Caucasian Chalk Circle
GUILDFORD SCHOOL OF ACTING
A parable told of a peasant raising a child with significantly more care than the wealthy, biological parents ever would have. A powerful story with a strong moral compass, reminding society that it is what is within that truly matters, not possessions nor power.
Caucasian Chalk Circle was my first experience being a stage manager, having only done the role of ASM within that department at drama school. I felt quite daunted going into the role as not only was I stepping into new territory with the responsibilities of the role, I was also taking a step up the management ladder and having to consider how best to manage my team.
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The play was very traditional to the Brechtian style with which it was written, with the set being very minimalist and most of the set pieces/props being interpretative and multi-functional, highly utilised in the storytellling.
The process of making Michael, the puppet.
Me in one of the breaks during tech.
The show relay in the DSM box.
The view from SL as Scarlett Briggs-Lewis and Tómas Howser enter as the old couple in the second act.
The pre-production process involved a lot of work-shopping of various props including sourcing different fabrics for the 'river' (blue organza was decided ) and for the 'wind' (a plastic dust sheet).
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A main highlight from the process was the creation of Michael, the puppet, who was created on site. We liaised with an external professional, Mervyn Millar, who suggested modifications so the puppet would achieve the movement the director desired as well as meeting the designer’s artistic expectations.
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All in all, this production was a great introduction into the practices of being a stage manager, and I feel I came out of it a stronger and more confident practitioner.
PROFESSIONAL SHOTS by STEVE GREGSON
