Guthrie Theater

Romeo and Juliet assistant stage manager Nick Tochelli offers up some insight on how the company creates a one-hour version of the show for use in certain stops on the national tour ...

Exercising Those PSM Muscles
Friday, January 22, 2010

Following our most recent morning show, we went back to the rehearsal hall, but this time we are rehearsing Lil' R+J, the one hour version of the main show we tour the country with. It's a show designed for younger kids (middle school) or high school/college kids who aren't able to make it to the Big Show.

It's a really cool concept I think. It's boiled down to the real essential elements of the plot. You can also find some "happy accidents" that clarify some moments by getting some of the extra Shakespeare fluff out of the way. In both One Hour shows I've done for the Acting Company someone says "Damn....can....can we keep that cut for the big show?" It's kinda funny.

The other thing that's funny, is becoming the PSM of the one hour show and switching roles with Karen. She becomes my ASM. And she really lays it on thick. She asked permission to leave the room today and I kinda cocked my head to the side as if to say "Seriously dude?" and then I actually said "Seriously dude? Do I ever ask you if I can leave the room?" I don't just get up and leave rehearsals. When I leave the room I treat it like a college classroom: I don't ask permission (because I's a grown up and don't necessarily need permission) but I do say where I'm going and why so the PSM knows where I am and why I'm abandoning my current duties. Usually its to do something show related like "I'm going to usher this person to their costume fitting" or "I'm going to go talk to the costume designer about that note."

Continue reading today's blog entry by Nick

Romeo and Juliet continues through Sunday, January 31 at the Guthrie.