1. Hamilton write up 2
The focus of this rehearsal was to do a run through of the routine and sing so the
ensemble could practise singing and dancing at the same time as we tend to forget
to sing as well. My SMART target in this rehearsal was to sing along with the chorus
spontaneously.
During this rehearsal, we did not warm up physically or vocally which we should’ve
done but we ran through Hamilton multiple times to make sure we were constantly
perfecting the routine. After every run through we would talk about what needed to
be improved and then we actioned those improvements in the following run through.
For example, In the first run through the ensemble did not sing much but in the
second run through you could tell we were singing more as we were more aware of
the improvements that needed to be made. We still were missing out some lyrics
though, so that is something we need to work on more.
It’s important to portray the singing, dancing and acting elements of this routine to
clearly tell the story using the context and time period of the piece. For example,
Hamilton is an american musical so we have to sing in an american accent to show
its origin. Also, some of the dance moves explain what Hamilton or Burr is saying at
the time so it is important for these movements to be strong or sharp so the audience
can understand what is being said. For example, when Burr says to Hamilton, ‘Why
do you write like you’re running out of time?’ We use our hands as paper and
pretend to write on them. The acting needs to be powerful to show how powerful the
piece is. To do this we need to use strong and serious facial expressions along with
making eye contact with the audience, to help them connect to the routine on a
deeper level.
In the original workshop of Hamilton I worked on skills like timing and energy. I
applied these skills in this rehearsal to show improvement. I had good timing and hit
all the beats in the music as well as being in unison with the rest of the ensemble.
My energy levels could still use some work but I think I was just having an off day.
However, I will continue to show these skills and more over the next rehearsals so
that my final performance is the best that it can be.
I found it easy to pick up the choreography quickly as dance is my speciality and I’m
used to learning dances at a fast pace. I remembered all the movements in this
rehearsal and executed them well and will continue to pick up the rest of the
choreography quickly. However, I found it very difficult to learn the lyrics and then
sing them at the same time as dancing because I am not used to singing. I
remember to sing some parts but then stop at other parts because I am focusing too
hard on the movement I am doing. This is something I need to practice so I can
improve it and sing along the whole time by the final performance.
2. In this rehearsal I found my stamina the most challenging as the fast paced dance
along with the singing at the same time made me get out of breath quicker than
usual. This affected my energy throughout rehearsals as this routine tired me out the
most. To overcome this I just need to practise the routine over and over to get used
to it so that my stamina can adapt to the effort and energy I need to put in. Also, I
can work on breath control so that I can breathe more during the routine.
Furthermore, even if I am out of breath this control will hide that from the audience
instead of me looking tired.
My strength in this rehearsal was my timing. I managed to hit all the beats and keep
in unison with everyone else. I was on time to my cues to enter the space and I
continuously got to my freeze frame positions for the specific sections and held it for
the correct amount of time. However, my weakness in this rehearsal was my energy
levels. Even though I executed the movements well, my lack of energy and
characterisation made it boring to watch. Improving this will fully embody the
elements of musical theatre and make it more enjoyable to watch. I will make sure I
have higher energy levels next time by having breakfast and warming up so I can get
my blood pumping and be ready to go and give the routine my all.
I think my SMART target could still be better. I definitely have improved with the
singing by singing more while dancing. However, I still often forget to join in with
some of the words so I need to practise this in my own time. Also, I need to project
my singing more so I can be heard and then people will know I am actually singing.
I had good timing here as my arms
went out the same time everyone
else’s did, shown by everyone having
straight arms held outwards. If I had
not had good timing here it would’ve
been obvious because we are in a
circle very close together.
This is the part where I often forget
to sing along with the chorus. I am
so focused on getting to this position
in time with everyone that I don’t
sing. In this part of the video you
can see the rest of the ensemble
3. singing but I am not so that is what I need to improve on for next time.
Here I could’ve put more
energy and effort into
my movements because
the other two dancers
are all the way on the
floor and I am just
floating. This makes me
look lazy and makes the routine look sloppy so this is another improvement I need to
make for next time.
