Stage Manager
The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Marisa Figueras - Production Assistant
Supporting Memorization
As a production assistant, one of my main focuses of rehearsals was line notes. Every time we ran, whether it was a moment or a scene or the entire show, I was following along in the script line for line. I balanced noting any mistakes with giving line in the moment, helping to support the actors continue to scene while also preparing notes to help in their own work outside of rehearsals. I also strived to be present in the room while they were working things over and over, noticing when a line was repeatedly tripped over or misspoken and verbally correcting them when I could to aid that memorization. Especially with an Oscar Wilde piece, we stress on being line-perfect and it's important to help that journey as soon and consistently as possible.
Solving the Unasked Question
The opening scene of The Importance of Being Earnest involves Algernon confronting his friend "Ernest" about his true name, as his calling card says "Ernest" but his cigarette case is engraved to "Jack." Our director, Rodney, wanted to store the calling card inside the cigarette case for ease, but the card kept falling out during rehearsal. On our next break, I took some gaff tape and secured a paperclip to the inside on our next break - something simple, but it worked well and let the work continue. The solution was so seamless that no one thought about the issue after that and the case functioned with that same gaff tape and paper clip for the whole run.
Production Photos
all photos by Karl Hugh
