The campers play a warm-up game, and chaos ensues

Today’s Date: July 22nd, 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……………………………………………………………………………..

Our first rehearsal began with a fun warm-up led by Wren, one of our campers! After this game, Austen workshopped the final battle scene between Richard and Richmond. Then, our inspiring director led a super fun activity to catch up one of our sick campers who returned today!! Austen had everyone pick their favorite four lines or ten seconds in the show. We went through each of these moments in chronological order for our returning camper. Everyone really enjoyed this exercise!! Afterwards, we ran through all of the returning camper’s scenes so that she could ease back into the show and catch up in blocking that she missed. The first rehearsal was closed out with our usual circle of reinforcement and clap out. 

Rehearsal two began with a warm-up circle game. This game focused on memorization of a pattern in which they threw a ball around. Next, we did a full run of the show without costumes, props, fights, and intimacy. After our full run, we worked on each transition in the show. Final rehearsal of the day concluded with a circle of reinforcement and a clap out. 

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

• From the play: “Long live Richard, England’s royal King!” -Buckingham

• From the director: As the campers are actively jumping up and down in excitement, “Man I wish the campers were more enthusiastic about this play.” -Austen

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

Progress progress progress! Each rehearsal we have, more progress occurs. The kids continue to become familiar with their lines, blocking, and scene partners. Familiarity is your best friend in theatre. You must be able to perform your show in your sleep in order to fully focus on just acting. If your brain is constantly thinking about what your next line is, or where you are supposed to go, you are simply unable to fully indulge in your character. The more familiar and comfortable these actors become with this show the better it gets… and let me just say, it is getting good!