Toga Anyone?

Landi Thompson, Board President
Reduxion Theatre Company
(photos from Antigone opening night party, Thursday, Oct. 8th at City Arts Center)

I can say with a certain level of certainty that I was never the coolest kid in school. As an early teen I loved school projects, always made straight As, never dressed in what was in style - mainly because I didn't have a clue, and usually had my nose so far into a book that it didn't see daylight for a week. I brought a book everywhere I went, and not the kind of book that the oh-so-influential teeny boppers deemed acceptable. No Sweet Valley High, Goosbumps or whatever else was the "norm" back then. I was reading Great Expectations, Moby Dick, poetry and other such works that might as well be sub-titled, "stories guaranteed to ruin all chances of joining the in-crowd." I also loved the first day of English class each school-year, when I would get a brand new literature book. I would try to keep the enthusiasm under control in class, but on the inside, I couldn't wait to dive into the book.

I like to think I turned into a pretty socially acceptable adult. I blend in with the Hipsters of society. I'm not sitting here writing this while wearing glasses wrapped in tape if that's what you were picturing...although I do have a piano concerto playing in the background, so you know that inner nerd is still hiding somewhere. Despite the fact that I have managed to ditch the outwardly nerdy persona, I still love going to the symphony and to classic theater. All through college and my 20s, I have tried to get friends and family to go to classic theater with me (Shakespeare, Greek plays, etc...you're probably already falling asleep). I wanted company at these events not only for my own enjoyment, but also because I couldn't bring myself to go alone! Anyway, my friends' reactions to my invitations ranged from glazed stares to looks of panic that could only be read as, "Please tell me she's not asking again! I can't take the torture." Sad time for my inner nerd. I had a few loyal followers who would go with me, but I know they were just being nice, trying not to think about what other fun things they could be doing, like rearranging their sock drawers.


Last year my hopes were renewed when two of my friends brought their professional theater company, Reduxion Theatre Company, back to OKC from New York City. I was thrilled to learn they were going to produce classical theater with a refreshing, nap-preventing twist. It was just what I needed to prove to my friends and family, who swear they don’t like classical theater, that it can actually be fun..and addicting for that matter!

When RTC's first season in OKC began, I approached my victims cautiously. I knew they would likely run for the hills when they heard what I wanted them to do! After some minor arm-twisting (the casts should come off in a few weeks), they agreed to give me one more chance. The pressure was on! Fortunately, RTC's season was outstanding, and after one show, my friends had to admit that they enjoyed themselves and would come again. I consider their approval a very high compliment for the quality of work RTC is producing in Oklahoma. Where else can you see classical theater with a large group of friends without bringing toothpicks to keep everyone's eyes open? Plus, RTC also hosts fabulous opening night parties (Who doesn't enjoy a good party?), and only employs Oklahoma actors. That's right, they actually get paid...very unusual in a town of community theater.


Last week RTC kicked off their 2nd season with the Greek play, Antigone. It has already gotten great reviews, and the opening night party was a blast. Licorice martini and a toga anyone? RTC is definitely the latest up-and-coming place to be in Oklahoma. I'm so proud of what they have accomplished in the past year. They are an asset to the community and have made classical theater enjoyable for all. I didn't even have to call my friends this time. Once they started seeing Antigone posters around town, they called me to ask when we could go. How's that for turning the tables?

You definitely don't want to miss the last two weeks of Antigone. You'll be sorry if you do! The last 5 shows are Oct 15-17th and the 23-24th at City Arts Center. Bring your friends...and if you look carefully, you might see me sitting in the front row, taped glasses and all.

http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/


Antigone performs
October 15, 16 & 17
and October 23 & 24
call
405-651-3191

Creates a Beautiful Flow

Antigone rehearsal process

October 6, 2009

Rodney Brazil, Assistant Director
Reduxion Theatre Company

We’re finally on our full set, and it’s a whole new world. Seating has been added on all sides of the stage, some on elevated platforms, and some on stage level, creating an in-the-round environment. The center of the set is a series of uneven, triangular platforms. It has created many levels for the actors to step over, jump across, and move around on in general.



Since Sunday was first time we had seen the finished set, we spent two hours bringing actors to the stage two or three at a time to work on specific scenes. We wanted to find exciting ways for the actors to use our new platforms. Some things had to change to give the audience a better view of the action. For other scenes, we looked for opportunities to make the action even better. The triangular platforms really play with distance perspective, so it’s fascinating to watch the actors move around. A few inches to the left or right creates a dramatically different emotion.


