This is my First Rehearsal Log

1. Introduction to Character and Context - Alfie Damps
This first session, the focus was on the song we picked, ‘Non-Stop’. The reason we chose
this musical theatre piece from Hamilton was because it encompassed the three mediums of
performing arts; dance, drama and singing. It highlights our skills as performers and allows
us to convey this to an audience. We had a discussion about the characters and what the
context of the entire musical was about. We analysed the lyrics and saw the conflict between
the two characters, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, to get a feeling of what the song is
about. We watched the live performance of the piece, as well as doing a general read
through of the lyrics so that we could understand how this piece should be interpreted. For
the first rehearsal I focused on my pitch and projection, so that I could grasp the basics of
what my character (Burr) was like, and whether my pitch should be an octave higher or lower
based on his characteristics.
My SMART target in this initial session was to first of all analyse the script of ‘Non-Stop’ and
analyse the characteristics and characterisation of Burr. I also aimed to understand and
articulate my American accent. I also wanted to project my voice more.
It was chosen that our challenge as a group would be to create and produce a musical
theatre showcase which would incorporate a variety of musical styles and research which we
will analyse as an entire group. This aids my own skill development because it lets me
explore the style of musical theatre, and how it incorporates three different styles of
performing: acting, dancing and singing. It’s important to explore these as a performer
because being able to perform and analyse all three is essential to a performer. I participated
in a general run through of the piece ‘Non-Stop’ which enabled me to explore the character
of Burr further. I knew that there was a conflict between Burr and Hamilton in the piece,
which allowed me to play the role with annoyance towards the performer portraying
Hamilton. To do this I emphasised my lines with bigger projection and characterisation,
making sure I looked blatantly annoyed at Hamilton. We chose to do this musical theatre
showcase as it would challenge us to explore the different styles of performing arts that
people might not be comfortable with, which will expand our understanding of musical
theatre and also expand our skill-set required for dancing, acting and singing, examples
being characterisation, projection, stamina and more.
Contextually, the musical Hamilton is set in the late 18th century, where America was fighting
the English for independence. Hamilton is a character that moves from the Caribbean to
New York, striving to be a part of the revolution and the fighting. Burr is a character that is
constantly waiting for good things to happen, as can be seen in his song ‘Wait For It’, which
is a stark contrast to Hamilton who powers through his life to try and be better. Analysing the
context of the musical is important when performing ‘Non-Stop’ because it helps me dive
deeper into Burr’s character and his mannerisms, and his relationships with the other
characters that interact with him, most importantly Hamilton. Since Burr and Hamilton are
always in competition, it allows me to revolve my characterisation around annoyance,
frustration and confusion towards Hamilton. Expanding on this, Burr has a social positioning
of being middle class. This can explain why he’s waiting for it, unlike someone like Hamilton
who is constantly pushing to earn more. His hesitancy to take what he wants could reflect in
his energetic movements during the musical, as he’s anticipating someone to happen.
Understanding this helps me to comprehend how to portray his character, and how to move

2. on stage, as well as his posture and character traits, being hesitant and a bit jealous. I’ve
attempted to grasp the concept of his character by trying to be quite high energy during the
first run through, projecting my voice and making my movements sharp and fairly quick.
Developing this until the final showcase will definitely help me to convince the audience that
I’m portraying this character.
In ‘Non-Stop’, there is a section where Hamilton and Burr start a conversation. We read
through this bit and I tried to focus on my characterisation to highlight Burr’s main traits. I did
this by acting as if I was amused, like Burr is looking down on Hamilton, since they are in
competition. In the original performance, Burr and Hamilton stand by the side of the stage to
show how Burr has just come out of his home. In our initial run through, we stood in the
centre of the stage so that the audience’s focus was on us, as during this part there is no
ensemble on the stage. It clearly shows the animosity and tension between the two
characters.
To support the group, I tried to get some of my ideas across which might help the overall
piece.. For example, I helped contribute to the idea of the ensemble circling around me and
Hamilton when I’m singing my lines. For the next rehearsal, my SMART target is to learn my
lines. This will be beneficial for me because after I learn them I can start to focus on my
movement and physical characterisation. One strength within this rehearsal was my
confidence and projection. I was able to confidently portray Burr for the first rehearsal. I was
very attentive towards our director as well, who gave feedback in order to push me so that I
could reach my SMART target. One area for improvement would be my contribution. I feel
like I could have done more to help the ensemble and the performer playing Hamilton, but
instead I focused on trying to perfect my own characterisation and lines. I feel as if I have
been successful in meeting my SMART target, as I was able to analyse the script and
understand Burr’s character, which helped me with my characterisation of him based off of
what I saw in the script, with vocal characterisation through projection and pitch.
Here, I am projecting my small spoken part. This can be seen
through my slightly raised chin, as I try to project all around the
room. This will be important in the final showcase where the
audience will need to be able to hear me properly.
I’m also trying to look away from the script, so that I can make sure
I learn my lines better. This shows that I’m meeting my SMART
target here of analysing the script and projecting my voice.