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FIRST ENCOUNTER

The understanding of how the music in this play functions is crucial to both the staff as well the actors. It takes on many roles including but not limited to: aiding as  an emotional component and driving the story forward, providing tempo and rhythmic structures under dialogue, and serving as  a "scene partner" such as in "The Fugue." On the first "meet and greet" our production will undergo the following exercise to better acquaint ourselves with a deeper appreciation for the variations roles and importance.

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1.We will ask our actors to relax in their chairs, and ask everyone to close their eyes  as we dim the lights to achieve the highest level of relaxation. We will play the following variations...

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Variation Theme

Variation # 1

Variation # 8

Variation # 20

Variation# 31

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2. We will pause briefly between each  variation to allow the cast to quickly write down answers to the following questions...

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What does the music make you think of? (Write down words, phrases, or illustrate what you see.)

 

 

What is the tempo like? Is it a fast piece or slow? How does the tempo make you feel?

 

 

What two words would you use to describe this piece? Why?

 

 

When all of the variations have been played, we will answer the final questions...

 

 

What piece was your favorite? Least favorite? Why?

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Did you connect any particular variation to your particular character or possible moment in the play?

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Finally, we will share our answers in a group discussion, followed by a brief history of Beethoven's life, work and the variations.

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THE NEXT THREE SIMULATION STYLE ACTIVITIES WILL HELP THE CAST OBTAIN A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENTRAPMENT AND EXHAUSTION SUFFERERS OF ALS EXPERIENCE.

  1. The actors will be spaced side by side in chairs set up in a row. They will be instructed to sit in their chair for the next15 minutes of the presentation on the show moving nothing but your eyes. Nothing. No speaking, no scratching your nose, no shifting your weight, no movement of ANY kind. Only your eyes. As you sit, imagine: this is your life. Your only life.When the 15 minutes are over we will share our experience(s) in a group discussion.

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2. The cast will then be paired and each given two large marshmallows. Each partner will take turns, with marshmallows in their mouth, explaining three fun facts about themselves. Discussion to follow. How many times must you repeat yourself? How does this make you feel?

3. There will be various size weights made available to the in 5, 10, 15. 20. 25lb increments. Each member of the cast will get to experience performing the simple task of  writing their name on an elevated wipe board, 5 different time, with the 5 different size weights- the weight gradually increasing each time. This will simulate the gradual progression of muscle detrition and function someone with ALS experiences.

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What is it like to have ALS?

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