Fighting for the Fringe

Getting ready to take a show overseas can be a real knock down, drag out process. Lucky for us, we have the help of Twin Cities fight choreographer Aaron Preusse from The Fake Fighting Company (http://www.fakefighting.com/)

We have 4 fight sequences to choreograph and perfect for Hearts Like Fists. This means hours of rehearsal to get every move just right, taking the fights at 1/2 speed, then 3/4, and finally full speed. Punches, kicks, slaps, and tumbling moves have to be precise - not only to give the fight the illusion of reality, but also for safety. This week we have our final rehearsals with Aaron as we get ready for Edinburgh. 

Rehearsal at Anoka Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus

In addition to figuring out blocking, memorization, characterization, pacing, and all technical elements like sound, lighting, costumes, and props. 

The last time I directed this show we had to cut it to meet the 35 minute MSHSL One Act requirement - and we had about 15 actors and 3 technicians. This time we're taking the whole show with 7 actors and one technician. That means we've done some creative re-imagining of some scenes - with a few characters being played by life-sized dummies designed by the amazing Deb Oas Koepsell. Made to fold up in a suitcase and travel - the actors have also been having a good time figuring out how to incorporate these puppets into the show.

Rehearsal with our dummy friend at AR Cambridge Campus.

We hope our friends and families can make it to our farewell performance on July 25 at the AR Cambridge Campus at 8 pm. We are learning more and more about the show, ourselves, and what it will take to be successful in Edinburgh each and every day.

Lessons learned:

1. Going back and exploring a text you've worked with before is a worthwhile endeavor and, like re-reading a favorite book, provides new insights and understanding.

2. A well-planned fight takes hours to rehearse to make it look spontaneous.

3. Safety first! But it's hard to fight slow when you want to go fast!

4. I never thought I'd hear the following phrase in my lifetime: "MO - I put the bodies in the back of your car."