Scale Models and Shoes

Some directors have only a sketchy idea of how they want the set to look and others know precisely. Harry Grey, definitely falls into the latter camp. He has constructed a detailed model from cardboard and paper. I wish now that I had included a hand in the photo to give you some idea of the scale. It is about 30cm x 25cm I from memory.

The wrong pair of shoes can ruin an otherwise good costume. Audiences notice these things so it is important that the shoes worn are right for the character and for a historical play that they are from the correct period. They also need to fit so that the actor doesn't spend the show either in pain or worrying about tripping over their feet. Progress has a large collection of shoes so there is usually plenty of opportunity to find the perfect pair.

If you are interested in what goes on at Progress Theatre then sign up to this blog. Enter your email in the box under ‘about us’ and click on subscribe. New postings are made weekly so you won’t be swamped with emails.

Coming up...

All My Sons by Arthur Miller 5th - 14th May 2011

Enjoy by Alan Bennett 6th - 11th June 2011

Progress Youth Theatre Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas 4th - 11 July 2011

Open air production The Tempest by William Shakespeare 23rd - 30th July 2011

See Progress Theatre website for details of all our productions and auditions.

All My Sons Photo Op

Mandy King takes most of the publicity photos for Progress and my visit to the theatre on Sunday to gather material for the blog coincided with her visit to do a photo shoot for All My Sons. As is often the way, the publicity photos are needed before the costumes are completely sorted. The actors therefore had to be photographed with an approximation of the final costume or the top half only because they have the right shirt but are wearing modern jeans. Mandy also has to made sure that modern watches and jewelry are removed as inconsistent details can spoil a good shot.

Helen Coleman, who is organising costumes for the show was also on hand to make sure the cast looked right for the period. She had some red lipstick for the women as she says "red lipstick just says 1940s". There wasn't a lot she could do about modern haircuts in time for the photos but she is encouraging the men to grow their hair longer on the top so that by the time of the performance they can have a traditional short back and sides.

Mandy decided to take advantage of the sunshine and we all walked over to Cintra park just opposite the theatre. We requisitioned a park bench for our photos - much to the bemusement of the other park users.

If you are interested in what goes on at Progress Theatre then sign up to this blog. Enter your email in the box under ‘about us’ and click on subscribe. New postings are made weekly so you won’t be swamped with emails.

Coming up...

All My Sons by Arthur Miller 5th - 14th May 2011

Enjoy by Alan Bennett 6th - 11th June 2011

See Progress Theatre website for details of all our productions and auditions.