Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: crazy double-cast partner

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SCurran07
Walk-On
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Topic: crazy double-cast partner
Posted: 10/13/05 at 4:26pm

Hi!

I am double-casted for the Odd Couple at my high school, and its obvious that I am the better Vera of the two(I'm really not being snobby, its just true)

The other Vera copies every single little movement I make, down to my head dip when I laugh. How do I make her stop??????Any tips?

THANKS!

Shannon

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POB14
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Posted: 10/13/05 at 5:29pm

Hi, and welcome!

Why does it bother you if she imitates you? Obviously she thinks you're better, too, or she wouldn't imitate you. Maybe she's trying to learn from you, and just isn't sure how to go about it.

Talk to the director, if it really bugs you. Do NOT confront the other actor directly; that would be a serious breach of protocol.

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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looking2bcast
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Posted: 10/13/05 at 5:50pm

I agree take the flattery she sees you are the better actor and in the end as long as the audience is getting the best of one of you thats all that matters :)

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Topper
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Posted: 10/14/05 at 1:10am

It is also possible that this "second Vera" is imitating
you because she thinks she's SUPPOSED to.

When I was just starting out in the theater, I was cast
as an understudy for a large production that ran a
long time. There were plenty of opportunities for me
to take stage as several characters over the course
of the run.

Whenever I had to go on in place of another actor
(usually at very short notice) I intentionally copied that
actor's performance as closely as I could.

I thought I was doing a courtesy to my fellow
performers -- so as to not "throw" them by changing
up delivery to which they had grown accustomed.

Finally, the stage manager took me aside and
explained "This show's been running for weeks -- we
could USE a little variety now and then."

After that, I no longer worried about copying. I had
been given permission to do the character(s) as I
saw fit.

Much to my surprise, the other performers also
welcomed the changes.

I agree with POB14 and speak to the director and/or
stage manager about this. It's quite possible the
actress is imitating you because of her own
insecurities or inexperience.

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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Gaafa
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Posted: 10/14/05 at 1:29am

The others are right!
This is better than applause - accept it!
I often used to think, when I was growing up in theatre [which hasn?t happened yet!] watching all the those young dancers, crowding all the vantage points, glued to every movement or gesture of the prima ballerina dancing on stage. That they were there just to see how many mistakes she might make, thus open up a space for them in the pecking order. But in fact they were there, trying to immolate all her every movement & gesture. In the hope of using it, if & when it their chance ever comes one day!
Be flattered enjoy & soak it up

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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POB14
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Posted: 10/14/05 at 11:21am

Originally posted by Gaafa

But in fact they were there, trying to immolate all her every movement & gesture.

Okay, I know you meant "imitate". . . but my only thought was, "yeah, there have been a lot of dancers I've wanted to set on fire, too!"

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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DWolfman
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Posted: 10/14/05 at 4:30pm

Originally posted by POB14

Okay, I know you meant "imitate". . .

Or would it be "emulate"...

Or is that just a big tardy bird???

At any rate, to the original question, enjoy the flattery as the others have told you. Or hash it out with the director, but a confrontation with your counterpoint would serve no one any good.

Even a man who is pure of heart...

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Gaafa
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Posted: 10/17/05 at 10:32am

BOOM! BOOM! DWOLFMAN!
You get the chook!

I agree POB - the things you see, when you don?t have a Pyro licence handy!

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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