really draw them into the character and have them experience what they feel? And of course I put myself in the role of the reader firstly, then the character itself.

My hope is to make the character into a state-of-mind that I can get into and out of with minimal effort. It may not always work but I find it the most effective. Mind you, I have had limited opportunity to try it as I seem to be cast more frequently in either comic or goody-two-shoe type roles Eye-wink

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Just out of interest...

Author: Labrug
Date: 22/09/2006 - 11:06

Hands up who's going to this discussion? I am looking forward to meeting a few faces from this site and having an actual conversation with them! Text and postings do have their limitations.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Hands up!!

Author: Tari-Xalyr
Date: 22/09/2006 - 12:53

I'm coming and it's definate! I found a ride and my next exam isn't for two days afterwards so I have no troubles. . . .

~ Tari

The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

I will not be attending but

Author: Logos
Date: 22/09/2006 - 11:16

I will not be attending but please post some sort of report on this site. I am considering pinching the idea here is Adelaide and seeing waht I can do with it.

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au

Will do

Author: UPstageWA
Date: 22/09/2006 - 11:46

Thank you for your interest Logos. Rest assured a review will be posted on the site when complete.

If you have plans on doing somethings similar, maybe we can help each other.

Incidentally, if anyone wants to contact us directly, you can email upstagewa@yahoo.com.au

UPstageWA - Raising the Bar for Theatre in WA

I fly in from shows in

Author: Alex Milne
Date: 22/09/2006 - 13:22

I fly in from shows in Sydney and melbourne on that morning. I will do my best to be there.

** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

Ouch...

Author: Labrug
Date: 22/09/2006 - 14:26

Nothing like a tight timeline. Hope you can make, but if you can't, I think we'll understand....

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Gotta fit in uni between

Author: Alex Milne
Date: 22/09/2006 - 14:35

Gotta fit in uni between the time i get home from the airport and get to the discussion. I reckon i can probably do it though. unless im feeling braindead. and in that case... ill be of little use. Smiling

** It takes a lot of work to be an overnight success **

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What is this things called Acting?

Seen any theatre lately? Been in a production? Did you enjoy it? Was some of it, well... y'know.

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Seen any theatre lately? Been in a production?
Did you enjoy it? Was some of it, well... y'know.