Way out West (incorporating Way up North)

Procrastination.

I have a show going into Battersea Arts Centre tomorrow morning, part of a try-out weekend for new theatre pieces. I've been to rehearsals, the script is finalised and the design is clear and crystal in my mind. So why is it that I can't quite force myself to get the plan and the paperwork finished? I've had this before (I call it Lighters Block, sorry), back in the days when I used to draw my plans on huge sheets of paper, the first pencil mark was sometimes the most difficult to do. I once stared at a sheet of A0 for ten days without touching it, it was only until my friend the psychologist came round and sat on my bed talking to me about nothing in particular that I was sufficiently distracted to get on with the drawing.

These days a designer is expected to produce reams of paperwork, not just a plan, but elevations, sections and housekeeping (colour cutting lists, lantern lists, flying weights and so on). Some directors even expect a simulation of the images, all this can be done, but takes time and ultimately takes you away from the creative process (which is why even the cheapest lighting designer will often employ an assistant).

In the case of 'Taikonaut', tomorrows exercise, I have finished the plan, and just need to tidy up the paperwork before the fit-up. This is a try-out and I don't see why it shouldn't be the same for me.

posted by Lampy @ 2/17/2006 07:41:00 pm