These are the notes I took from our meeting (post mortem) for the Mask Show we performed at the School on 23/1/12.
We met at some cafe on Blågårdsgade in Nørrebro.
The structure of the meeting went something like this: We each spoke one at a time talking about the things we thought worked and didn't work about the process. This was not a meeting to discuss the product (to discuss the quality of the show itself), but was instead a meeting about what we should improve and what we should keep doing the way we did it, since we will be doing a lot of shows together. So, I've divided this into two sections including topics people brought up: "Worked Well" (which means let's continue doing this) and "Needs Improvement" (which means we should change how this is done). There is also an "Also" category along with a category discussing doing another Mask Show.
WORKED WELL
-Audience seemed to have a really great experience and feel welcome
-Rehearsals were productive and fairly well organized (not overlapping with 2nd Years or each other in an overly-distracting way)
-We pushed ourselves to make this show and that provided a really good energy with great results
-People really stepped up and took responsibilities, even at the last minute
-Tech during the show went smooth considering everything was so last minute
-We were really forced to work as a team and take responsibilities
-For what we had to work with, the show went really great (it wasn't perfect, but we shouldn't expect perfection). We just did our best.
-Our passion is what brings us together, even when our objectives are different.
-The audience reaction was positive. So, let's keep using this social tool of theatre to give people a positive experience.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
-David (and anyone else who wants to join him) will create prop tables for future shows, where there are specific places labeled on tables for each prop and costume piece, to make sure we don't lose anything and that we take better care of the property.
-We need to take better care of the school property (masks--too many were face down too often, props--keep track of where they are and don't throw them around, costumes--never put them on the floor)
-Curtain Call. Basically what this one means is that we need to communicate better with each other. When we come to an agreement, we need to follow through with that agreement, otherwise we are violating each others' trust. We understand that we all have different objectives for doing shows and even being at the school, but we can still have integrity and trust.
-Cleaning. When we all agree to clean at a certain time, we all need to be there. Five of us showed up to clean the following morning. This is unacceptable. 5 out of 12 of us who are using the same space. When we are using the same space, we are all obligated to help clean. Perhaps next time we could divide the group in half (half to clean before the show, and half to clean after).
-We must continue to own the shows and really make it good.
-We should try to get more things worked out in a shorter amount of time, making more efficient use of our time.
-Take care of yourself and look out for each other.
-We should mix up the groups more, to make more variety in the combination of people in groups. In other words, the same group of people shouldn't be in several pieces together, but we should mix it up. We can really increase our level of learning if we mix with each other better.
-We were missing the heart of the show. We need to help each other more and be more honest about our feedback, so that those pieces that are not doing as well as other pieces should get more attention, because a show is only as good as its weakest piece. Let's struggle more with this instead of just letting it fly by.
-We should run through the show at least 5 days before so we are not so rushed and panicked at the end.
-Maybe we could have one person (a 2nd year students or friends of ours not involved in the show) run the tech for the show--lights, sound, etc.
-Groups should support each other more and watch each others' pieces more in rehearsals.
-How do we divide the workload? Let's question the roles we have at this school (example: David as the announcement guy, maybe he doesn't want that job and someone else could take that responsibility).
-We should set up the lights sooner, please.
-Make meetings clearer to everyone and agree on things, creating specific results that everyone is informed of.
-We should figure out the order of the show better and sooner than we did this time.
-Wash the costumes you used after the show is finished (Perhaps we can put a laundry basket backstage and after the show you can put your costumes in this basket, then Signe can wash it at her place for free. Deal? Deal.).
-There is a conflict between separating home and school and combining them. What should we do, bring home into the classroom or not? Something to think about. Find the level that each person is willing to give to the show (will you put all your energy into it, or only half your energy, we should be aware of this in each other). On the other hand, perhaps we should all just be expected to give the same amount of effort into the show.
-Accept feedback people give you.
-Perhaps we should assign specific tasks to each other.
-Our roles can now change, so we can see each other with new eyes and see the possibilities we have for change.
-Kamal should not have only been in one piece. Let's challenge ourselves to think much more like a group and not leave people out (people work for the group and the group works for the people). On the other hand, perhaps we shouldn't force people to speak up, but should let them speak up for themselves if they want to be in more pieces or whatever.
-We should do the show in a way that we can make more money to get more, or better quality, materials (like body bags, masks, props, etc.), instead of paying for this stuff out of pocket.
-We should have more than just one day of working on the show instead of having classes.
-While rehearsing, keep in mind who can do the tech.
-Let's ask Ole for tools and be more proactive. If we ask, he will give it to us. If we do not ask, he won't.
-Create your own projects. Be the change you want to see in the world and at the school.
ALSO
-Fabiola and Ruth have recorded the show, now Sam's friends will edit it into a finished product. Any word on when we will get said finished video?
NEXT MASK SHOW (This is basically a to-do list for all of us who want to do another mask show)
-We need to find a space that is free if we are going to do the show again, because renting space is what is expensive when doing a show.
-Look for places to perform, venues.
-Perhaps we will do another Mask Show before February 8th, but it might not be a fundraiser, which means that we may do another Mask Show in March in order to raise money for students at the school.
-Perhaps we should invite 2nd Year students to participate in this with us.
-Put your schedule on the blog, people.
There's that, lovelies. Now, it's bed time for this ol' dog.
Love,
Ol' Dog David
