Damn Yankees in Rehearsal

Posted on: 01-23-2012 by: Julie

And now some thoughts from the Assistant Director / Vocal Director of our Casting Auction production of DAMN YANKEES, Mark LeBeau…

DAMN YANKEES Rehearsal

I am assistant directing and vocal directing Bailiwick Chicago’s Casting Auction performance of DAMN YANKEES, starring 50+ singing, acting, and dancing folk who love theatre! Working with these folks has been a truly rewarding experience! Working with people who are doing a show for the love of the theatre, for a fun experience with friends and colleagues, and truly wanting to be a part a theatrical process has reminded me how much I love working with people at all different levels on their journey. Working in small groups, large groups, and one-on-one has brought wonderful growth from rehearsal to rehearsal for everyone involved! As a creative professional, I too am learning from these actors and appreciate their insight into the process and the creation of a unique production of DAMN YANKEES.

Last night was our first run-through of Act 1 and I could not be more proud of their progress. These actors are truly working so hard and to see their growth is truly inspiring! Characters are beginning to develop, onstage relationships are becoming clearly defined, dances are solidifying from small segments into a complete piece, and strong, flexible vocals are finding their way into many of the actors’ performances.

Additionally, one of the things I am so excited about is to have the opportunity to work with singers who have not had a voice lesson before this experience. The ability to work with singers on technique and interpretation has been a real treat! I truly feel each actor I have worked with one-on-one will take away from this experience a deeper appreciation of how much work and study goes into each performance an actor gives. I also hope their new skills will be something they can use for years to come and, hopefully, in many more of our Casting Auction productions at Bailiwick Chicago!

I’m looking forward to seeing the continued growth of these actors in this chapter of their journey and what the finished product of these “damn Yankees” accomplishes!