The costumes were also added on Sunday. The look is a combination of modern garments and customer made pieces with a Greek influence. The Antigone & Ismene costumes are made with beautiful, soft colors.


Together with the draping, this creates a beautiful flow. Other costumes, like Creon’s, have more military inspiration. This supports the story’s theme of city-state vs. spiritual rights.


We have one more rehearsal tonight before our preview performance tomorrow, and then Opening Night on Thursday. Time has really flown, but I think the actors are ready for an audience.


http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/
Antigone
performs
October 15, 16, & 17 and
October 23rd & 24th
call
405-651-3191

On Its Journey

Antigone rehearsal process

September 30, 2009
Madison Niederhauser, Messenger, Watchman
Reduxion Theatre Company

Well. Several weeks ago we began rehearsing for Antigone and it has certainly been a journey. At first I was mildly afraid of being a part of a Greek tragedy. I personally had a distaste for the stereotypical cryfest that seems to be inherent in so many production of these tragic plays, but I am happy to say that with Antigone this is certainly not this case.
 
The cast has truly worked with one another under the fantastic direction of Susan Shaughnessy to create something that can please even the most hesitant theatre goer. We truly have something for everyone. It is not to say that the audience will not be tempted to cry, in fact with any luck there will be a few tears and a few sobs, but the strength and capabilities inherent in each one of these cast members will certainly be enough to move you. The audience will want to laugh, cry, and most of all think.
 
The most beautiful thing about theatre is its potential to move its audience and take it with them on its journey through the world it creates. I firmly believe that theatre is one of the last bastions of hope for creative thinking, beauty, and honest emotional connection in our all too structured and stoic world. So we hope that you will cross the threshold of the stage and be fully prepared to listen and experience what we bring to you. If our audience can do that much, we'll do the rest.
 
http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/
Antigone performs
Oct. 8-24, 2009
Thurs-Sat. @ 8 pm
City Arts Center Theater
3000 General Pershing Blvd.
OKC 73107
call
405.651.3191
for reservations

To Improve and Impress

Antigone rehearsal process
October 2, 2009
Amy Pastoor, Vocal/Movement Coach
Reduxion Theatre Company
(Photo: Amy instructing cast of The Taming of the Shrew RTC 2009)

Hi, I’m Amy Pastoor (formerly Brown) I am the vocal and movement coach for Reduxion’s production of Anitgone. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with Susan, Rodney, and the entire cast.

Every production will inevitably vary my job as vocal and movement coach. This production has relied on techniques to keep the actors voices healthy especially with all the muck being passed around this fall, providing a warm up to the cast has given them a slow healthy way to open up their voices to prepare their vocal chords for extended projection. In addition, when you’re dealing with the language of Sophocles (as interpreted by Nicholas Rudall) it is important to keep reminding the actors to utilize the language rather than contemporize the language and throw all of the beautiful and devastating imagery used by the translator to get Sophocles’ story across to the audience.

It is like using Shakespearean language, but instead of words that were written almost 400 years ago now you’re using words written almost 2400 years ago. Because of the highly emotional performances that are required of the actors to perform these beautiful characters, yelling can (and has in this production’s case) sometimes become necessary. So the cast and I went through a healthy yelling session so that the actors can yell every performance without ruining their vocal chords. The actors are doing beautifully and continue to improve and impress me more every rehearsal that I see them with their communication of Antigone’s story.

As the movement coach part of my job is to add a physically grounding and centering portion to their vocal warm up. Also working with the Chorus who have grueling physical requirements for this show. Helping them find movement patterns and strong holds for their bodies, so it won’t tax them as much, and yet still read as strong. Brytanie, Monica, and Laura are rock stars and are doing a fantastic job finding grounded fully fledged out characters for the “Voice of Thebes.” The few times that characters come into contact with each other in this production were looked at and choreographed so that the actors can remain safe.

Overall, I would say that safety is a huge part of my job, but in the end it is the actors who take these techniques for safety and combine them with their beautiful performances that I know Oklahoma City will love. I’m very proud of them.

