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A royalty in the making

Cast members warming up their vocals before rehearsal. (Photo: Heather Meunier | The Prospector)

The curtains have been laid down and the show is over. But is that it? Do we suddenly stop experiencing the moment once we step outside the doors? If you’re one those who would like to know what goes on behind the stage and more, then look no further.

Yuba College may have put on many shows in the past, but under all the make-up and all the costumes there is something that the average audience member won’t usually get a whim of. And that something is the work that everyone puts into the production of the stage performance. Fortunately, we’ve been graced with some of the most approachable individuals that have been cast into this semester’s theatrical piece. As a matter of fact, most of them are real good friends outside of the stage. And they were kind enough to let me ride along as they traverse the universe of The Little Prince.

Since the very first day of the Spring 2012 semester, the cast members have been rehearsing every weeknight for up to 3 hours per night. Don’t call me a math expert yet, but that’s a lot of time.

Will plays a King presiding over one of the planets that we visit during the musical, but it isn’t his only role. In fact, there’s even more work put into the rehearsals since many of the cast members have to play multiple roles. This gives them a lot more to do. That deserves them more than just a round of applause after the show. They have to do all this on top of other classes that they may be taking this semester. Kudos to the team for participating on every level. Do you have what it takes to absorb this obligation?

I was also granted with the opportunity to catch up with one of the lead actors, or actress in this case. Brynne Capps plays the role of the little prince. In her experience, it has been a lot of fun because the role seems to fit her own personality quite well.

Getting tips and running through scenes can be helpful, but for Brynne, the supporting cast is what makes everything come through together. Having good friends with you along the way can surely put some ease onto your shoulders.

So how does one get cast for a musical, let alone a standard drama? Brynne says she has never received any formal vocal training, but she does sing a lot and have made appearances in our variety shows. So, for starters, it would help to get yourself become known even if just a little. Get out there and show what you can do. No need to be afraid. The arts and music departments are very friendly and welcomes just about anyone who is willing to put up the work.

If any of the things mentioned above isn’t your style. There’s always the joy of playing with cardboard objects and waltzing in glittery costumes. Unfortunately, the props and outfits weren’t completed while I was around so there isn’t much that can be said on that subject. But, don’t let that lack of detail discourage any decisions of attending one of the evening showings. A little anticipation can go a long way. After all, part of the amusement factor comes from the element of surprise.

After each rehearsal, director Gina Alvarado rounds up the cast together so that she can go through each and every one of them for review. These sessions are probably the most crucial part of every evening. The actors can get some ideas on improvements or just to try out something different. And according to Brynne, Gina is be a cool director but is still very direct. Criticisms will be heard. There’s a lot of learning involved during and after rehearsal. Professionalism is important and one should leave no room for mistakes, but at the same time everyone will still have fun and that seems to be what’s most important

So I hope you can join us on this fantastical journey. There is no reason you should be missing out on watching something that your own colleagues have put so much hard work into.

You can catch The Little Prince at the Yuba College Theater. Don’t miss opening night on March 9th at 8pm. For more information on the musical visit the Yuba College website at http://yc.yccd.edu/

Capa is the mild-mannered, culturally-confused English major of The Prospector. As an aspiring novelist he thrives to write simply for the sake of writing. Other than writing he spends most of his free time on music and video games, sometimes even combining the two. Also likes to think he’s up in the-know with technology. No, not really. Reach him at prospector.clo@gmail.com for comments and/or suggestions.