TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT : JOURNAL OF REFLECTION

STUDENT’S NAME : HENG ZENG WEI

Section A

No one is born to be a theatre planner. With this in mind, remember that nobody automatically
knows how to plan a event without cooperation from a team of committee. A lot of time, work, and
effort are required to get a show confirmed. Furthermore, it is very easy to get overwhelmed by the
amount of work involved in producing a successful show beside busying with loads of assignments
and [Link], a detailed schedule had been planned since week one after our group is formed.
On week 1,our on-going technical group was formed with all together thirteen members, however, due
to lack of manpower in pre-technical group,we forced to arrange another three members to help up.
Our leader, Shiao Chee,had created a whatsapp group as a platform for discussion and communication.
On 4th November,the first meeting was held outside Mark Kuok Library from 1 to 3pm. Objectives of
the day is to discuss about the job scope,distribute work and knowing the basic concept and
responsibility of each position held. Besides, there is a brainstorming session to complete a project
proposal which needed to be handed up on the coming Friday. Our leader also collect fund of RM 40
from every members for used by stage performers, booth exhibitors, and pre-technical team in
preparing props and costumes. Although we are from different course, but we manage to get familiar
with each other after [Link] of us have passion and enthusiasm in making our dream
comes true.

In the following days, we manage to get the script from the stage performers group. Although
Deepavali is around the corner, we still make use of this holiday to have our second meeting, which is
on 11th of November. Early in the morning around 10, we have our breakfast together at MZ mamak,
at the same time screening through the script-Hamlet that we just obtained. All of us got excited and
ideas has been simmering in the back of our mind. We discussed on the design of props and costume
by sharing opinions and suggestions with each other. Since we have a strong desire to do it, some of
the props had come out with draft and idea on spot. As “two heads are better than one”, I can say that
group stimulates creativity. I suggested that we should be realistic in designing heavy props, for
example we can change a setting by repositioning a set piece; one prop can be used to serve several
purposes; some costumes can be made by altering existing garments instead of constructing them from
scratch. We are able to make it by just adding an angel wing on the priest’s white garment when he act
as an angel in the next scene. The final outcome was then discussed with the stage performance leader.
Moreover, we had draw up a list of everything to be done before the time comes: sets, costumes,
props, music, etc. We also assigned these tasks and schedule their completion over the weeks before
the first full rehearsal.

Two days later, which is 13 th of November, third discussion has been held to decide the material
and colour used for the props and costumes. After that, we were assigned to collect resources (paper
boxes and newspapers) as many as possible to save cost since we need more money to buy cosmetic
product for makeup purpose. We were so lucky since we manage to get the castle pillar from the
Znight event .The completed design drawing of the props and costume were also done, finally it can
be handled to the pre-technical group for further process making. On the same day, i also passed by
multi-purpose hall to have an overview of the stage so that i can imagine the placement of props and
their size. On week 5, I had a first meet up with the stage performers to obtain the background music
and sound effect used for the event day. Almost every night after class ended (8-10pm), i will
definitely attend their practice held at 2nd floor to make sure i clear about the story flow and when to
play the music. It takes several days for me to get all the music played at the right timing perfectly.
Several changes had been made in between, therefore i make sure i always keep myself updated by
reading all the recent post in facebook group. On 23rd November (11-3pm), comes the first rehearsal of
our performance, this is my first experience handling the PA system under guidance from management
team. I learned to set up microphones and get use to the functions of various buttons and switches. A
lot of arrangements were made in order to solve problems such as feedback and lack of microphone.
Same jobs were repeated on the coming Friday (27 th Nov), which start from 8am till 11am . Everything
was getting better and not as fluster as the previous rehearsal. This followed by a three department
meeting which required all of us to commit the recent achievements and also difficulties faced.
Everything is going fine and I can see that everyone of us are doing our role as planned in week 2.

Besides, i also joined the pre-technical team for props making during weekend (28 th &29th Nov)
since they lack of manpower. We had completed the angel and demon wand, flower stand, portrait
frame and etc after hours of [Link] members were satisfied with it and gained energy in
working out the rest of the props. On 30th November, I have another practice at 7pm, but I insist to
help them to proceed with angels and demons costume during normal class time. I help them to paint
the spirit garment using handprint to create the haunting effect. I also help up in the Queen Getrude’s
hairdo and costume. Although it is tiring, however the dream suddenly becomes very real when the
performers put on their costumes, props and makeup. The next day which is on 1st Dec, we had
another rehearsal as usual. On 2nd Dec, we had increased our rehearsal period and divided it into 2
sessions, we had an earlier preparation at 11.00pm-12.00pm since we will have a full rehearsal later at
night (5-8pm). We make sure everything is ready and well prepared. On 3rd Dec, i had went to support
our booth exhibition at ground floor, i was so impressed that they had did a great job out of our
expectations. We had our last rehearsal before the event day on that night too. So, the day finally
came. On 5th of Dec, our on-going group members meet up at KB102 early in the morning at 7.00am
to do finalized. Makeup team also reached on time and start to do make up on the main [Link]
8am, we help to shift all the props and costumes from 7 th floor to the respective lecture hall. Later by
9.00am, we had another practice with the performers, i can see most of them become very serious as it
was the real show. Finally, it’s our turn to perform, we had try our best and we received a round of
applause from the audience. It was a great and memorable night that i would never ever forget in my
entire life.

