![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abingdonoperatic.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/15939907433_425886d66f_z.jpg\")
<\/a>How would you describe AOS?<\/h3>\n
AOS are a friendly and talented bunch. They have fun at rehearsals and are dedicated enough to know that they also have to (and do!) work hard to ensure that the finished product \u2013 the show that the public will see \u2013 is as polished and as it can be.<\/p>\n
What attracts you to a part?<\/h3>\n
The part has to be a strong character \u2013 someone to whom the audience will react. Normally that is why I enjoy playing comedy roles, but that is not always the case. I also enjoy playing disagreeable characters, such as Jigger in Carousel, or Ted Blacklock, the militant union leader in The Hired Man. Another thing that is important is that the part must not require any serious dancing. I can move, but precise dancing has never been my forte!<\/p>\n I look at the audition piece and try to find a part in it that, if portrayed in a particular way, could get a strong response from the audience. I will then concentrate on this and develop it as much as I can. Having said that, I often have great ideas as to how I will say a particular line, but when it comes to the audition, nerves come into play, and it often doesn\u2019t come out the way I intended it!<\/p>\n I do. It\u2019s great fun to be \u201cworking\u201d with friends, putting everything together to create a show. I enjoy seeing how the show develops over the rehearsal period. From the initial singing rehearsals, where we learn the individual voice parts, and then combine them to produce full harmonies. Also, how often chaotic early dance steps miraculously evolve into well-ordered dance routines. (Or, in my case, evolve into slightly-less-chaotic dance steps!).<\/p>\n Yes, the character evolves over the duration of the rehearsals. You start with initial ideas of how to play the role, and during rehearsals you may experiment with ways to say or portray certain aspects. Some things work and some don\u2019t, and so you try to incorporate all the best bits.<\/p>\n Absolutely. Show week is the culmination of all the hard work. I usually get nervous before first going on to the stage. However, once you have come on, and things are going well, the feeling is tremendous. It is always great when you get that first laugh from the audience. You know that you have made a connection. This encourages you to put more into your performance, which is then rewarded by more reaction. It is a two-way thing. When you have a good relationship with the audience the feeling can be awesome.<\/p>\n There are a couple of parts that my dad played which I would really like to take on: Fagin in Oliver! and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. And of course, if we ever had the chance to do Les Miserables, I would love to play Thernadier, the innkeeper.<\/p>\n My ideal part would: Every few months, we like to turn the spotlight on an AOS member and find out a little more about them. This time it\u2019s Kevin Pope. When did you first get involved in musical theatre and where was this? I was introduced to musical theatre from a very young age as my mum and dad … Continue reading Member’s Q&A: Kevin’s still hoping to one day say ‘HUMBUG!’<\/span> <\/a>How do you prepare for auditions?<\/h3>\n
Do you enjoy rehearsals?<\/h3>\n
Do you find that your character changes during the rehearsal process?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Do you enjoy show week?<\/h3>\n
Is there a part you\u2019ve always wanted to play?<\/h3>\n
How would you describe your ideal part?<\/h3>\n
\n~ Be a strong character
\n~ Have some great comedy content and memorable songs
\n~ Not have too many lines to learn
\n~ Not require any precise dance moves
\n~ Have at least one drunk scene!<\/p>\nThanks, Kevin!<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"