I love going to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for my Sunday afternoon rehearsals for the Festival Play of Daniel. First of all, I must say that I think it is very appropriate that you exit at off the freeway and then merge onto Hope Street because working with the LA Opera gives me a lot of hope!
As I go into the Artists Entrance on Grand Avenue, I appreciate the strategically placed directional signs. This is very helpful because The Music Center is HUGE!
The signage leads me to the elevator where I get to hang out with Plácido Domingo (or at least his photo). What an honor!
After checking in and grabbing my name tag, I finally arrive in the rehearsal room…
…where I have the privilege of learning from some of the most amazingly talented directors and choreographers I have ever known, like Eli Villaneuva and Leslie Stevens. See how Eli is very approachable and Leslie always wears a gorgeous smile!
Director Eli Villanueva talking to ensemble member
At this rehearsal, the props were introduced. It was really fun watching the young cast members explore their assigned props. Props and costumes always help you get into character and help paint the image of the scene we are creating. I love watching the imagination and excitement begin to spark.
This year, the ensemble is very large. It is amazing how much we can accomplish with so many people in only a few hours. Just in case we missed anything, there is always a re-cap at the end (kind of like in music, there are recapitulations)! The wonderful staff always make sure we have all our notes and are prepared for the next rehearsal!