Taking the Plunge: A Look Back on "I am a Positive Person"
When my classmates and I moved our classes to Zoom, I remember us being furious. How would acting classes even work on Zoom? How are we going to connect when we’re not in the physical space together? Would this teach us anything? We were concerned and standing at the precipice of something entirely new and unknown.
I’ve been thinking back on that moment a lot since closing on our final production - I am a Positive Person – last Saturday, December 5th. We had had a two-night run and the show was entirely on Zoom. Despite the fact that none of us were in the same physical spaces, and that some of us weren’t even able to see our scene partner’s faces, we were able to create a kick-ass show.
“So beautifully done and so well acted! Everyone took their moment to tell the story and shine.
I’m so moved by the play and all of you.”
I am a Positive Person was written by Danny Rocco and directed by Will Detlefsen.
I can’t even begin to summarize the play so I’m not even going to try (but I will attempt to put the link to it in the videos tab above!) But one thing is for certain: this was not a play on Zoom. This was purely made for Zoom and couldn’t be translated anywhere else.
“I can’t imagine what they had to adjust to in their training given the trials of 2020, and they truly delivered”
It was so interesting to work on a live Zoom production because, in a way, it was like being in a play. We had to enter and exit on very specific moments, we had to prep ourselves properly for the show, and we had to make sure our costumes/props/set(s) were ready. Where it was entirely unlike a play was the fact that you’re set is your own personal space, your entrances and exits involved clicking a button, and you are utterly alone. You don’t share your excitement or nerves or fear with anyone other than yourself. As an actress, that’s hard.
Meet Crystal…
But, ultimately, the thing that got us through it was the sheer quality of the writing and directing. This play was written for us, and Danny really took his time getting to know who we were and how we spoke. And then Will brought the vision to life. I am so grateful to both of them. I played the character of Lenuccia, who goes by her stage name Crystal. She is a character that challenged me and inspired growth both personally and artistically (See Crystal in the all-red photo right next to this!)
And, we got some stellar reviews from our friends and faculty.
“What an ABSOLUTE triumph and a testament to the undeniable power of honest storytelling!”
“It’s the most entrancing thing I’ve ever seen come out of this GD laptop.”
“I felt at times in a kind of Brechtian zoom world and then... boom... inside a strangely recognizable theatrical experience ... and then ... boom.. inside a damn tv crime show... and then ... bombarded by the underbelly of danger that lurks amidst us all.. and then... in that Brechtian way, with your ensemble itself. Just brilliant.”
I’m sad to see this go, but I’m so happy for the experience. Thank you to any of you who were there or who took an interest!
You are appreciated.
xx Selma
