Campers learning some stage combat with Team Captain, Jake Raiter (Photo Credit: Austen Bell)

Today’s Date: July 21st, 2025

Show Title: Richard III

Director: Austen Bell

Staff Crew: RDAs D. Scarlett Darling and Sara Bateman (Assistant Directors), Alexa Palena and Allison Monfalcone (Production Interns)

What we did……………………………………………………………………………..

What is every theatre kid’s dream? To live in the theatre. That is basically what today’s rehearsal consists of. We have not one, not two, but THREE rehearsal blocks back to back. The pure excitement and enthusiasm in the room this morning provided me with some much needed energy. Rehearsal began with a warm-up of ideas! Austen asked the campers to share any serious (or silly) thoughts about what they would love to add to the show. This took about 15 minutes out of our morning. We then returned to our detailed work jumping back into Act 5 Scene 2. In our first morning block we detailed up until Act 5 Scene 5 (the very last scene)! Austen closed out our first rehearsal with a circle of reinforcement and a clap out. 

The second rehearsal block began with some light stretching and check-ins. Austen then jumped right back into detailed work for the final scene!!!! We finished detailing the show and then had the campers try on their costumes. While some kids tried on costumes, the others were either learning stage combat or their lines. Austin closed out rehearsal with another circle or reinforcement and a clap out. 

The third and final rehearsal of the day started with a clap IN and some general questions from the campers. We then did our first fight call in costume. The campers then preset and prepared for the top of the show. Finally, we did a run of the show with costumes and props, stopping when necessary to adjust costume changes and props. The run lasted about and hour and a half due to stops, missed entrances, and what-nots. The campers got out of their costumes and put their props away then sat in a circle with Austen for a notes session. Rehearsal was closed out with our final circle of reinforcement and clap out of the very long (but rewarding) day. 

Quick and Quotable…………………………………………………………………

• From the play: “The day is ours; the bloody dog is dead.” -Richmond (5.5)

• From the director: “This is looking horrible… I like it!” -Austen (discussing frat boy scene)

Production Insights…………………………………………………………………

I cannot express enough how exhausting it is to do nine hours of rehearsal in one day. The kids powered through each of our three rehearsal blocks with enthusiasm, energy, or joy. The run through was not nearly as rough as it typically is during this time in the rehearsal process. Yet again, I am impressed by this crew of campers and staff. You are definitely not going to want to miss this show!