Living Last Supper After Action Review Notes

  1. Need to rehearse a lot of things in the dark. Especially entering into the table area just before the performance (we were very noisy!!), and while we are saying our parts (shuffling of chairs, etc made some noise).
  2. Really need to do a full-blown dress rehearsal (at night!) 1 or 2 nights before the scheduled performance. This needs to include “pre” as well as “post” type activities, like communion, etc. For example, during communion, we passed the bread, it stopped somewhere, and never returned. And the wine was never distributed among the apostles. The final rehearsal might be one where we just do our first and last lines, and focus on this “other stuff.”
  3. Highly recommend we use a camcorder to tape practices and the dress rehearsal. Seeing how we look when we speak and when we gesture (and use props) would be very useful. However, this would require everyone to attend more practices (which they should do anyway!!).
  4. Need to check lighting, get feedback on how the lighting was as compared to previous lighting. For the camcorder, the light was quite low, but what matters is how it looked to the audience. It has been described as softer but pleasant – what do others think. Do we need brighter lights (not for sake of camcorder, but for sake of audience, although it would definitely help out the camcorder.).
  5. Need to establish a firm cut-off date to lock in actors. By a certain date, if an actor has not attended at least one (two, or more?) practice, then they are out.
  6. In addition to a schedule,everyone should have a list of POCs and a milestone list of things that need to be done, and by what date. That way, if someone is “out of the net,” then someone else can pick up the slack easily. Critical areas need to be identified, and back-up people need to assigned to those areas.
  7. Need a database of past performers with POC info like phone numbers, part played, availability, etc. This goves us a record of past performances, and a back-up list of potential people to call in case someone backs out on short notice.
  8. The new script is great. Recommend using it again in the future. Parts are easier to pick up, and it more accurately represents the da Vinci painting.
  9. Chairs – make sure they suit everyone. I (Rafael O.) could not use the folding chairs – killed my back. I used another chair (same one that lay reader uses) that worked great. Need to make sure other actors have a chair they can “live with.” Also, need to do something to make chairs less noisy. Duct tape on bottom of legs..?
  10. Stage, or platform, needs to be silenced. Either with carpet leftovers, or padded mats that Sam’s sells. Would solve chair noise problem, and our stepping on it, and tapping feet, all would be silenced.
  11. Need back-ups - at least a few to replace those who back out on short notice. Need depth of support.
  12. Costumes – were good, Marie did a great job of having them ready for us (washing them, setting them out for our use). We need to have written downexactly what each apostle should have in way of robe, scarf, wig, beard, props, etc.
  13. Possible idea: after apostle does his part, he remains in pose thru rest of show, except during music (take a break). Just a thought, though.
  14. Ushers – Didn’t seem to be locked in until the last minute. Recommend they be locked in and participate in the dress rehearsal (they need to be in at least one rehearsal!!).
  15. Need to provide everyone a good picture of the Last Supper painting (in color if possible).
  16. Music – was excellent as always, and songs well-chosen.
  17. Judas – good solution for this performance, but still recommend a full speaking part for Judas in the future. But this option does provide an alternative for future plays.
  18. [Spectator] well i like it. i think if i had to choose, i might prefer the old script. but its a hard decision. i think the spotlight should be brighter next year, but other than that i enjoyed it very much and had a great time.
  19. [Spectator] The Living Last Supper is always a most cherished event for me. I take a different impression and interpretation from each enactment that I have seen, it is never stale or repetitive to me so any change to the script is not a problem. The new script was very confortable and easy to follow--the continuity of the theme "was it I" tied the message together as the apostles searched their souls for the answers. I felt that I was asking myself was it I? The music was more familiar and conducive to the intimate, personal feeling of The Last Supper; after all Jesus selected a comfortable and familiar setting for this important milestone in Christendom. No matter what the script or format I will still drink from the well and feel blessed for having been able to be there. Thank you and everyone involved for the Living Last Supper.
  20. I have thought of a way to ensure lighting cues are correct with we have the money. Why can't we purchase a set of walkie talkies to be used by the Chap Asst and Spot Light Personnel. This was the Spot Light person could tell the Chap Asst when to turn the lights off and back on. Just a thought. I truly enjoyed the new script. I felt it was pertinent to the production and maintained a focus - the Last Supper. Prayerful this helped prepare the congregation minds to the Easter services and why we rejoice and celebrate. I have received very positive feedback from people I work with who came to see the production.