Epsom Downs Action Plan

Step 1
The first step I will be taking as the rehearsal process begins will be to study the script. This study will include reading the whole play; including all stage directions and instructions the playwright has produced to start imagining the playwrights world on our stage. I will also make notes on any hints to historical context the playwright has written in which will allow me to partake in a thorough research of the time period of the play's setting and society of the time. This knowledge will be used to develop character. I will also evaluate the location of each individual character within the play and their dialog; including details of who they interact with, indications of age and appearance and the language in which they speak which will all help my character development and choices I make during the rehearsal period.

Step 2
The next step I will take is to use my notes I have made from reading the script to research the historical context of the play to understand the time period of the setting, the political and social contexts, to learn about the real Epsom Downs and the Queen's jubilee. All this information gathered will allow me to start working on character development as I can start asking questions based on the facts and knowledge I have produced such as;

• What are their names?
• How old are they?
• Where do they live?
• Who are they related too?
• What is their job?
• What do they wear?
• Who do they interact with?
• Why are they interacting with these other characters?
• What caused them to be there at this moment in time?
• How would they walk and talk?

These are some of the questions I will be trying to find answers to during rehearsals.

Step 3

This step will be to put to practice what I have found in research. The physical rehearsals where movement and voice are imaginatively experimented with to start answering them, understanding motives and actions, making decisive choices when discoveries are made. During this time of creation and personalisation of character and interactions, it is imperative that I learn all of my lines, cues, positions, entrances and exits. I will also need to play around with props and costumes to choose what works and what doesn't to prevent last minute decision making and rushing which may lead to negative side effects such as not knowing where I am meant to be, not knowing where I'm meant to go on or off from or not knowing the props I'm supposed to be using for each character and their location.

Step 4

The last step in rehearsal before performance night is to ensure all of my character work has been fully completed to the highest standard I can achieve and that I have practiced and rehearsed multiple times to ensure only a positive outcome when performing. I will also have to make sure my lines are all completely learnt to the point where they become my characters natural dialog and naturally flow; this will be achieved my multiple line runs in and out of character. I will also be making sure all of my props and costume decisions have been made and that each item is easily accessible and in the correct place. Lastly, as an ensemble, use the theatre space too do a dress run of the play to realise any final changes that need to be made before the evening show.

Disclaimer
This is but an 'action plan' produced by myself before the rehearsal period has started. It's purpose is to make the process more efficient and to allow me to keep track of my targets. Due to the being but a 'plan', I expect this to adapt or change in order to better the rehearsal process.