No Place Like

This past month was extremely busy (as you can tell because I haven't had time to write!)

So at the start of Uni, I heard about a 24 hour movie project run by Union House Theatre (the equivalent of BTC at Brandeis) and decided to join in. The short film "Just Dance" was written, rehearsed (yes, I threw in a dance number), and filmed in 24 hours! Through this, I met Artistic Director Tom Gutteridge and we got to talking about fight choreo opportunities around campus. Thus, I became the fight choreographer for Union House Theatre's production of Chris Summers' "No Place Like."

read the rehearsal blog here:

http://union.unimelb.edu.au/theatre/no-place-like-rehearsal-blog

find reviews and synopsis of the show here:

http://union.unimelb.edu.au/theatre

This was by far the most difficult show I've worked with in terms of stunts. Aside from the usual falls, punches, chokes, and hairpulls, we had vomit, a strangle-to-death (for lack of a better term), and a scene where a spine is carved and ripped from someone's back. Gore galore!

Not only did Tom set me up with this position, but he also set me up with a fantastic fight mentor, Felicity Steel, who helped me brush up and taught me new techniques throughout the semester. She also got me started with sticks and swords in preparation for the sword class I'm TAing for the grad actors when I get back to Brandeis in the fall. I am so thankful for the time she spent with me.

And, like a good fight partner, Ross was there to bounce ideas, do demonstrations with me for the cast, and help run fight calls. But we'll talk more about his trip to Australia in another post.

Let's not forget about the cast, prod staff (including the lovely writer!), and crew. By far the nicest group of people I've met in Australia. I'm so fortunate to have worked with and learned from each and every one of them.