From the Inside Out

Last night we were asked to perform The Prison during both Sunday morning services at Abundant Life Church. We were delighted to have the opportunity to squeeze in two additional performances, but doing it back-to-back with only a 30 minute break in between was exhausting!

Still, the cast had fun with it today. They brought a tremendous amount energy to the stage, and some even added a few colorful ad libs to their performances. Carl literally broke out of his cell during the first performance, completely tearing apart the door (luckily, we were able to piece it back together quickly — it’ll make a great blooper shot for our DVD).

It’s been fun, but I’m also relieved that it’s over. We’ve been working on this drama since February, so it’ll be nice to have a break and some free time before the next production in October.

PS: If you’re interested, I’ll be sharing pictures of the final production in the Photos section of the blog once I get them. I picked up a CD from our photographer today, but it’s not working so I’ll have to get another one. I’ll let everyone know when they go up.

After weeks and weeks of rehearsals, the lights went up on the stage, and we prepared to entertain a live audience with our first performance of “The Prison.”

I spent most of the day getting ready for the performance, running errands and taking care of last minute duties so that everything would run smoothly once the actors arrived. We gathered at 5:45 for costuming and make-up. Here are a few shots I snapped back stage before the performance.

Gary relaxing — no worries, no pressure

Kat and Greg running lines

Our guards playing some Wii

Kim and Mary chatting before we go on stage

Jami (our masterful props manager) and her husband, Chaz

Our back stage assistants playing pool

We had a small audience tonight, but we’re expecting a much larger crowd tomorrow. It was probably a good thing that we had a smaller group since we there were a few glitches. Nothing major — probably unnoticeable by those who were in the audience — but those of us who are familiar with the play know we had a few botched lines, etc. I’m sure we’ll have the kinks worked out tomorrow and it’ll be a flawless performance for the final night!

The Prison has a powerful message about hope and forgiveness. If you haven’t seen it yet, stop by on Saturday night at Abundant Life Church in Plano. The show starts at 7:30 pm. Don’t miss it!

This will be a short blog because tech week has begun — that means I’m busy and tired! Rehearsal went better than expected this evening which was a pleasant surprise. The set was dressed. The actors were in costume. The tech crew and props manager did a fantastic job. Multimedia, sound and lights were starting to gel. At long last, it’s coming together!

It’s not without the typical bumps. We have one actor battling bronchitis. I’m starting to get a sore throat (hopefully it’s just sinuses). One of the cells fell apart during a “breakout” scene. And we still have a few…hundred…tweaks to make, but the show will go on! Only five days and counting.

Hope to see you there!

We held the last normal rehearsal for The Prison tonight. Tech week (AKA hell week) begins next Monday. Normally at this stage, I’m worried about how we will pull everything together before opening night.

This time, it’s no different. I’m still worried.

Miraculously, it all seems to come together during tech week, so we just move forward in faith that it’ll happen again with this production too. Everyone teams together during the final week, and we’ve had some of our best performances after the worst rehearsals. It’s just further proof that you never know what’s going to happen.

It is fun to see things start to gel — acting, lights, sound, and multimedia. Amidst the craziness tonight, I saw glimpses of brilliance. It’s there, we just need to fine tune it during the remaining rehearsals.

Below are a few more “behind the scenes” pictures — see the real thing on May 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm at Abundant Life Church in Plano.

Rehearsing a visitation scene

Aundre going over his lines

Steve patiently waiting for his next scene

Our Stage Manager and Director deep in thought

Gary making Daphryne laugh — it’s not supposed to be funny!

Derrick directing the stage crew — if they don’t get it right, they get thrown in the slammer.

Mark your calendar for ALC’s next drama production, The Prison.

The Prison is a dramatic look at the lives of three strangers cast into prison with no explanation and seemingly no hope for release.  Performances will be held on May 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free, and childcare will be provided for children 5 and under.

Hope to see you there!

2021 E. Park Bled.

Plano, TX 75074