Section B

So here comes to the end of this event that all of us fight for almost six weeks time, there is no
denying that it left a deep impression in my heart till now. Being the first time participate in such
musical theatre, it is definitely a fresh journey to me. I realized that I have to deal with a lot of
ongoing interpersonal and group issues which make me more strong and resilient after all. Despite all
these difficulties, I have loved the process, not only the new friendships formed with the new
reminiscence group, but the abundance of amazing experiences I collected. As a leader of audio team,
it is important for me to ensure that the information was being updated among team member and also
committee from others group such as stage performers as i will in charge of the audio system on event
day.

Being a audio team member, i feel lucky for having this opportunity to learn and control the PA
system in holding a event. It was hard and complicated at first, however i slowly get use to it and
manage to control after plenty times of guidance from the management team. Here is some of the tips i
gained after numerous times of practice and rehearsals. First and foremost, proper microphone
selection and placement in theater applications can dramatically improve and reinforce the impact of
the action and emotion on [Link] is to insure that every word spoken or sung is heard while taking
into account some of the complexities of staging. Secondly, the goal of any sound reinforcement
system is to project the program material to an audience in a manner that allows the person furthest
away from the performance area to hear sufficiently. Therefore, an efficient system will allow enough
amplification to occur before feedback is a [Link] is nothing worse than spending an entire
event struggling with feedback demons.

One of the challenges we met is the heavy feedback due to the spaces of multi-purpose hall that
fail to support the basic requirement of a theatre stage design . We then brainstorming for all possible
solutions in order to minimize the frequency of feedback so that the piercing noise would not distract
and affect the audience interest towards our performance. One of the most effective ways to avoid
audio feedback is by simply switching off the microphone before turn ing on the audio system.
Furthermore, make sure that the microphone input volume is turned down to its lowest level . After the
system is turned on, gradually raise the microphone volume. However, I have to experiment with the
volume controls for some time before i can determine the optimum microphone volume level for
specific audio system. While adjusting the volume, I found that i need to reduce the volume a little bit
whenever the piercing noise appears. Besides, it also helps by moving the loudspeakers further away
from the microphones.

In theater applications when it is not practical to use a typical handheld vocal microphone, the
use of either a mic stand or headset microphone will best allow me to "close mic" the performers. This
modern lavalier and headset designs are lightweight and discreet, it gives a big help in solving the
challenges and obstacles we met. During the first rehearsal, we found that it is quite troublesome for
the performers to act while holding the microphone, and this will create a lot of room noises and
[Link], we decided to set up a few mic stands in front of the stage for some specific scene
which require more body expression. However, this is not that efficient and will affect the clarity of
dialogue. So,I make sure the height of the speakers is at, or slightly above, the heads of the audience,
even when standing. Moreover, angle loudspeakers to point toward the audience area, not toward the
side [Link] mic also can be used for the main character who have more conversation in the whole
performance. Both do an excellent job of increasing potential gain before feedback and allow to
minimize pick up of room noise, stage vibrations, and other unwanted sounds. When used with
wireless systems, they give performers almost unlimited [Link] wireless microphones in
musical theatre, movement would be restricted, scene and wardrobe changes would be difficult, and
walking or dancing around stage would just become dangerous.

When manipulating the PA system, it is important to have a good collaboration with the
performers, lighting system and also the reaction of [Link] it comes to a sorrowful scene, the
music should be started with a soft and gentle volume and get louder gradually with the performer’s
emotion in order to emphasize the feelings. When it is a frightening scene, it is important to play the
sound effect together with the parcan effect as it will give a sudden shock to the [Link]
instance, there is a lightning and thunder scene which require the audio team to collaborate nicely with
the lighting team in creating such breathtaking effect. Besides, if the scene is quite boring or draggy,
try to increase the system volume to attract the audience attention. Be alert of any postpone and
emergency cause due to the preparation of props and stage, make up and costume during the changing
scene, not to play the music too early but wait for everybody to be ready. For the dancing scene, mic
volume needed to be turned down to prevent any feedback occur that will affect the whole
performance. Before the performance start, all microphones were checked for any battery lost and
malfunction, and make sure all the switches were turned on before controlling the volume.

One of the biggest challenges that i faced when co operating with the stage performers members
are lack of understanding and practice. The first few rehearsal was a mess since we did not have a full
run before, when it comes to the proper rehearsal, we fail to bring out the effect due to the wrong
timing and also some feedback problem that occurs. Besides, when all the light is off, it was so dark
till we have difficulties in identify ing the switches and volume [Link] is also some distraction
when the stage performers standing beside the stage that block the view of audio and lighting team.
We could hardly see when to switch music and lighting effect. However, we manage to solve all of
these obstacles after plenty times of practice and also communication with the committees during our
meetings.

