I’ve been quite sick this week, so much so that I’ve had to get as much rest as I can so I can make it through rehearsals for A Christmas Carol all week, while at the same time trying to keep the theatre from plunging into insolvency. The financial situation is dire and desperate and hitting us hard. I’ve had no voice all week, but somehow, probably due to adrenalin, my voice comes back enough for me to yell out direction in rehearsal. Within a few minutes after we complete work, I’m voiceless again. Fear is an amazing thing.
That’s been tough because my voice is one of my, if not the primary tool, I use in rehearsal. Normally it is big and loud, but now it is just the big croaking sound. I find myself using my body more and more to compensate.
All of that said, I’m on the way back, and the show has made miraculous progress with everyone working extremely hard. The two casts are heating up the competition for who gets to go on opening night. (I pick that cast this week. Heartbreak will occur.)
We’ve also discovered just how much joy creating on your feet can be. I can honestly say the efforts of some of our adult professionals is amazing, and even more so, watching the many local kids jump in feet first is astounding to watch.
One thing for sure, this is going to be a great Christmas Carol, whether, I’m able to speak or not.
