Hi Guys,

    Just wanted to let you guys know that my rehearsals are going very, very well.  At every rehearsal, my cast adds a new layer to their performances.  My lead actor is so tuned into the character and my vision of the play that he's doing stuff before I have the chance to say 'Hey, why don't you try this?'.

     Last night we added a little bit in which the actress who plays the 9 year old (she's 12 but very petite for her age) has a tender  moment with the lead actor who plays her dad in which she shows her grief at missing her brother who has died.  I instructed her to say just one line, Hey, that's my star. - a small wooden star with a photo of her and her brother.  She did it very well.  The second time we ran the bit she, on impulse (without direction from me) added three more lines-  I miss Tyler.  I wish he would come back.- her 'dad' then hugs her and says- Hey, it's okay.  Everything's going to be okay.- She then wrapped her arms around him in a hug and said- I love you, daddy.- Let's just say that moment just melted everybody's heart- especially her  'dad'.  We are keeping in the lines she added.

    Just one point of information.  This young lady has never been onstage before, and has ablsolutely no acting experience outside of campfire skits when she was in girl guides.

   She takes direction amazingly well and when I and the other cast members who are so gentle with her- give her guidance on acting etiquette (rules of conduct- no talking backstage- doing just the lines from the script)  she listens.  And she's not afraid to ask questions if she doesn't understand something. 

    I went on instinct when casting her.  Several of my cast members have agents who will be attending the show.  I have a funny feeling that this young lady may be getting some offers.

    Four weeks and counting to opening night!!!