Through this musical theatre, i have learnt from all aspects and also gain a certain
specialization in theatre. As an undergraduate student, technology, engineering, and math
is not all, education is not just about developing specific detailed job skills but it is about
becoming an educated person that allows me to bring a broader human perspective to
whatever job I may eventually work in. First and foremost, I have gain excellent
communication skills, both oral and written in this theatre [Link] crew
experiences offer opportunities in developing clear, precise, and well-organized oral
communication skills. Theatre helps develop the confidence that's essential for me when
playing the audio on spot with a precise timing and enough loudness. Since any mistakes
will be heard clearly by the audiences, i always be alert and have confidence in myself.
Furthermore, theatre is a field based on “Deadlines” and live performance before a
paying public helps assure concern for quality control in all areas. All production tasks
must be completed in a professional and timely manner. There is no option to delay
completion as opening night never goes away. In addition, theatre productions demand
commitment and motivation. Theatre teaches me that success comes to those who are
highly committed to the task at hand and who are willing to work together. I also learnt
time management as i need to balance full course loads, at the same time participate fully
outside of class time for more practice and discussion. Time management skills are
enormously important in all aspects. The long hours and production deadlines create an
environment that can be stressful and demanding and one of the most important outcomes
of a theatre is developing the ability to successfully cope with those pressures while
developing a quality product.

During the final full rehearsal, we manage to grab the opportunity to watch others
lecture groups’s performance. Some was so impressive and interesting especially the
“Oedipus” theatre. We learnt a lot on how the actors act, props and stage organization,
audio and visual playing, lighting effect etc. From them, we held another meeting that
night for more rooms of improvement such as fusion of par can color to make the scene
not that dazzle but creating a soft and gentle atmosphere. For the audio part, we found out
that the loudness effect heard from the side is totally different than the audience seat, so
we maximize the volume to draws an overpowering picture and brought an amazing
emotional substance to the audiences.

Section C

As a member from audio technical team, it is extremely important to have a detail discussion
with the stage performers before every practice and rehearsal. Voice out the possible outcome and the
main objectives of that day so that everyone of us are working towards the same direction. This is
because they may stop you and not working with you on the same piece; they may cut you off from
the current scene and ask you to move to the next piece before you have a clear image for the previous
one. Or they may ask you to do something unplanned. Do not let these requests distract or upset you.
All of us have a short time to get to know as much about you and your work. If you have any
suggestion or anythings that you do not understood, it is your responsibility to voice out as the
performers already know their scene and arrangement very well. Therefore try to have more full run
through with them instead of waiting for them to rehearsal their own parts, ended up learning nothing
on that day.

Another advice for those who are going to organize such similar event, try to utilize the multi-
purpose hall as many times as possible since practice makes perfect, especially for the audio and
lighting team. The limited number of full rehearsal arranged by lecturers are far not enough for all of
you to get familiar with and be expert in using the PA and par can system. Therefore, you are advised
to compromise and sacrifice your after school time, staying back for more practice whenever the hall
is free. These will definitely develop a good collaboration between the performers and also the
technical team in order to work this event to success.

Here is some tips in planning your rehearsal schedule. First, draft a schedule that extends right up
to the performance run. Count at least one rehearsal hour per page of [Link] the first rehearsals, do
readings. In an informal read through session the members will have a chance to suggest his or her
concept of the script and the characters. As an actor, start learning your lines at once and start building
your character: imagine his or her life and how that person would move, speak and react. Devote the
first few rehearsals for improvisation, to explore the characters, their relationships and the situations in
the script. Then move on to the blocking: scene by scene, set the actors’ moves on the stage. From
time to time, invite the whole team to a rehearsal. The team will be motivated to see how the show is
progressing. Reserve the last two weeks for runthroughs, perform the whole show without
interruption. This is the time to detect and fix small technical problems like too little time between
scenes for a costume change, music at the wrong level, actors not projecting loud enough to be heard
from the back rows, set changes that take too long, etc. Hold a dress rehearsal the day before you
open. Now that the opening is almost upon you, get a good rest and smile! You are ready and the
audience will love it.

For the performers, many of you will experience stage fright and have low confidence while
facing hundreds over audiences. So here's a trick - remind yourself why you perform in the first place.
Think about how good you can be, about how much pleasure you could be giving to others. Try to
remember times when you received compliments for a performance that you gave. And of course
there's the old cliche of closing your eyes and imagining the audience in their underwear - it really can
work!Your physiology has a great impact on your mental state. If you always look down on yourself,
then you will feel low most times. What you do is what determines how you feel. Overcome your fear
by smiling and pretending that you are actually okay and you actually enjoy your presence on [Link]
conquer stage fright, crack jokes or do something that will make people laugh.