Reanna Russell

3/27/17

Today we read over a preliminary script to get a feel for the content of our piece. I was

very impressed with the diversity of experiences and emotions Alyssa and Matt Omasta were

able to pull out of the anecdotes they received. We read round robin style and offered up

suggestions for transitions and the way in which we felt the show could run more smoothly

(organization of the anecdotes) I felt that my experience with depression allowed me to offer up

valuable suggestions that held truth for the emotions and sensitivities of some of the people that

struggle with mental illness. My advice was also particularly helpful in the medication section,

as well as coming up with using a statistic for a transition. The group discussed common and

reoccurring symbols and themes that we could utilize in our blocking or by reworking the script.

We prioritized and categorized lines and portraying positive or negative perspectives on certain

topics to maintain balance and flow through the script.

4/3/17

Today we received parts in the almost completely finalized script. I received the part of

Grandmother I think in large part because I am able to pronounce all the medications names. I

identify with this role very heavily. A lot of what the grandmother says are things that I have

heard my mother say when she talks about her depression. We also blocked the first page and a

half of the script. I am very thankful that I went to the group unify/impulse master class with
Ashley when she was here. It helped me to have the courage to vocalize my ideas as we were

setting our physical transitions. I am nervous that our time restraints will have an effect on how

well I am able to fine tune my personal knowledge and execution of the blocking.

4/4/17

Today we were able to continue blocking and running through the show. It was also the

first day that I was able to run my lines with the cast. The part I received is probably the most

deeply acted out part. There isnt a lot of context given behind my character or lines which make

me very responsible for interpreting and portraying them well enough that the audience is able to

grip the tale that sort of immensely anxious depression takes on a persons life and psyche. I

think that my experiences with depression (both having it and observing it) really help me with

this role. I know how overwhelming it can be to have all the different aspects of your personality

telling you how to manage simply surviving. Being a part of this process has been very

therapeutic for me. Although we are not talking directly about my story, having a cast of people

talking about depression freely, and analytically is really helping my own symptoms.

4/5/17

Today we ran through the entire show with tech (the minimal lighting and music/sound

cues we have) Overall, the production is really coming together. We are all beginning to really

embrace the character choices weve made, our lines are becoming more solid, and I am so
excited to share the final project with the people of Cache Valley. Personally, I crave more

direction/notes/advice on my lines. While my own experiences with depression have helped me

develop the emotion and objective behind my lines, I havent had the exact experiences

portraying (most actors havent) and in this piece I think it is extremely important to do justice to

the people who provided us their stories and what they went through. I am again very thankful

for the therapeutic aspects of participating in this piece, and it has been instrumental in keeping

me from falling apart this semester.

4/6/17

Today we did a dress rehearsal of the show and tomorrow we open to the public! I am feeling

more and more confident with my delivery of the lines and correctly/confidently portraying the

emotions behind them. Matt let us know that both performances in the black box are almost sold

out, and I am so thrilled that our very important message is going to reach so many people.

4/7/17

We opened to the public tonight and it was incredible and emotional. I had a lot of nervous

energy that I was able to use to add more passion and spark to my performance. In all honesty,

Im writing this review the next morning because I was so exhausted after the show. Performing

is always tiring but it was even more so because I was addressing my own emotion in front of

people finally. I say it again and again but this process has been incredible therapy for me during
my own difficult time. I hope that being a part of this show helped the audience as much as it has

helped me.

4/8/17

We completed two performances today, one for the community and one for the university. I

thought it was incredibly wise to have doctors (psychologists and psychiatrists) available after

each performance as today, the audience were visibly shaken after the show. However difficult it

is for them, this outlet has been helpful and healthy for a lot of people, and I want to continue to

share it. Its so important to be able to talk openly about mental illness. Its vital. It saves people

and it saved me.