Notes on Camp: Day Two

Afternoons, Kelly and I trade off between the Upstart Crows (middle school) and Rude Mechanicals (high school). She is guiding them through a Shakespearean “Battle Royale” while I lead them through improvisation exercises.

In this way, the campers are getting a lot of specialized attention in two different aspects of performance. I don’t think we’ve ever provided as much time on stage combat before, and never with as an experienced mentor as Kelly.

As for improv club, I was inspired by someone one of our interns said during the planning sessions, comparing long-form improv to a role playing game – which is another way of looking at the work we use to do in the Night Kitchen; concentrating on creating one very specific character for the actor to create and embody. They, the established character, can enter into any scenario, handle conflict and create relationships, pushing a storyline forward without inconsistency.

That’s the plan, anyway. Wish me luck!