Blocking Act 1 Scene 1

During the first rehearsal, I wasn’t present so it was up to me to consult with Gabbie (the other
Tybalt), and find out the first stage placements.

The scene begins with a dispute between the slaves, which is broken up by Benvolio. Tybalt enters at
this point. The cue from Benvolio is “break it up you fools, you don’t know what you’re doing”.

Gabbie and I both agree, that it is important for our presence to be enlarged as it is the first
introduction to Tybalt on stage. A problem arises, which is, how do I draw the audiences attention
when their focus would be on the servant tussle and Benvolio’s shouting attempt to stop the fight.

To solve this problem, I believe an enlarged body shape would attract the audiences attention. To
achieve an enlarged body shape, I am going to research full body stretches that I can practice before
rehearsal. I will focus my research on stretches that help my joints and muscles have their full range
of motion. If my muscles are prepared before rehearsal, I can begin to experiment with different
postures for my character. Discovering my characters physicality, I can achieve during rehearsal - but
my range of motion has to be large - so that I can morph between postures more efficiently and
avoid injury.

During this blocking period of rehearsal, I am given the opportunity to experiment with physicality
and also: dialogue. The script is still the first draft, so this is the time to contribute ideas, while we
still can. While in character of Tybalt I can express dialogue that comes instinctively to me, as I react
to the general circumstances of the scene. In this case Gabbie reveals genuine disgust and
annoyance when reacting to Benvolio breaking up the fight. From understanding Tybalt’s character
so far, it seems he enjoys violence - it’s not as if he’s forced into violence, but he takes pleasure in
partaking in it.

From observing Gabbie’s first rehearsal - her Tybalt radiates confidence. Tybalt appears to stroll at a
times when travelling across stage, which suggests a lack of respect for Benvolio and her morals. It’s
as if Tybalt believes that Benvolio’s little peace-keeping endeavour isn’t worth her time. Thinking
about my next rehearsal, I would like to replicate Gabbie’s care free walk, as it is an effective method
of showing Tybalt’s lack of respect for anyone Monatague. Additionally, Remembering that Tybalt is
one of the fundamental characters, so they deserve an exaggerated entrance, to both differentiate
between the lower status characters on stage, and dramatically introduce Tybalt’s character to the
audience. Moving forward, I want to explore the idea of sustained eye contact between Tybalt and
Benvolio. This device, effectively demonstrates Tybalt’s devotion when fighting, as well their hatred
for Benvolio. The actors gaze would immediately break, as the Prince begins their monologue, to
prove that the Prince has the highest status - even to obstinate Tybalt.