Late blog!

Our blog will be a little late this week due to a very hectic (and exciting) schedule for CCdd. 

We will be posting on Thursday to keep you in the know and then will continue with our regular blogging schedule. 

Lots of love to our blog-followers!

Bad Break-Up Songs

As we carry on and work hard in the studio (which continues to be AWESOME btw), we are also taking into consideration other elements of the production- and one thing that has come up again and again is the music that we should utilize in the development of "The Break-Up/Break-Down".  We have had many conversations about what songs have gotten us through painful break-ups and we have gotten such a great response of really beautiful songs that people would sing-cry to while they struggled through their pain.

But this is a comedy.  So we gotta lighten it up a little!  So, blog world- what are some break-up songs that you have heard that are either absolutely ridiculous and made you laugh, or that are SO BAD that you laugh at the ridiculousness of them?  We need your help! Here are some that we have been compiling. Let us know what you think of these, and help us find the very best!

First, good old "Flight of the Conchords":



 

This version of this classic has been recommended to us, would you prefer the original?:



 

Is this silly or just sexy?:



 

This is actually the very first song everyone seems to think of when we ask for a "funny" break-up song:



 

We have a long list we are filtering through, but holy cow there is a lot out there!  If this post makes you think of your ridiculous/bad break-up song- please take the time to share!

 

Stay tuned for information on upcoming events, fundraisers, and random meet-ups with the CCdd crew!

 

Don't forget to make your kickstarter pledge and get those pre-sale tickets HERE!

 

 

 

 

First Ever Entire Cast Workshop!

Yesterday we had our very first ever full-cast rehearsal-workshop!  I thought it was the perfect opportunity for the group of ten (as well as our beloved guest photographer Rich Soublet and beautiful Assistant Director Ashley Toolan) to do some Viewpoint/bonding exercises as well as work on the opening number in the production, to start developing the framework needed in order to open "The Break-Up/Break-Down" with a bang.

Having trained in Viewpoints in my Masters program with the SITI Company, I know that in nature it usually takes a group some time to feel comfortable in this style of exploration.  I figured that we could start opening some doors this evening and build trust and relationships day by day.

To my complete surprise this group has limited issues with comfort or trust with each other and it the entire experience left me feeling blown away by the beautiful compositions they have already been able to create.  I witnessed a group of adult artists play so freely in ways I haven't seen in a very long time.  I am so lucky to have such open-minded and open-hearted folks ready to rock out in this project and explore.

Here is a slide show of images Rich captured of the night.  They are equal parts ridiculous and lovely, and I am so happy that he joined us to play.  We love you Rich!



I love my cast!  I can't wait for next Sunday and the chance to play more.

Collaborative Fighting

Every Sunday we have been at it!  Getting down and dirty in the studio working out all of the super physical scenes for the show.  This last weekend we were mapping out one of the first fight scenes between two of our female characters and we brought in the boys to help us.  Here is some footage of Patrick and Evan (with Brendan's guidance) walking through some choreography that will actually be executed by Melissa and Wendy:



This is my personal favorite:



Short and sweet!  Hope you all have a great week and enjoyed a little view into our crazy process.

Our kickstarter campaign is still going strong and can be found HERE!

Guest Blog #2: Executive Director Ashley!

Photo By Aaron Rumley

I'm so excited that Katie has asked me to guest write on our blog and talk about our rehearsals!  I'm honored that Katie has asked me to Assistant Direct with her since I cannot be a part of the production myself (and eventually be Executive Director of this ship, yikes!).  This is my first time in the AD role, and so far, it has been a lot of fun!

We have only had a few rehearsals so far, but each one has been filled with a lot of discovery for both the actors and Katie and I as directors. Since this is a brand new piece that Katie has created, it leaves lots of room for evolution.  It has been so interesting to hear each actor come up with their character's back story and see how that has influenced the script as a whole.

Our workshops have been formatted to allow time for the actors to work with Viewpoints for the first 30 or so minutes and then we work to develop the choreography and blocking of the scenes.  By working in Viewpoints first, we are allowing the actors to get more in touch with their bodies and senses and out of their heads.  Since this show is so physical, it is important that the actors are working with all aspects of themselves.  Also, by using the Viewpoints first, we have been able to use some of the movements from their explorations as actual blocking.  It has been awesome to see the collaboration of the actors, they have come up with some really funny stuff!  How can sex scenes and girl on girl fights be anything but funny?

Each rehearsal is getting me more and more excited for our production.  I just can't wait to share this with the community!  I honestly feel like this is the funniest piece I have ever been a part of and I am so pumped to share this with everyone and anyone in San Diego.    I think because The Break Up/Break Down is so relatable that each audience member is going to be talking about the show and their own experiences for days if not weeks after they see it :) which is EXACTLY what we are hoping for!  We are using this piece to plant our roots here, and I know that I am excited to see what grows from it.

- Ashley Toolan

Thanks Ashley!  If you haven't donated, or had the chance to get your pre-sale tickets to "The Break-Up/Break-Down" you still can with out Kickstarter Campaign specials!  Check it out HERE!