Anyway, getting down to the info...
--How do they make the transition between roles when they are doing several plays?
It's actually a pleasure to do a variety of roles instead of the same one night after night. Setting up the differences in the characters is done in rehearsal.
--What's the audition process like they have to go thru each year?
Neither Geordie or Seana have had to audition for recent roles. Generally, only the younger company members are required to audition.
--Have they ever broken up on stage?
Geordie says there's an actor this season in The Winter's Tale who has his number and can break him up, but it's usually not a problem.
--What's the final performance experience like?
Even with a fun role, they're more than ready to close. There's always something to move on to. He feels they'll still be discovering thing in Night of the Iguana. It's sad to part company, but they know they'll run into each other again.
--What discovery do they make rehearsing three at once?
He didn't have the time to do stuff at home to prepare that he usually does. At the previews of Iguana, they just felt they were barely to the point of feeling the audience would get something out of it. It's a tricky start; the first 20 minutes have changed the most. The rhythm's shifting. Tennessee Williams does "wonderful writing".
--How long does it take to memorize all their lines?
The whole rehearsal time. (about 3 1/2 weeks for Iguana)
--What kind of training do they have?
Living. Also university and other training they pick up along the way.
--GJ was asked to compare the three Williams characters he's played.
They are hard, but rewarding. Shannon is the most hard -- driven; obsessed. Brick was the easiest, then Chance Wayne. Shannon is so "despicable". Williams let his characters get as "down and dirty" as they wanted.
--He hadn't seen any of the other productions.
--talking about playing the same role more than once:
In rehearsal, emotional points were the same. Sometimes it's difficult to stop and listen to what's being said.
--comparing the three stages at Stratford:
The Tom Patterson is a fabulous stage -- intimate but broad. The Festival is more actor friendly now that they've put in the acoustic board. They can act vs perform.
--What does he find rewarding in a role?
Nice to play a role who is far from you. Look for something new. A character you've never played before; may find lots of similarities in a playwright's work, get a stronger starting point. You may take a role to work with someone; or at a theatre; to travel, to be challenged.
--How do they do the repertory rehersals? Would they do all of them in one day?
Somedays. The rehearsals are prioritized (primary, secondary and tertiary). His were primary.
--At his point he commented:
"I just realized all my roles this season are cads. Maybe it's less of a challenge than I thought."
--Any roles they regret?
At some point in rehearsals they always get to a point where he says "Whatever made me think I could do this?" He remembers seeing Jessica Tandy in rehearsal with that same feeling and takes comfort in knowing that someone with that talent had the same feeling.
--Does he ever get bored with a role?
Never gotten to that point. Maybe if he had to play the same (one) role for a long run (8 or 9 months)
--Inspirational experiences?
He's seen lots of wonderful performances. ...productions that work. But also recalled seeing a production of Midsummer's Night's dream in London and his comment was "Thank God, I wasn't in it".
And the hour was up...
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