Hello again! Well, it has to be said; we had a very successful first day of rehearsals. The Management team and Artistic Director were waiting at the stage door to greet everyone and guide all the artists, conductors, directors etc to their respective locations. Nobody was late, everyone was in great spirits, enthusiasm was high and the morning session kicked off without a hitch. For the most part the first part of the morning dealt with model-box showing and a briefing about the artistic vision of the creative’s. Then the sound of singing and laughter could be heard gradually all around the building and passing the Band Room just down the street, more thrilling notes churned and turned in the crisp September air.

The Prague Chamber Choir all arrived intact for their first choral rehearsal and rather unusually it’s taking place on the first floor foyer, so, the public coming in to go to lunch in the ‘Skyview Café’ at the top of the Opera House will pass through and get a sense of the process in its infancy. But if you wouldn’t mind using the lift, that’d be great!

I also spent the morning attempting to cast some local people as volunteer extras for one of this year’s productions, there is immense talent amongst Wexford locals and they always turn up trumps from previous experience. This will be ongoing through the week to gather the ladies and gents required. WFO are always keen, wherever possible, to be wholly inclusive of local people in their productions. In fact, a charming young 6 year old was successfully cast in a role yesterday evening and will knock your socks off. Well done young man!

After lunch, the various Stage Managers trickled in with schedule requests, costume fitting needs, individual coaching etc and a draft was compiled. Amazingly, nothing changed from the first one. Success on day one! Who would have thought? Reports back from everyone in rehearsals are very positive. All the directors and conductors seem very happy with their casts and that can’t be bad. Its early days, but so far, it bodes well for the rest of rehearsals.
It’s very exciting to see rehearsals getting off the ground with such enthusiasm and with an air of friendliness, supportiveness, and ease. So, with everyone geared up for the chilly breeze outside yesterday evening, scarves to beat the band and scores under their arms the lights went out for the end of day one. Tomorrow is another day…

Justin