Thursday, December 5, 2013

The production number, "My Junk," went through a  number of changes during the rehearsal period. It started to become a running joke between Chris McCoy (the choreographer), the cast and me during technical rehearsals (which is when we did most of the changes). We explored over five different versions that the cast had to re-rehearse a few days before we opened. Some of the changes were large, some were small, but in the end we found an exciting way to stage and choreograph "My Junk" so it would have the greatest visual impact and a crystal clear narrative.

This kind of change happened often during the rehearsal process of Spring Awakening as it was important to me that the actors and creative team felt that the process was living. I believe that's what makes this production of Spring Awakening so visceral and alert. Because the creative team and I were  constantly exploring and being inspired by the moment, this fearless group of actors jumped into that process and were always open to the changes. Those changes made for stronger moments and awakenings which the audience can now experience.

Stafford Arima
Director/UC Davis Granada Artist-in-Residence
www.staffordarima.com

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