Buy your tickets now!!!

http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/
Antigone performs
Oct. 8-28, 2009
Thur-Sat
at
8 pm
City Arts Center Theater
3000 General Pershing Blvd.
OKC 73107
call
405-651-3191
for reservations

Antigone Come to Life

Antigone rehearsal process

September 28, 2009

Aimee Crowther, Antigone

Reduxion Theatre Company

Hello! My name is Aimee Crowther and I play Antigone in the upcoming show for Reduxion Theatre. I am a Junior Acting Major at the University of Oklahoma. I have had the pleasure of working with the cast of Antigone and the members of Reduxion for almost four weeks and have had a lot of fun amidst all the work. Everyone working in and on this show is extremely dedicated to what they do and I really feel like this will make for a great show. We have two more weeks until we open the show and are already having amazing run-thoughs. We are in great shape. Although it is a Greek tragedy, Susan (our director), Rodney (assistant director), every actor, and the set design and costume designers have made and will continue to make Antigone come to life in a new, undefined, and timeless way. I'm having a blast meeting new people and working with them, creating a piece of art that has been performed for thousands of years, countless times. Isn't that a bit overwhelming to think of? That is the beauty and excitement of theatre, no one performance will ever be the same. I cannot wait to see what new discoveries we will make and what this show will become, because it's headed to a very strong place. I hope we will convey, and our audience understands, the message Sophocles wrote for the Ancient Greeks which still applies to our society today.
 
http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/
Antigone performs
October 8-24, 2009
Thurs, Fri, & Sat @ 8 pm
at
City Arts Center Theater
3000 General Pershing Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
 
Tickets
$15/$12 for students & seniors
call
405-651-3191
or
order online at
http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/

In the Midst of the State Fair

Antigone rehearsal process
September 23, 2009
Rodney Brazil, Assistant Director
Reduxion Theatre Company

We’re still rehearsing in the midst of the state fair. We’re starting to make friends with the employees there, and have invited them to come see the show. Apparently the ticket taker has seen productions of ANTIGONE three times before, and loves the show!


Monday we did a “speed-thru.” All of the actors & crew sat together and ran through all of the lines quickly, paying close attention to accuracy and enunciation. There were quite a few mistakes, but that’s to be expected. Janet, the stage manager, made notes as the actors said their lines, and then reviewed all of the corrections with the entire cast. After the speed-thru, Amy worked with everyone on healthy screaming. Since excessive screaming & yelling can damage your voice, it’s important for actors scream carefully and without too much strain on the throat. She explained how deep, strong breathing, and keeping the throat relaxed are essential. We all participated in several exercises demonstrating these techniques.
 Last night, we just performed the play. It’s the first time we had done the entire play, beginning to end on the actual stage in over a week. The cast overall is doing a great job. There were several very moving moments that I congratulated the actors on. Susan and I made a lot of notes for corrections to work on over the next two days.


Tonight we will concentrate on the first half of the play, and tomorrow on the second half. And if we get done in time, we might go get some pizza on a stick!

http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/
Antigone
performs
Oct. 8-24, 2009
thurs-sat @ 8 pm
at
City Arts Center Theater
3000 General Pershign Blvd
OKC 73107

Professional and Phenomenal Experience

Antigone rehearsal process

September 21, 2009

Mariah Webb, Hand Maiden

Reduxion Theatre Company

(Photo: Rebbecca McCauley and Mariah Webb in Pride and Prejudice, RTC 2009)

When I decided to audition for Romeo and Juliet last year, I had no idea exactly what I was stumbling upon. What I have been fortunate to be apart of over the past year is the most professional and phenomenal experience any sixteen (now seventeen!) year-old Shakespeare nerd could ask for.

Being apart of Romeo and Juliet really opened my eyes to unconventional approaches to this classic literature. It taught me that the majority of the struggles that are approached in Shakespeare's plays really are not that different from what we struggle with today. I got to work with a really wonderful cast and an extraordinary director. Thus, my adoration for this company began.

Pride and Prejudice was a very different, but equally fantastic experience. It was Reduxion's first show at City Arts Center and the space was different than anything I had ever worked in. The cast was so loving and nurturing. I would stare at the clock all day waiting for rehearsal. The original script, by Erin Woods was a fantastic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic chick-flick. She was also an incredible director, the show came together quickly and peacefully. It was a blast and I still miss everybody involved.

Of course, I cannot mention either of these shows without discussing the wonderful behind-the-scenes people. Erin Streetman is the most professional and prepared stage manager that I have ever had. From day one, there is no question of the rehearsal schedule, which makes everything easier on everyone involved. Amy Pastoor is also a joy to work with. Her knowledge of vocal and physical work is astounding.

I am currently working in the cast of Antigone. Again, this experience is very different than the others. I'm excited to see how it will come together in the end. I enjoy watching the different direction style of Susan Shaughnessy and very much enjoy working with Rodney Brazil.

Thanks to Reduxion Theatre Company, I have been able to do what I love in a place where it was previously not easily accessible and work with incredible role models that will leave influence on me for the rest of my (hopefully long) career.

http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/
Antigone
performs
October 8-24, 2009
Thurs, Fri, & Sat @ 8 pm
at
City Art Center Theater