SNEAK PEEK PART 2: More Behind The Scenes Of I Think I Can
So you read a bit about the pre-production aspects of putting this show together in Sneak Peek Part 1. This video gives you a quick glimpse into a break during rehearsals- plus an insider’s look at some of the props used in the show.
Because this show is a “remount” (originally on stage 2007, and received a Dora Award for Outstanding New Musical) the choreography is 75% the same. I threw in some crazy syncopation, extra layers of rhythm and new steppin choreography in the other 25%.
We spent the first week of rehearsal just learning steps, because there’s about 2 thousand of them throughout the show…
…and by focusing on just choreography right away, that allowed the performers a better experience in week #2. They dived into character exploration and interacted with each other without having to think about tap dance steps.
It’s pretty tough to act and tap actually. Some days the cast was awesome! And other days…
…let’s just say it’s pretty tough. =)
The sounds of tap feet are the kids’ main method of communication. And their strict Teacher, Miss Miriam “Detention Squared” McColl (played by Melody Johnston) is the only actor to use real dialogue.
Pretty cool huh? Stay tuned for PART 3…
– Shawn Byfield
Shawn Byfield - Certified Public Speaker, Dance Coach & Choreographer 